medical mushrooms Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How Does Reishi Rescue Your Immune System & Emotional Wellbeing?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:27:14 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – A new review in Food Science and Human Wellness shines a spotlight on one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms – the reishi mushroom. A staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years, these ancient edible fungi are now being taken seriously by researchers around the globe and explored for their potential to promote health, longevity, and even help people to heal from chronic health issues. A new review in Food Science and Human Wellness shines a spotlight on one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms – the reishi mushroom. Botanically known as Ganoderma lucidum, the reishi mushroom is also called Ling Zhi (meaning “The Mushroom of Immortality” – a clue to the high esteem in which it is held). Let’s take a closer look at the compelling health benefits of this mighty mushroom. The reishi mushroom’s wide range of benefits include boosting the immune system In the new review, the authors reported that reishi mushrooms have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-allergy, and antitumor properties. These versatile mushrooms are also adaptogenic, meaning that they can help the body adjust to prolonged physical and psychological stress. The team pointed out reishi’s high levels of triterpenoids – which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to protect heart and liver health – and polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The authors declared that the most studied of all reishi benefits involve the fungus’ ability to stimulate the immune system. In a placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, twelve weeks of supplementation with beta-glucans from reishi mushrooms increased the amounts of lymphocytes (immune system cells critical to the body’s defense) in children with immune deficiency. In addition to their gifts to the body, reishi mushrooms can also benefit the psyche. Medicinal mushrooms can have nootropic effects – meaning they can promote mental function and concentration – along with mild calming and mood-elevating properties. In fact, Taoist monks have used reishi mushrooms to enhance spiritual practices and meditation. Mysterious mood-lifter: Reishi extracts increased happiness in women with fibromyalgia Our current “sick care” system attempts to manage fibromyalgia – a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, and depression – with synthetic muscle relaxers and other toxic medications. However, these pills may provide only partial relief and can feature unwanted side effects. Hence, there is an ongoing search for natural alternatives. In a 2020 trial involving women with fibromyalgia, volunteers were given either six grams of reishi extract or a placebo daily – with intriguing results. Although the reishi group didn’t see any statistically significant differences in body aches or other symptoms, they reported feeling substantially happier! The intervention reduced depression levels from 7.6 to 5.36 – which is near the cut-off level for a diagnosis of depression. The participants reported the reishi’s efficacy at between 2 and 3 on the Global Impression of Improvement Scale (GIIS), which means that they quantified improvements in the way they were feeling on a spectrum ranging from “slightly improved” to “greatly improved.” Meanwhile, the control group did not fare nearly as well, ranking their status between 3 and 4 on the GIIS. This signifies that they either noticed no change at all or were only minimally better. Clearly, these findings – brighter mood, increased happiness, and less perception of physical discomfort – call for further exploration. Breast cancer patients struggling with mood disturbances find relief Depression, fatigue, and anxiety can sap the strength and threaten the morale of those battling cancer. However, a four-week study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that a reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum spore powder) reduced cancer-related emotional upset, tiredness, and improved quality of life in women with breast cancer who were undergoing endocrine therapy. Incidentally, earlier studies have supported reishi’s calming effects. A study published in Cellular and Molecular Biology showed that lucidone D, a terpene from reishi mushrooms, helped to reduce body aches and promote sleep. In yet another study, reishi extracts improved quality of life and alleviated tiredness and physical discomfort in people with neurasthenia. Access the power of reishi through convenient supplements With their deep reddish-bronze color and glossy sheen, reishi mushrooms have a distinctive appearance – and a notoriously bitter taste to go along with it. Although perfectly edible, this harsh taste is why people rarely nibble reishi mushrooms “solo.” Fortunately, supplements are available in powders, tinctures, capsules, and teas. Opt for an organic product certified for purity and marketed by a reputable vendor. For immune support, holistic healthcare providers typically advise 1.5 to 9 grams daily, but consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with reishi, especially if you have any health concerns. By the way, reishi powder actually “plays well with others” when balanced with pleasant, robust flavors such as cacao or coffee. You can add this mushroom to your favorite morning meal, or favorite smoothie. You may also find specialty chocolates, coffee alternatives, and energy bars enhanced with reishi. As the new review demonstrates, reishi mushrooms appear to promote physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. Maybe it’s time to try the “king of mushrooms.” Editor’s note: For the highest quality medicinal mushrooms … check out the LuvByNature brand for a variety of healthy options. Sources for this article include: Sciencedirect.com MDPI.com Begelhouse.com Healthline.com Thespruceeats.com NIH.gov Whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com To read the original article click here.

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What Are the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:09 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – The biotech world is abuzz these days over proposed drugs to help you live longer. It sounds great… except for the drug part. After circumnavigating the globe seeking ancient natural cures, I’ve developed several ways to prolong your “health span”… the amount of time you can live a long, rich life free from chronic disease. And you don’t have to become a guinea pig for Big Pharma’s experimental drugs either. Increasingly, there’s a natural “longevity superfood” in the spotlight. People call it a plant but it’s really a fungus. I’m talking about health-boosting, medicinal mushrooms. Only when you assemble all the pieces of the mushroom longevity puzzle can you see the complete picture. And it’s stunning…. Live Long and Prosper With Medicinal Mushrooms Researchers are finally waking up to something I’ve been talking about for years — the far-reaching longevity benefits of mushrooms, including: Brain health – One study of 663 subjects in Singapore compared mushroom intake with the risk of developing cognitive impairment. Participants consuming mushrooms three or more times a week were 43% less likely to develop dementia.1 That’s because mushrooms are neurotropic, promoting the health of neurons.2 Inflammation – As my regular readers know, inflammation is an express train ride to accelerated aging. Mushrooms are packed with powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, and carotenoids.3 They help you tamp down inflammation before it can spiral out of control. Anti-Mutagenic – Their cancer-fighting properties are legendary. My regular readers know I’m quite impressed with the cordyceps sinensis variety445445 in this regard. It’s shown a powerful ability to inhibit cancer growth in lung, colon, skin, and liver cells.4 One recent study found that eating just a tablespoon and a half of mushrooms led to a 45% reduction in cancer risk.5 That’s quite significant considering 4 in every 10 Americans develop cancer at some point during their lives.6 Mitochondria – Each cell in your body relies on minuscule power plants to provide energy called mitochondria. As you age, their production declines due to oxidative damage. Mushrooms provide the No. 1 most concentrated food source of a unique amino acid that functions as an antioxidant. Called ergothioneine, it scavenges free radicals with a vengeance to boost your mitochondrial energy production.7 Mushrooms are also impressive immune boosters… the only “vegetable” that contains vitamin D. No wonder they’re on the menu of anyone serious about keeping their golden years free of chronic disease. The only question is how best to get them, and that can be a bit tricky. Here’s why… An Ounce of Mushrooms Worth a Pound of Cure The surfaces of mushrooms are quite porous. They readily absorb any pollutants they’re exposed to during processing. So if it’s an extract, capsule, or powder, you have to be careful. My recommendation: Stay safe by making your own supply. It’s surprisingly easy, and my simple drying method boosts levels of vitamin D and other nutrients: First, find a reliable, local source of fresh mushrooms – shiitake, reishi, maitake, lion’s mane, and oyster are all good varieties. I buy from my local produce stand. Just spread the mushrooms out in the sun on some parchment paper or flat pieces of wood (I don’t recommend aluminum trays). Let them sit in the sun. Before nightfall, cover them. This prevents getting dew on them. Re-expose them to sun, and repeat the drying process the next day. You can also put them in a food dehydrator to ensure they’re thoroughly dried. Once they’re a bit crispy, use a blender or food processor to make your powder. You may need a fine mesh strainer to collect leftover chunks. Just give them a second run through your processor. Store your powder in an air-tight glass container. Keep it away from heat and light. Once a day, just toss a couple tablespoons in your coffee, smoothie, soups, or yogurt. Properly dried mushrooms will last for up to a year. So enjoy the taste, the convenience… and the longevity benefits. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1 Feng, Lei, et al. “The Association between Mushroom Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 68, no. 1, 12 Mar. 2019, pp. 197–203, 10.3233/jad-180959. Accessed 18 Sept. 2020. 2 Sabaratnam, Vikineswary, et al. “Neuronal Health – Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 62–68. 3 Muszyńska, Bożena, et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Review.” Food Chemistry, vol. 243, Mar. 2018, pp. 373–381, 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.149. 4 Van De Walle, Gavin. “6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science.” Healthline.com website, 9 May 2018. 5 Ba, Djibril, et al. “Higher Mushroom Consumption Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Cancer.” ScienceDaily.com website, 16 Mar. 2021, 33.htm. 6 National Cancer Institute. “Cancer Statistics.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 2020. 7 Geng, Ping, et al. “Antifatigue Functions and Mechanisms of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms.” BioMed Research International, 14 Aug. 2017, Accessed 18 Aug. 2021 To read the original article click here.

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Medicinal Mushrooms Can Eliminate the Threat of Viruses and Cancer Cell Growth

AHA Publisher — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 07:00:41 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Sometimes what you can’t see, can hurt you. Beyond the vision of the naked eye, there’s a battle going on all around you, every day. Viruses, environmental toxins, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, harmful fungi, allergens and other fierce combatants are waging war with your body. Hence, the need for medicinal mushrooms to protect your health, as you’ll soon see. As you know, a healthy immune system is one of your best lines of defense against the health challenges all around you. But, most people hear little about how medicinal mushrooms can greatly improve immune function. Today, you’ll discover how this powerful “super food” offers antiviral and anticancer benefits. Proven Results With Centuries of Evidence Today’s unhealthy environment, with pollutants found outside, in our workplace and even in our homes – has caused many to look for natural solutions to the hazards of modern living. While medicinal mushrooms may seem like a new approach, they have actually been used for thousands of years throughout the world. In fact, according to many natural health experts, the ability of certain mushrooms to promote wellness and restore health has been consistently proven and is remarkably safe. Those same health benefits of medicinal mushrooms are now being experienced in today’s world, resulting in a resurgence of their use. How Do Medicinal Mushrooms Boost Immunity? There are a number of reasons the ‘little old’ mushroom is actually a health-boosting superstar. For one, they contain a family of carbohydrates known as beta-glucans that stimulate the body’s many types of immune cells, particularly so-called “first responders.” At the same time, medicinal mushrooms can act to calm your body’s over-reactive autoimmune response, essentially performing double duty to ward off illness by giving your immunity a ‘jump start’ while also alleviating symptoms of such conditions as psoriasis, lupus and arthritis. And it doesn’t stop there. Along with their helping hand to the immune system, mushrooms are believed to support heart health, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, boost cognitive health, increase metabolic efficiency, improve digestive health, and aid other systems and functions of the body. Can Medicinal Mushrooms Help to Prevent Cancer Cell Growth? Because these healthy fungi are so adept at supporting the immune system, they can play a role in helping your body to fight off potential and developing tumors. As a secondary defense in combating cancer, medicinal mushrooms are powerful antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body that can otherwise invade cells and damage DNA. The third punch they deliver to cancer is by acting as natural detoxifiers, ridding the body of accumulated dead cells and tissues, wastes and other substances that can act as potential carcinogens. Think of these helpful fungi as sponges, soaking up toxins, much as other types of fungi thrive on decaying material. A Basic Guide to Picking the Right Medicinal Mushrooms With nearly 300 types of medicinal mushrooms, it can seem a daunting tasks to determine which could be useful for any given health need. Among the more commonly used and their areas of function are: Agaricus blazei: supports the immune system, believed to fight tumors, and helps to control cholesterol and blood sugar. Cordyceps sinensis: improves immunity, and promotes a healthy cholesterol profile. Coriolus versicolor: used for its antitumor properties and may be useful in enhancing certain cancer treatments. Ganoderma lucidum: reduces cholesterol and promotes healthy circulation; may be useful in fighting cancer and HIV. Grifola frondosa (maitake): used to combat cancer, moderate blood sugar and support liver health; may also be useful against HIV. Polyporus umbellatus: believed to enhance the immune system, while also supporting liver health; particularly helpful against bacteria-borne disease. When selecting a daily supplement, it’s best to choose one that includes a balance of species to cover a number of health areas, including immunity, cardiovascular and circulatory, and cancer-fighting properties. If you have specific health concerns, such as digestive issues or arthritis, be sure the formula includes medicinal fungi known to benefit these conditions. And, obviously, talk to your own integrative healthcare provider about what’s best for you, especially if you’re dealing with a serious health issue. Sources for this article include: Lifeworkswellnesscenter.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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