Mushrooms have been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. There is evidence that they are great at boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Turkey Tail, Cordyceps and Reishi in particular are believed to have incredible health benefits.
In fact a recent article in NIH, The National Library of Medicine, found that the characteristics of the nine studies reported the efficacy of medicinal mushrooms Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail), and Agaricus Sylvaticus (Scaly Wood), in treating symptoms, medication side effects, anti-tumor effects, and survival outcomes in gastric, breast, and colorectal cancers. Findings from this review suggest that medicinal mushrooms have the potential to prevent lymph node metastasis, prolong overall survival, decrease chemotherapy-induced side effects (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), affect the immune system, and help maintain immune function and quality of life in patients with certain cancers.”
Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, known as beta-glutens, which are generally thought of as biological response modifiers. They activate macrophages, T cells and NK cells. Certain medicinal mushrooms may also have nucleosides, enzymes, beta glucans, chitin as well as naturally occurring statins. It is thought that these compounds might offer protection against bacterial, viral and fungal infections, as well as protection against cancer cells.
As with all supplements, the most important considerations is sourcing, to ensure the quality and efficacy of what you are taking.
A naturopath or licensed herbalist can be a great guide. As with all supplements, remember to talk to your doctor first before incorporating them into your health and wellness regime.
Scroll down to see a few of our favorites and how we like to incorporate them into our diet:
REISHI:
Contains triterpenoids that protect the liver, lower lipids and have anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-allergen as seen to inhibit the release of histamine
Has been discovered to have anti-oxidant as well as anti-tumor properties (the triterpenoid called ergosterol)
CORDYCEPS:
Used in Asia to treat heart disease, diminished kidney function, chronic fatigue, and immune disorders
TURKEY TAIL:
Believed to have anti-tumor effects
Stimulates NK cell activity
Has immune-strengthening properties
Currently being studied in terms of effectiveness as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments
WAYS TO TAKE MUSHROOMS:
The easiest way to take mushrooms is in the powdered extract format (made by concentrating active compounds). We love taking them in their pill format, or mixing the powder into:
Smoothies (try Sunfood Superfoods)
Teas (try Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Golden Latte Mix with turmeric)
Soups (add powder to your favorite organic, grass-fed bone broth or an organic winter vegetable soup)