If you have yet to discover the amazing world of medicinal mushrooms, I invite you to take a peak and have your mind blown. Did you know that mushrooms are being used to break down plastics and toxic waste... to improve the immunity of bees... and help humans with health building and recovering from illness? How does this work?

We see the fruiting body of mushrooms above the Earth, but the Mycellium, or the root system, below the ground, is literally like the Internet of the Planet, carrying messages to all the plants and trees on Earth... telling them what chemicals to produce or not produce, so they can adapt to their environments, flourish and survive. Plants have been around a long time! Perhaps because they have had mushrooms alongside them, breaking down matter and turning it into nutrients plants need to grow and feeding them nature's wisdom on how to adapt and evolve.

How can medicinal mushrooms help us!

All of the medicinal mushrooms discussed here can help support our immune systems, and are immune modulators, meaning they help calm an overactive, or increase an underactive immune response. There is so much innate wisdom in Nature, that some mushrooms seem to know what we need and how to help us adapt to our modern environments. All the medicinal mushrooms listed below help tonify or strengthen our immune systems.

Here are some of our favorite medicinal mushrooms and how they can help you!

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake has been studied and used to promote healthy sugar balance. Affecting beta cell production in the pancreas, Maitake can be an important ally for improving insulin regulation and balancing sugars naturally.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Originally studied to heal gut ulcers in mice, in Japan in the 80's, more recently, Lion's Mane has been widely studied as a regenerative tonic for the brain and nerves. Lion's Mane looks like a brain if you see it growing, and it has been found in multiple studies to stimulate new neurons to fire (better memory) and to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (new brain to nerve connections). That's a pretty big deal! I take Lion's Mane and recommend it for improved memory, better focus, to "see a bigger picture," and as a support for anything involving the brain or nervous system.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Called the Mushroom of Immortality, Reishi was used in ancient Asia by royalty to promote long life. It builds or tonifies ALL BODY SYSTEMS and increases stamina and chi. It is also considered the Ultimate Heart Tonic, with over 1300 studies on Reishi and cardiovascular health, including its effect on lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing it from turning into plaque. Reishi has also shown in studies to act as a tumor shrinker.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

One of the highest sources of antioxidants on Earth, Chaga is an non-caffeinated energy & stamina booster and makes a great addition to or substitution for coffee, since they are similar in taste. Antioxidants are one of the most important basic nutrients to protect us from the damage free radicals cause, from our bodies many chemical reactions as well as our modern environmental toxins.

Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis)

Currently a hot topic of discussion and subject of studies because Agarikon has shown activity against many viruses and other pathogens and is currently in studies on Covid 19 and as a possible protection from Bioterrorism.

If you haven't checked out the documentary Fantastic Fungi on Netflix, I suggest you check it out and learn about the amazing work Paul Stamets and others are doing with mushrooms for healing people and the planet.

If you are wondering which mushrooms may be helpful for you or your family, or where you can find them, please come into Pure On Main and ask us how we can help! We carry all the mushrooms discussed! I am always available for consultations for anyone who needs more guidance and a roadmap to building health! Have a healthy and prosperous 2022!