Top 10 Medicinal Mushrooms: Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Chaga Turkey Tail, and more
When it comes to mushrooms, there’s no shortage of health benefits. There is an estimate of 38,000 known mushroom species with approximately 270 types that are discovered to have medicinal effects. These species are referred to as medicinal mushrooms which are often used to treat various types of health issues.
This natural remedy has been practiced by health practitioners for thousands of years, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. In the past couple of decades, scientists continue to study medicinal mushrooms and how its medicinal properties can benefit our health and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, doctors and researchers have concluded that the human health is often plagued by chronic health problems mostly due to our diet and lifestyle. To combat this growing problem, a lot of people resort to unconventional and alternative methods for improving their health. Many have turned to medicinal mushrooms after discovering its many health benefits and positive effects on the mind and body.
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Top 10 Medicinal Mushrooms Health Benefits Explained
There are various types of mushroom species but not all are edible. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 of the most widely used medicinal mushrooms in the health, wellness, and medical industry. At the same time, we will also discuss how each can benefit our overall health.
1. Cordyceps
Most types of cordyceps grow in tropical and humid environments. This type of mushroom can mostly be found in high-altitude places of Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Nepal, and Tibet. This medicinal mushroom has an unusual parasitic cycle and emerges from the body of a caterpillar after infecting its body.
Health benefits:
For many centuries, Chinese and Tibetan traditional medicine have used this medicinal mushroom for various purposes. It is known to boost the body’s energy levels, prolong endurance, and support the immune system. This fungus is also used to treat liver, kidney, and respiratory problems.
Health practitioners also use cordyceps to manage high cholesterol, arthritis pain, and have also discovered its anti-tumor effects. Doctors use it to help treat people with cancer particularly colon and breast cancer.
2. Reishi
This type of medicinal mushroom contains ganoderic acid which is known to significantly reduce the cholesterol levels as well as lower the blood pressure. Reishi is also referred to as Lingzhi mushroom in Chinese medicine and is widely used by many Asian countries for many years. Research shows that it has long been used in royal families and is considered as a symbol of longevity.
Health benefits:
Reishi is loaded with powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Hence, this fungus works excellent as an immune-boosting agent. This medicinal mushroom contains a unique composition of polysaccharides that help promote longevity. It also prevents the development of abnormal blood vessels which are often associated with cancer.
Studies also show that reishi has the ability to inhib the growth of tumors. Research suggests that it may help eliminate cancer cells within the body and support the production of nerve growth factor. It is also used to aid the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Lion’s Mane
This medicinal mushroom grows on the trees of temperate climates in Asia, Europe, and North America. In the older traditions, lion’s mane was mainly used exclusively by noble families. However, with today’s technology and various cultivation methods, this medicinal mushroom is now available for everyone’s use.
Health benefits:
Lion’s mane is known for its pharmacological benefits as well as its hypoglycemic, anti-tumor effects. Many also refer to it as an effective brain food because it can enhance your memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Numerous studies have validated its anti-cancer effects as it helps inhibit carcinoma growth.
As a hypoglycemic agent, it is found to have the ability to reduce the blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels. It is also discovered to help people with nerve problems, especially since it is the only type of medicinal mushroom that is capable of increasing the nerve growth factor.
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4. Maitake
Maitake mushrooms have been a part of traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for many centuries. This type of mushroom thrives in northeastern parts of Japan and some areas in the U.S. that grow clusters of oak trees. Maitake is also referred to in Japanese as the dancing mushroom.
Due to its delicious taste and texture, maitake has also become a popular ingredient in the kitchen. Many people use it as part of their recipes. Therefore, this mushroom not only works well as a medicinal ingredient but a healthy and yummy food ingredient as well.
Health benefits:
This medicinal mushroom contains immune-boosting properties and anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, it is known to have anti-diabetic properties. Hence, it significantly helps reduce the body’s insulin resistance as well as resting glucose serum levels.
Similar to other medicinal mushrooms on this list, maitake is also discovered to possess anti-cancer abilities. It contains strong antioxidant properties and a unique compound known as D-Fraction which helps inhibit the growth and spread of tumor.
Studies show that maitake stimulates the production of T-cells, natural killer cells, white and blood cells which destroy the cancer cells.
5. Shiitake
Shiitake mushroom is another widely popular type of edible mushroom. It is commonly used in the kitchen for its rich flavor and texture. The shiitake mushroom is often used in Japanese dishes.
This natural ingredient is cultivated in most countries in East Asia and grows in various trees including oak, northern maple, ironwood, poplar, and beech trees among many others. It has been used by health practitioners for thousands of years as a medicinal mushroom.
Before it was used as a medicinal fungus, shiitake first became popular as a culinary ingredient. However, researchers discovered that this mushroom contains immunoprotective properties. It is discovered to significantly improve the blood sugar levels and inhibit the development of tumors in the body.
Health benefits:
Shiitake mushroom is often consumed by people who want to lose weight. It helps manage body weight more effectively and lowers the body’s plasma lipid levels.
At the same time, consuming shiitake mushrooms regularly may help prevent obesity by increasing the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver. This mushroom also helps protect cardiovascular health by reducing the cholesterol levels.
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6. Chaga
Chaga mushroom is one of the most popular types of medicinal mushroom on this list. The awareness of this type of mushroom has been rapidly growing not just in the East but in Western culture as well. Chaga is becoming popularly known for its numerous health benefits.
Not known to many, this fungus is not relatively new. In fact, it has been around for hundreds of years. Chaga mushroom grows in the barks of birch trees which are located in cold climates such as Siberia, Russia, Europe, North America, Canada, and certain parts of Asia.
This medicinal mushroom has a similar characteristic to charcoal. It can be grinded or cut and steeped in hot water in order to release its bioactive compounds. While it is mostly taken as a tea, chaga is also made available in capsule form. At the same time, it is also used as an ingredient in soups or salads.
Health benefits:
Chaga is mainly used to boost and regulate the immune system. It contains substances that help increase the production of antibodies which help fight the pathogens and viruses that enter the body.
This natural ingredient helps directly interferes with how the bacteria communicate through the body. At the same time, chaga also helps maintain the body’s process and destroys the abnormal cells in the body. Since it is loaded with antioxidant properties, it helps fight and protect the body from free radical damage.
In addition, chaga also has positive effects on the immune system behavior and is used to manage various types of health conditions including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, gastric problems, and many more. Chaga also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, making it an important health-boosting ingredient. Purica Chaga is an excellent health supplement that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy immune system.
7. Turkey Tail
The turkey tail is a common type of polypore fungus which can thrive in any part of the world as long as there is dying hardwood logs. Technically, it feeds on decaying wood. It has noticeable shades of color which can vary from red to green to brown.
This medicinal mushroom is used in China for many centuries to improve the overall health. It is also regarded as a symbol of longevity. Researchers have studied it extensively for its pharmacological effects.
Health benefits:
This fungus is highly effective in managing the effects of chemotherapy. It is also used to improve the immune health and regulates the body’s cholesterol levels. This natural ingredient is also used to treat HPV or human papillomavirus thanks to its antiviral properties.
8. Almond mushroom
This fungus is also referred to as the agaricus blazei but is more commonly called almond mushroom thanks to its almond-like scent. It is highly sought-after for its immunological properties. It was cultivated in the eastern parts of the US, particularly Florida but is also sourced in various areas including California, Hawaii, Western Europe and Asian countries.
Health benefits:
It is used to lower the blood cholesterol levels, insulin, and at the same time, is utilized in managing lung, stomach, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Health practitioners also use it to boost immune health.
9. White Button
White button mushrooms are the most commonly consumed type of mushrooms. Since ancient times, people have cultivated it in the wild and has been a natural food source of hunters. Older civilizations have already known that this type of edible mushroom is not only good for the tummy but also has special medicinal benefits.
Health benefits:
Ancient Egyptians used it to promote longevity and believed it to have immortality powers. Hence, only the pharaohs were allowed to touch and consume white button mushrooms. Fast-forward to modern times, the white button mushrooms can be virtually found in all groceries. It is also used to manage and ward-off breast and prostate cancer.
10. Black Truffle
The black truffle mushroom is a well-known ingredient in Italian cuisine. Its name was derived from the flavor of the truffle which makes it a favorite ingredient in Italian recipes. With its unique flavor, many people are drawn to this delicious medicinal mushroom.
According to studies, black truffle mushrooms contain a substance that is similar to the effects of THC which is found in marijuana. THC is mainly responsible for the high effects of marijuana.
Health benefits:
According to scientists, black truffles contain anandamide which is responsible for the triggering the chemicals that affect our mood, memory, appetite, and feelings. Although it contains THC, it doesn’t get you high. Instead, you just get the health benefits of this medicinal mushroom.
Utilizing Medicinal Mushrooms as Part of Your Daily Nutrition
Now that you are aware of the top 10 medicinal mushrooms that are readily available consumption, it’s up to you to decide which particular one you think will suit your needs and health requirements best. These medicinal mushrooms are also available as health supplements and come in various forms such as tea, capsule or tincture products.
Each type of medicinal mushroom has its unique properties and amazing health benefits. If you are looking for an overall health-boosting supplement, we highly recommend taking the Purica Chaga supplement. It is widely used by health-conscious individuals who want to maximize the numerous benefits of chaga mushroom.
