MAGIC MUSHROOMS

I have a deep love for medicinal mushrooms, and have had the pleasure and honour of including them in many of my herbal blends. Their attributes are so well-rounded and versatile, leading to a wide range of uses and benefits. Three of my favourites would have to be Reishi, Cordyceps and Lions Mane.

Much of their health benefits come from their unique polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Polysaccharides are water-soluble, making them efficiency extracted in a variety of ways, while triterpenoids favour an alcoholic extract, so depending on what action I am looking for, I will choose either food as medicine in the form of whole mushrooms (including powders), glycetracts (non-alcoholic extracts) or alcoholic extracts).

All medicinal mushrooms have immune-modulating activity, improving immune surveillance, (including cellular and humoral immunity), improving resistance and recovery from infections, and improving the balance between T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cells (reducing allergies and a hyperactive immune response). They are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and have a regulating effect on the microbiome, which is something I am utilising more and more in clinic.

Medicinal mushrooms are also beautiful tonic and adaptogenic phytomedicines. Many medicinal mushrooms have organ-protective affinities, for example, Reishi: Liver and Heart (Spirit or Shen in TCM); Cordyceps: Kidney and mitochondria; and Lions Mane: Brain and nervous system.

Reishi is beneficial in auto-immune and inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular disease, infections, allergies and CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome). It is useful when there is a low white blood cell count, and instances where someone recalls a “never been well since” experience, especially if there has been stress, shock, or emotional trauma, or an infection. I love this herb for long-term use as it has an accumulating tonic effect.  I also use this herb for liver support as an antioxidant and to regenerate hepatocytes, whether that be damage from viruses or toxin exposure.

Cordyceps is an immune adaptogen and is indicated where there is fatigue or weakness, especially after a long illness, or when more energy is required (including athletic performance). Cordyceps is a wonderful complement for stealth infection protocols. As well as being a Kidney tonic herb, Cordyceps also has an affinity for the lungs, especially when there is a chronic unproductive cough. Cordyceps speaks to those who feel “wired but tired” and improves mitochondrial function, increasing oxygen utilization.  Cordyceps has been shown to increase beneficial bacteria in the GIT (ie. Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species) and reduce problematic bacteria such as Clostridium species. I love using Cordyceps when there is gut inflammation due to pathogens and dysbiosis.

Lions Mane is my go-to for brain and nervous system support, whether that be after nerve injury or to improve memory and cognition. Lions Mane has been shown to decrease lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the GIT (which lead to gut inflammation and damage), and increase Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus species. Lions Mane may also support the structure and function of the vagus nerve, and therefore gut motility, which I find beneficial in SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

My go-to high quality and authentic mushrooms are Optimal Rx liquid extracts (what I use in Herbal Tonic formulations and single herbs dispensed in clinic) and Superfeast full spectrum powders and capsules. (They also formulate their own beautiful blends that I highly recommend to my clients).

For liquid herbs please get in touch, to order Superfeast mushrooms via: https://superfeast.com.au/?rfsn=7833000.513d9c&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7833000.513d9c use the code : YINANDTONIC10 for 10% off your order.

Have Fun Fellow Funghi Friends!