Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries in many different cultures around the world. The benefits of them come from their unique compounds, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. In this blog post, we will explore the history of use and the benefits of 10 popular medicinal mushrooms: Maitake, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, White Button Mushroom, Black Fungus, and Royal Sun Mushrooms.
Maitake Mushroom
Maitake mushrooms, also known as hen-of-the-woods, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have immune-boosting and anti-tumour properties. Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides that are known to stimulate the immune system. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms are native to Asia and have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including lentinan, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. They are also rich in B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are native to Asia and are known for their unique appearance, which resembles a lion’s mane. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to promote cognitive function and improve digestion. Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties. They are also rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. They are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties. They are also rich in triterpenoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms are native to the Himalayas and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have anti-aging, immune-boosting, and anti-tumour properties. Cordyceps mushrooms contain cordycepin, which has been shown to have anti-tumour properties. They are also rich in polysaccharides, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga mushrooms, also known as Inonotus obliquus, are native to Siberia and have been used in traditional Russian medicine for centuries. They are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Chaga mushrooms contain betulinic acid, which has been shown to have anti-tumour properties. They are also rich in antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and melanin.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey Tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor, are native to North America and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have immune-boosting and anti-tumour properties. Turkey Tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including PSP and PSK, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. They are also rich in antioxidants, including SOD and glutathione.
White Button Mushroom
White Button mushrooms are the most commonly consumed mushrooms in the United States. They are believed to have immune
-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. White Button mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. They are also a good source of vitamin D and selenium, which are important for immune function.
Black Fungus Mushroom
Black Fungus mushrooms, also known as cloud ear or wood ear mushrooms, are native to China and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. Black Fungus mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties. They are also a good source of iron and potassium.
Royal Sun Mushroom
Royal Sun mushrooms, also known as Agaricus blazei, are native to Brazil and have been used in traditional Brazilian medicine for centuries. They are believed to have immune-boosting and anti-tumour properties. Royal Sun mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties. They are also rich in antioxidants, including ergothioneine.
Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
The benefits of medicinal mushrooms come from their unique compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and ergothioneine. These compounds have been shown to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties. Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline.
One of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms is the shiitake mushroom, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that shiitake mushroom extract inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro. Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that shiitake mushroom extract reduced the growth of colon cancer cells in mice.
Another well-studied medicinal mushroom is the reishi mushroom, which has been shown to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that reishi mushroom extract increased the activity of natural killer cells, which are important for immune function. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that reishi mushroom extract reduced inflammation in mice with colitis.
Conclusion
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. The benefits of medicinal mushrooms come from their unique compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and ergothioneine. These compounds have been shown to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties. Some of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms include shiitake, reishi, and turkey tail mushrooms. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, they are a promising area of study for the development of new treatments for a variety of conditions.
Some cautionary words:
- Lion’s mane should be contraindicated for people with allergy and asthma.
- Maitake mushrooms can have an effect on blood sugar levels and cholesterol, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before trying them in some cases. This includes if you have diabetes, heart problems, or low blood pressure.
- Shiitake is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine, or when the uncooked mushroom is eaten. It can cause stomach discomfort, blood abnormalities, and skin swelling. It might also make the skin more sensitive to the sun and can cause allergic skin reactions and breathing problems in some people
- Reishi mushroom can cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash.
- Cordyceps is generally safe, but it may cause upset stomach, nausea, and dry mouth in some people. Risks. Don’t take Cordyceps if you have developed cancer, diabetes, or a bleeding disorder. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should avoid Cordyceps.
- Consuming chaga could cause hypoglycemia, or a serious drop in blood sugar. Chaga may also interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, those with bleeding disorders should avoid it, and anyone taking blood thinning medication should use it with caution.
- For most healthy adults, Turkey Tail is well-tolerated. Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and a substance extracted from turkey tail mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems.
- Royal Sun Mushrooms can cause blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia) in some people with diabetes. They can also cause itching, nausea, and diarrhea. A few people who took agaricus mushroom during treatment for cancer have developed severe liver damage, and a few have had allergic reactions.
Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies. Nothing in this article is intended to be used for the purpose of diagnosing or curing any illnesses.
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