TL;DR:
- Mushrooms can be powerful allies in many different ways.
- Reishi helps with sleep and immune regulation.
- Chaga improves skin and hair health.
- Cordyceps boosts energy and libido.
- Lion's Mane enhances cognitive function and mood.
- Agarikon serves as a natural antibiotic.
- Turkey Tail supports gut health and immunity.
- This article explores these points but if you’re not sure go ahead and take our quick quiz to find out which of my mushrooms will serve you best.
- Below is an oversimplification of the effects some of the popular mushroom species in the west.
Reishi: The Sleep and Immune Booster
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are known for their calming properties, making them an excellent choice for promoting sleep. Reishi works by enhancing the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system, helping you unwind and achieve restful sleep. Additionally, Reishi's immune-modulating effects can help manage autoimmune conditions by balancing the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. If I had to take only one mushroom, I would choose Reishi because its effective in ways that are often surprising.
Chaga: For Radiant Skin and Hair
Chaga sclerotia (Inonotus obliquus) is celebrated for its rich flavor, and many benefits but I want to focus on its unique skin and hair benefits. Rich in melanin, Chaga can help protect your skin from sun damage, reduce signs of aging, and promote a healthy complexion. Melanin protects our bodies from radiation inside and out. Melanin also supports hair growth by providing the essential pigment and strengthening hair follicles. For folks dealing with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, Chaga's anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief and improve overall skin health .
Cordyceps Militaris: Energy and Libido Enhancer
Cordyceps militaris is a natural powerhouse for boosting energy levels and libido. This mushroom increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells, enhancing stamina and physical performance. Cordycepin aka 3-deoxyadenosine is an analog to ATP. It also helps reset circadian rhythms, ensuring better sleep patterns and more energy during the day. For those experiencing low libido, Cordyceps can improve sexual function by increasing blood flow and balancing hormone levels. Cordyceps saved me from ED caused by covid-19.
Lion's Mane: Cognitive and Mood Support
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is renowned for its ability to enhance cognitive function and regulate mood. This mushroom stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which are crucial for brain health and neuroplasticity. By promoting the health of dopamine pathways, Lion's Mane can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance memory and focus, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to boost their mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Agarikon: Natural Antibiotic
Agarikon (Laricifomis officinalis) is an ancient mushroom with powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic, capable of fighting off various infections. Agarikon's compounds inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses, making it a natural choice for enhancing your body's ability to fend off illnesses. This can be especially beneficial for those frequently exposed to infections or looking to reduce their reliance on synthetic antibiotics .
Turkey Tail: Gut Health and Immune Boosting
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is a champion for gut health and immune support. Rich in polysaccharides, particularly polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), Turkey Tail mushrooms stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. These compounds also boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells, helping the body fight off infections and maintain overall health .
Still not sure which one is right for you?
Find Your Mushrooms: Take The Quiz
To be fair, mushrooms offer so much more than what I have described above! Mushrooms offer a natural, effective way to support various aspects of health. Incorporating these powerful fungi into your home remedies and daily routine can provide a gentle yet potent way to enhance well-being for you and your loved ones.
References:
Schaeffer, K., Wenner, C., & Novack, J. (2007). 417 REISHI AND POLYSACCHARIDE-KRESTIN AS IMMUNE MODULATORS: DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF MUSHROOM EXTRACTS ON BOTH CYTOKINE SECRETION AND INDUCTION OF T REGULTORY CELLS FROM HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD.. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 55. https://doi.org/10.1097/00042871-200701010-00424.
Kubota, A., Kobayashi, M., Sarashina, S., Takeno, R., Okamoto, K., Narumi, K., Furugen, A., Suzuki, Y., Takahashi, N., & Iseki, K. (2018). Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Modulates IgA production and alpha-defensin expression in the rat small intestine.. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 214, 240-243 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.010.
Burmasova, M., & Sysoeva, M. (2017). Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of the BuOH Fraction from Chaga Melanin. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 51, 292 - 294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11094-017-1601-8.
Herrling, T., Jung, K., & Fuchs, J. (2008). The role of melanin as protector against free radicals in skin and its role as free radical indicator in hair.. Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 69 5, 1429-35 . https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAA.2007.09.030.
Chang, Y., Jeng, K., Huang, K., Lee, Y., Hou, C., Chen, K., Cheng, F., Liao, J., & Chen, Y. (2008). Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats.. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 36 5, 849-59 . https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X08006296.
Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017 Jan 2;14(1):42-53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386. Epub 2016 Jul 13. PMID: 27408987; PMCID: PMC5236007.
Chou, M., Ho, J., Huang, M., Chen, Y., Yang, M., Lin, L., Chi, C., Yeh, C., Tsao, T., Tzeng, J., Hsu, R., Huang, P., Lu, W., Li, P., & Wang, M. (2022). Potential antidepressant effects of a dietary supplement from the chlorella and lion's mane mushroom complex in aged SAMP8 mice. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.977287.
Docherty, S., Doughty, F., & Smith, E. (2023). The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients, 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842.
Elkhateeb, W., Daba, G., Elnahas, M., & Thomas, P. (2019). Fomitopsis officinalis mushroom: ancient gold mine of functional components and biological activities for modern medicine. Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal, 18, 285 - 289. https://doi.org/10.4103/epj.epj_46_19.
Li, M., Yu, L., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Chen, W., Zhai, Q., & Tian, F. (2021). Role of dietary edible mushrooms in the modulation of gut microbiota. Journal of Functional Foods, 83, 104538. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JFF.2021.104538.
Benson, K., Stamets, P., Davis, R., Nally, R., Taylor, A., Slater, S., & Jensen, G. (2019). The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7.
