The use of mushrooms for their medicinal benefits goes back thousands of years. In the past decade, the increased demand for natural health supplements has exploded, and mushrooms have experienced a boost in popularity.
Mushroom extracts can be found in many forms to be used orally or as a food additive. Whether you prefer to take a few drops of extract or enjoy a few Lion’s Mane gummies, a wide variety of products are available on the market. Before starting a mushroom supplement, it’s essential to understand the different species, their benefits, and the quality of the product. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement regime. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular healing mushrooms and their benefits.
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Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane, or Hericium Erinaceus, is a beautiful mushroom. The spines cascade down like a waterfall. This mushroom is associated with increased energy, digestion, and water regulation in Chinese medicine. Chinese Medicine also uses this mushroom to treat stress-related disorders and fatigue. Lion’s Mane is full of antioxidants and neuroprotective phytonutrients, like beta-glucans. Lion’s Mane promotes nerve cell growth and motor function. Lion’s Mane supplements can help adults with mild memory problems.
Chaga
Many people use Chaga for skin conditions and stomach problems. Its health benefits include digestion support, antioxidants, inflammation control, immune support, and antimicrobial properties. Chaga grows as a woody conker or canker called Inonotus obliquus on birch trees in the Northern Hemisphere. Russia was the first place to use Chaga for medicine. Siberians used Chaga tea to boost stomach health. Many indigenous people throughout the world still use Chaga to support their health.
Shiitake
In addition to supporting the cardiovascular system, shiitake mushrooms boost immunity. The polysaccharide lentinan in Shiitake mushrooms boosts the immune system. Additionally, it contains eritadenine, which can lower cholesterol. Besides being great for cooking, shiitake mushrooms are packed with B vitamins, which help control sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
Turkey Tail
Many people around the world eat turkey tail mushrooms or Trametes Versicolor. This plant grows on dead logs and gets its name from brown and tan rings that look like turkey tails. The turkey tail mushroom contains the highest amount of beta-glucans of all mushrooms, which can help boost our immune system.
Turkey tail increases natural killer cells by stimulating cytokine production. Turkey tail’s protein-bound polysaccharides support the immune system. Using turkey tail long-term is safe if you follow proper medical guidelines.
Reishi
Polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms are associated with immune function, so if taken over time, Reishi can improve immunity. Additionally, it can help you sleep well, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy sugar level. Reishi is known as the king of medicinal mushrooms because it supports so many different systems in the body.
The medicinal use of Reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, dates back 2000 years. Chinese Taoist monks used it to promote calmness and enhance their meditation. This “mushroom of immortality” was revered by Chinese royalty as a way to promote longevity. It’s regarded as one of the best mushrooms to support a long life.
If you are looking for a supplement that will help improve your overall health and well-being, consider one of these healing mushrooms.
