The magic of mushrooms: pt. 1

The Magic of Mushrooms: Functional Fungi

I believe the only way to educate on topics so widely misunderstood is by starting at the absolute beginning. When you first start out on such a difficult learning path, it is essential to begin with the material that is the most fundamental and foundational. This may seem like very remedial information at first, but it is necessary to start there. Therefore, those of you who have a foundational understanding of functional mushrooms, I ask you to kindly exercise some patience since the rabbit hole will soon be upon us.

What functional mushrooms are and are not, according to the literature: Even if these strains won't get you high, don't discount their power just because of that! At least one "magic" quality can be attributed to functional mushrooms. They, like people, are able to convert ultraviolet light from the sun into vitamin D, in contrast to plants, which cannot do this. Mushrooms are one of the only good dietary sources of the vital vitamin that are naturally generated. Other natural sources of the vitamin include a few uncommon species of fatty fish and fortified dairy products. There is a common thread that runs across the majority of these fantastic fungus, and that is the fact that many of these kinds have incredible anti-oxidant, increased immune function, gut health, and anti-anxiety characteristics; in addition, they all bring something unique that the others don't necessarily offer.

The following are the medicinal mushrooms that are most regularly used:

Inonotus obliquus, also known as Chaga

This unsightly, parasitic fungus should not only be a part of your beauty routine (like Tremella), but unlike Tremella, it delivers a variety of minerals and can even lower your cravings for caffeine! It is simply known as "The king of mushrooms," and its common name is "The King of Mushrooms." In addition, research has indicated that extracts of chaga have a beneficial impact on cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes. In these trials, researchers found that levels of LDL cholesterol went down while levels of HDL cholesterol went up. Low-density lipoprotein, often known as LDL, can aggregate into plaque, which raises the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. High-density lipoprotein, often known as HDL, is responsible for lowering, recycling, and reusing low-density lipoprotein.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a wonder fungus that is inedible but has been demonstrated to support a healthy immune system. This is due to the presence of triterpenes and beta-glucans, both of which can assist boost the innate immune response. In addition, a number of studies have demonstrated that reishi mushrooms have the ability to alter the genes that are found in white blood cells, which in turn changes the pathways that are involved in inflammation and helps maintain a balanced inflammatory response. Due to their ability to down-regulate alpha-glucosidase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches into sugars, the polysaccharides and triterpenes in Reishi extracts may help reduce excess fat storage and promote blood sugar balance. This ability also makes Reishi a first-line defense in staving off sugar cravings.

Hericium Erinaceus, often known as Lion's Mane

Add this powerhouse to your collection of medical options if you want to see a significant improvement in your cognitive abilities. This is the solution for those of you who are looking for a non-stimulant, long-term, all-around enhancement in your cognition! This intriguing fungi improves cognition through a connection that is less direct but which has been demonstrated experimentally to exist between your brain and your gut. For many years, Lion's Mane has been used as a gastro-tonic. This means that it has been shown to significantly heal and balance the stomach, all while maintaining good flora and, as a result, enhancing cognitive function.

Cordyceps (Ganoderma lucidum) You should incorporate this fungus into your daily routine, either by itself or as part of an adaptogen tincture, in order to maintain a healthy level of cortisol and improve your endurance. Cordyceps functions as an adaptogen, which means it helps people whose hormones are out of whack to achieve a better balance, which in turn increases their levels of energy and endurance. This is something that can simply be included into your daily routine, and it is an incredible tonic for anxiety as well as endurance. This adaptogenic fungus has shown to be beneficial for patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, stressed-out parents, anxious athletes, and anxious students.

Trametes versicolor, often known as Turkey Tail

There are several traditional applications for turkey tail, some of which include flushing the body of toxins, boosting one's energy level, ridding the body of excess fluid, improving the function of the liver, and strengthening the organs responsible for the immune system. Coughs, breathing difficulties, hemorrhoids, and joint discomfort are some of the conditions that can be helped by using turkey tail. This particular fungi is known across the functional medical community as part of most cancer treatment and recovery procedures. Turkey Tail has even been used in conventional medicine to support the immune system. Due to its extraordinary ability to fight tumors, Turkey Tail has been utilized in conventional therapy to strengthen the immune system.

TCM practitioners regularly utilize Tremella (Tremella Fuciformis), also known as "Witch's Butter." This potent "yin" tonic offers support to the lungs, brain, stomach, heart, and immune system and is known as "Witch's Butter." Tremella has a high concentration of polysaccharides, which are a type of antioxidant that can help maintain the skin's moisture level, encourage the formation of nerves, and provide support for the brain. Tremella is a leading contender in the battle to find a solution for nerve pain, despite the fact that it is primarily renowned for its contribution to luxury beauty products.

To get you comfortable with the topic, I will begin with several well-known mushrooms and provide brief descriptions of each one. These mushrooms are included in some of the items that I sell. This straightforward strategy will also provide readers the opportunity to get in touch with me and ask questions, allowing me to incorporate the responses into future iterations of my blog.