The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

In most people's minds, mushrooms occupy a place somewhere between magic and medicines. You may have first read about them in a book, bubbling away in some witch's cauldron or jumping back when someone yelled, "don't touch that!". But times have changed!

"Mushrooms are miniature pharmaceutical factories, and of the thousands of mushroom species in nature, our ancestors and modern scientists have identified several dozen that have a unique combination of talents that improve our health," said American mycologist (that mushroom expert) Paul Stamets.

So you won't find the mushrooms we use in a forest or a fairy tale; for Functional Mushrooms, we tracked down mushrooms grown in a special sterile 100% certified organic facility in the USA.

 

Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps is a parasite mushroom that forms blade-life sprouts extending from the host. That doesn't sound so bad until you learn that the host is a Caterpillar, which is why it's called the 'Caterpillar Fungi'. But don't worry we use a cultivation method, so no caterpillars are harmed in the making of our supplements.

Where Found: all over the world, but are most commonly in Asia; China, Nepal, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. 

Also Called:Caterpillar Fungi, Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, and Vegetable Caterpillar.

Benefits:

    • Strengthens the lungs, especially during the winter months.
    • Encourages natural oxygen uptake during exercise.
    • Helps to manage the symptoms of coughs and colds.
    • Supports the body to fight the impacts of environmental air pollutants. 

Fun Fact: In ancient times, Cordyceps was highly idolized, and it was worth four times its weight in silver.

 

Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga is another parasitic fungus that forms a blackened crust on hardwood trees – doesn't sound appetizing, but it's earned a reputation as one of the most valuable medicinal fungi. Chaga has been used for more than five centuries to treat a range of health conditions.

Where Found: Russia, Northern and Eastern Europe, Korea and parts of North America, 

Also Called: 'Inonotus Obliquus' by scientists, the 'Gift from God' in Siberia, the 'King of all Plants' in China, and the 'Diamond in the Forest' in Japan.

Benefits:

    • Strengthens the immune system.
    • A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the respiratory system and the rest of the body from toxins and free radicals. 
    • A general health elixir with over 200 phytonutrients, B complex vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. 
    • Helps prevent inflammation.
    • Contains potential anti-cancer properties (betulin and betulinic acid).

Top Tip: You can't eat Chaga raw, but you can brew it as a tea (though some recipes we've found take 4-6 hours). The most convenient way we've found it to take it is in tablet form.

 

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms are known for their woody texture, you'll typically find them growing off dead or dying hardwood trees and stumps in forests. Reishi mushrooms still remain a potent remedy today and contain around 400 different bioactive compounds including, Beta-D-Glucans, fatty acids, proteins/peptides, and trace elements, giving them their health-giving properties.

Where Found: in many parts of Asia, Australia, South America, Southern Europe, and the United States.

Also Called: 'Ganoderma Lucidum' by scientists, and the 'Herb of Spiritual Potency' or the “Mushroom of Immortality” in China. 

Benefits:

    • Supports and boosts the immune system.
    • Beneficial for lung and respiratory conditions.
    • Supports liver health.
    • Useful for food allergies and fatigue.
    • A powerful antioxidant to aid with stress and inflammation.

 

Top Tip: Relaxed as a Reishi? Seems that this statement is not far from true. It's suggested that the best time to take Reishi powder or tea is in the evenings, close enough to bedtime to have that calming effect. 

 

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey Tail is commonly identified by its bold colors which have been compared to those of a wild turkey. Like Reishi mushrooms, you'll find them on dead or dying hardwood trees. China has used these for thousands of years to boost vitality and energy, ward off cancer, and support the spirit, but the health benefits don't stop there. 

Where Found: all over the world, but are most commonly found in China, the United States, and Canada. 

Also Called: 'Trametes Versicolour' or 'Coriolus Versicolour' by scientists, 'Cloud Mushroom' in China, and the 'Mushroom by the River' in Japan.

Benefits:

    • Helps the immune system resist infections and seasonal ailments.
    • Supports organ health and respiratory function.
    • Supports long-term health.
    • Contains anti-aging properties.

 

Top Tip: Turkey Tails are edible but can be somewhat chewy, so it's best to consume these in supplement form or served as a tea. We've heard it's excellent mixing brewed tea with turmeric, honey, and lemon.

 

Certified Organic Mushrooms + Grape Seed Extract

A natural, whole food supplement combining four medicinal mushrooms and pure New Zealand grape seed extract.

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Functional Mushrooms

 

After learning how these little powerhouses are full of health-giving properties, you may find yourself asking ... is there a bit of magic when it comes to medicinal mushrooms? Maybe these old fairy tale stories were not far off from being true.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and it's clear that they all have their own unique health benefits, but you'll find one thing in common... and that's their immune-boosting ability and support for lung health.

Takeaway Tip: To ensure you are getting the full benefits of medicinal mushrooms, make sure you're taking them regularly, so they have the time to build up in your system, and allow your body to react to the bioactive compounds.

Fortunately, we have you sorted with our Functional Mushrooms.

We have combined four medicinal mushrooms and pure New Zealand grape seed extract to help support your lungs, respiratory system, and the immune system. Plus, you are guaranteed that we use the highest quality organic mushrooms.

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