Medicinal mushrooms (2)

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Oyster mushroom

Oyster mushroom is an edible fungus. It is used in traditional medicine to treat infections, diabetes, cancer, and to lower cholesterol. Laboratory experiments have shown that oyster mushrooms have antitumor, antifungal, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Reishi mushroom

Reishi Mushroom: The Mushroom of Immortality. Primary Reishi Mushroom Benefits: Sleep aid and potent immunomodulator Much of the polysaccharides in reishi mushroom are associated with immune functions, and if taken over time can significantly support the immune system. It is also known to improve sleep, reduce stress and fatigue. Reishi or Ganoderma lingzhi, has been recorded for its use for around 2000 years. Most notably used in China by Taoist monks to promote calmness, as well as enhance their meditative practices. It has even been used by Chinese royalty who sought longevity and held Reishi or “the mushroom of immortality” in high esteem. Reishi was listed the most cherished among the superior herbs, that are considered to prolong life, prevent aging, boost qi, and make the body light
Shaggy ink cap mushroom

The Shaggy Ink Cap Medicinal Mushroom, Coprinus comatus (Agaricomycetes), a Versatile Functional Species Coprinus comatus, an edible and medicinal mushroom, not only tastes delicious, but also has various pharmacological activities. Recently, it has been reported that researchers have extracted more and more active ingredients, including polysaccharides, comatin, active protein complexes, and phenols from fruit bodies, mycelium, or fermentation liquor of C. comatus and studied their corresponding functions. C. comatus has also other functions, such as antioxidant activity, alcohol liver protection, cancer inhibition, antiandrogenic function, anti-inflammatory effect, treatment of leukemia, and so on, which will provide scientific basis for the deep processing and comprehensive utilization of this mushroom.
Chaga mushroom

Primary Chaga Mushroom Benefits: Boosts digestion and clears/protects skin. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, and supports immune function, liver health, brain health and increases longevity. Chaga is a wood-rotting mushroom known for its high content of bioactive substances, the enzyme superoxide dismutase being the best known among them. The name of Chaga stems from Russia where it occurs most frequently, having been an integral part of the natural medicine of local population since the old days. It grows mostly in Siberia and is therefore also called the Siberian Chaga. It constitutes a specific growth stage of the Clinker Polypore (Inonotus obliquus) during which no spores are generated. It grows on birch trunks (mostly in the Siberian zone) and forms a big spherical black body with a characteristic surface and interior (gold-rust) structure. The Chaga is a wood-decaying non-green organism which draws all of its active substance from birch trees in which they are contained naturally. As Chaga grows primarily on birch trees and much of the sclerotium itself is actually wood fiber and not mycelium, many medicinal compounds from birch like betulin and betulinic acid end up in the sclerotium. The outer black layer on the canker contains high amounts of melanin which can be beneficial for our skin.
Cordyceps

Primary Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits: Improves lung capacity and increases energy. The Cordyceps mushroom is an incredible energy-boosting fungi because of its ability to increase Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)* production through pre-cursor compounds like adenosine and cordycepin. ATP is the compound that gives our cells energy. This is why Cordyceps is recommended when it comes to physical performance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Cordyceps is also used for lung-related issues like asthma or even seasonal allergies. *Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. ATP captures chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes. Historical and Medical Use Cordyceps has been described as a treasure in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. Traditional healers have recommended the fungus as a powerful tonic because it improves energy, appetite, stamina and strength.
Hericium erinaceus...

Lion’s Mane Mushroom - Hericium erinaceus: The Mushroom for the Mind Primary Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: Supports healthy brain function & neuron regeneration. Lion’s Mane is rich in a multitude of important compound: beta-glucans, which are responsible for antitumor growth, immuno-modulating antioxidants and neuro-protective chemicals. Oxidative stress, which these compounds protect against, is closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis in nerve cells may be induced by certain compounds (hericenones and erinacines) found in Hericium erinaceus, thus making Lion’s Mane an amazing helper with the development and function of nerves because of its neurotrophic factors. Historical Medicinal Use Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a species of mushroom that is beautiful in appearance, it has long cascading shaggy spines resembling a waterfall. Lion’s Mane grows on the trunks of hardwood trees in Northern forests and has been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for millennia and has become a well-established candidate in promoting positive cognitive function.
Shii-take mushroom

Shiitake Mushroom: The Fragrant Mushroom Primary Shiitake Mushroom Benefit: Improves cardiovascular health. Shiitake mushroom is great for immunity, liver function, and supports the cardiovascular system. Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms in the world and have a meaty and versatile flavor, hence why they’ve been used as a food source in Asia for hundreds of years. In China, shiitake is called Xiang gu (香菇), which translates to fragrant mushroom. During the Ming Dynasty in China, shiitake was deemed “the elixir of life”. They’re great to cook with, and are also loaded with B-vitamins, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Shiitake has been cultivated in Japan for centuries, and has received its name from shii trees (related to beech and oak) they’re found growing on. Shiitake has a long been used as both a food and a supplement in Traditional China medicine, as it is thought to boost longevity and improve circulation. Lentinan, a polysaccharide in shiitake mushrooms, has shown great promise as an immunotherapy agent. Research has also discovered a compound in shiitake, eritadenine, that has lowered cholesterol in some studies.