Mushroom coffee, mushroom broth, mushroom powder…what’s the hype behind the medicinal mushroom craze?
While it may seem like medicinal mushrooms are a new wellness trend, they have actually been used for at least 5000 years by ancient Indian, Chinese, and Greek healers. Historically, medicinal mushrooms were used to promote wound healing and survival. Today, research shows that the active constituents in these powerful fungi may also help us ward off disease and live longer, happier lives.
Let’s learn more about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms and how they could provide the wellness boost you need.
What is a Medicinal Mushroom?
Medicinal mushrooms aren’t just your average grocery store mushroom. These are particularly mushroom species that have been proven to have high levels of healing compounds that can significantly improve health. Some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms include reishi, turkey tail, and Chaga.
While you can eat them, medicinal mushrooms are usually brewed in an herbal decoction or taken as a powder or capsule, such as Dr. Danielle’s Mushroom Complex.
Hype-Worthy Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
Modern research has just started to shed light on the potential health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. But, our ancient ancestors knew there worth. These superfoods have been used as part of traditional healing practices (like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine) for thousands of years. Here are just a few of the many benefits of medicinal mushrooms that still support our health today:
Medicinal mushrooms contain potent antioxidants.
Like many superfoods, medicinal mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants that reverse the negative effects of oxidation and free radicals. It is their antioxidant content that gives them their immune-boosting and cancer-fighting abilities.
Medicinal mushrooms are anti-inflammatory.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. Thankfully, inflammation is easier to manage with the help of medicinal mushrooms. These mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds such as polysaccharides, mycosteroids, fatty acids, and carotenoids that can help prevent damage from inflammation and promote tissue healing.
Medicinal mushrooms support weight loss and digestion.
Certain medicinal mushrooms could help you stay trim. Mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and maitake have been shown to improve your gut flora and support overall digestive health. Maitake has been shown to support weight loss by stabilizing blood sugar and moderating insulin production.
Medicinal mushrooms boost your energy.
A daily medicinal mushroom supplement could help you feel more focused, more energized, and even enhance your athletic performance. While many medicinal mushrooms help fight fatigue, cordyceps is a go-to mushroom for natural energy and stamina.
Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse.
Medicinal mushrooms tend to have high levels of vitamins like riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, folates, and traces of vitamin C, B1, B12, D, and E. In fact, mushrooms are one of the few plant-based dietary sources of vitamin D. Medicinal mushrooms are also high in fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system and cardiovascular system.
Even regular grocery store mushrooms have healing superpowers. Varieties like button, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms add vitamin D, fiber, and potassium to your diet. They have also been shown to reduce cholesterol, support your heart health, and protect the brain. Incorporate more mushrooms into your diet with these delicious and healthy recipes:
The Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Your Health
While many mushrooms are good for you, not all mushrooms are created equal! There is a significant difference between the everyday button mushrooms at the grocery store and adaptogenic medicinal mushrooms. Let’s take a look at some of the best medicinal mushrooms you can enjoy to boost your health:
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is an intriguing fungus that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is popular among athletes who use it to boost their endurance, stamina, and performance. This medicinal mushroom can help support your natural energy levels and reduce inflammation.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushroom is best known for its ability to enhance your brain power. This mushroom supports cognitive function and has neuroprotective properties. Use this mushroom for better focus, clarity, and concentration.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are another classic herbal remedy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as other holistic healing practices. This mushroom has been well-studied for its immune-boosting, cancer-fighting, and anxiety-calming properties. Taking reishi regularly may help you enjoy better peace of mind, as well as improved overall well-being.
Shiitake and Maitake
Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are popular culinary mushrooms. Beyond their delicious flavor and tender textures, these mushrooms also boast high levels of hard-to-get vitamin D, as well as zinc and copper. These varieties are believed to boost immunity and protect against cancer.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom is one of the best medicinal mushrooms for immune health. This colorful mushroom moderates the immune system which allows you to avoid illnesses, or recuperate faster if you do get sick. Some studies show it can also support healthy digestion, weight loss, and energy levels.
Blazei Mushroom
Like turkey tail, Blazei mushroom has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Taking this mushroom regularly can help support the production of key immune cells that act as your first defense against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Dr. Danielle’s Mushroom Complex: A Simple Way to Enjoy the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are worth the hype. And while you can source, prepare, and eat some of these medicinal mushrooms, there is an easier way to enjoy their benefits.
Dr. Danielle’s Mushroom Complex is the only supplement you need to embrace the many benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Inspired by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mushroom Complex contains 8 of the best-researched and most prized adaptogenic mushrooms to support your health: shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, reishi, Blazei, and two different types of cordyceps.
Together in an easy-to-take supplement, these medicinal mushrooms can help you boost your immunity, increase your energy, feel more focused, and counteract the negative effects of stress.
Mother Nature offers us so many ways to support our health and well-being, and medicinal mushrooms are one of the most effective. With a daily dose of Mushroom Complex, enjoying these benefits can be simple, too.
