Blog
Mushroom Tea Blends
Mushroom tea blends provide many functional benefits and may be preferable for those who dislike the taste of straight mushrooms. Mushrooms act as prebiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome while improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
Some types of mushroom contain antioxidants and help boost immune function and mental clarity, while others possess adaptogenic properties which may provide natural stress relief.
Chaga
Chaga fungus grows on tree trunks and resembles burnt wood in appearance and texture; its hard, cork-like surface texture lends it medical uses as an immune booster supplement, especially thanks to beta-D-glucans that regulate your immune system by not overreacting against foreign substances and increasing its ability to fight infection. Its medicinal applications extend far beyond immunity alone; for instance, Chaga may help halt asthmatic attacks as its beta-D-glucans help your immune system control any overreacting reactions while increasing your capacity to fight infection by increasing immunity while simultaneously increasing your ability to fight infection by increasing immune-boosting capabilities of your immune system by helping regulate immune overreacting against foreign substances and enhance fighting infection with its immune-boosting beta-D-glucans, giving its medicinal uses even further.
Chaga provides many essential vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin D, potassium, copper, zinc, iron and B vitamins. Its antioxidants protect cells against oxidative damage while contributing to cardiovascular wellbeing. Chaga has long been a part of Sami traditional medicine practices as a protective measure against tuberculosis, cancer, liver disease heart disease and diabetes.
Although chaga is most frequently sold as a tea, other forms of consumption exist as well. You can buy powder, tincture, or whole pieces of the fungus that can be added directly into hot water or smoothies for consumption. Health-centric cafes and restaurants often feature it in coffee blends, lattes drinks, dessert dishes or latte beverages as a healthy addition.
As an alternative to coffee, chaga offers many antioxidants and has been found to stimulate metabolism. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in digestion, managing blood sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health, as well as being an immune booster and potentially helping lower cholesterol levels.
Chaga has been shown in studies to possess anti-cancer properties, inhibiting cancerous cell growth and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, its powerful immunomodulating abilities make it ideal for improving bone marrow functionality.
One study discovered that water extract of chaga had powerful stimulatory effects on chemically-treated mice’ immune responses by increasing both the number of erythroid burst-forming units and total cell count in their spleens – attributing this result to its ability to modulate inflammatory cytokines responses.
Chaga can be purchased both online and at many health food stores. It can be enjoyed as tea, juice or blended into coffee blends; each method of extraction produces its own distinct flavor that may either be sweet or bitter depending on personal taste.
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), commonly referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has long been popular with health enthusiasts due to its potential to enhance immunity, support cardiovascular wellbeing, reduce stress levels and promote sleep. Studies have identified numerous bioactive components found within Reishi’s mushroom such as polysaccharides and triterpenes that may contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral or immune-supporting properties.
Reishi tea may help strengthen immunity and protect against oxidative damage by providing beta-glucans, which have been found to stimulate white blood cell production to combat bacteria and pathogens that enter our bodies through invading pathogens such as viruses. Reishi may also aid in cancer fight, with studies finding it can inhibit tumor growth while improving chemotherapy treatment effectiveness for cancer patients.
Studies indicate that Reishi can also provide several heart benefits by helping to lower LDL and triglyceride levels and lower blood pressure, as well as having antiviral and hepatoprotective properties, making it an effective treatment option for Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Studies have also indicated that reishi can aid with managing diabetes and improving blood sugar control, although results of some studies are mixed. Reishi may act as an adaptogen which means it helps the body withstand physical, chemical and biological stresses – though further investigation must take place in this regard.
Reishi has become an integral component of many products including supplements, teas and cosmetics due to its purported health benefits. Available both dry and liquid forms as well as capsules and tablets for consumption with hot or cold beverages. Reishi was shown to significantly enhance mood and quality of life for women living with fibromyalgia in a recent study, suggesting it can have profound impacts on mental wellness. Reishi should be taken at a gradually increasing dose to meet personal wellness goals and ensure an appropriate response from their body. Too much reishi can cause gastrointestinal discomfort so it’s important to monitor symptoms and adjust dosages as necessary. People taking prescription drugs should consult their physician prior to beginning any reishi supplement as it may interact with certain drugs.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have long been recognized for their cognitive-boosting benefits, helping with dementia, depression and anxiety in folk medicine. Stimulating nerve growth while protecting against brain damage. Researchers speculate that this effect might be caused by hericenones and erinacines present in Lion’s Mane which stimulate cell activity to produce new neurons. Furthermore, this mushroom also strengthens immunity preventing chronic inflammation while improving body’s resistance against diseases.
Lion’s Mane has been shown to improve cognitive abilities of mice when going through mazes. Additionally, its high concentration of serotonin helps promote feelings of contentment and well-being; inhibiting cortisol is thought to help the body produce these chemicals by blocking its production – something cortisol can do to disrupt your mood and make you irritable.
Lion’s Mane, a rich source of niacin, helps ensure a healthy skin barrier and encourage a radiant complexion. It aids repair of the lipid barrier which protects and keeps hydration locked into skin while bacteria out, as well as being shown to decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
Lion’s Mane can also aid your digestive system and promote gut health, helping heal ulcers caused by H. pylori and other factors, while protecting stomach lining from damage. Furthermore, its antioxidant benefits help decrease chronic inflammation that could otherwise lead to IBD or other related conditions.
While the FDA maintains stringent rules regarding food sold in grocery stores, dietary supplements do not fall under its purview and therefore vary greatly in quality and strength between brands. Furthermore, no FDA review process exists before being released to stores for sale, providing manufacturers with more leeway to make unsubstantiated claims about their products.
When shopping for lion’s mane supplements, be sure to select ones which have undergone stringent quality and purity tests. A trusted brand will provide information regarding doses as well as whether or not it contains whole herbs or extracts.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis fungus is one of the best-known traditional Chinese medicinal and medicinal mushroom strains. It forms fruiting bodies on certain insect larvae, acting like an organ for survival; parasitic means using their host organism as its living host vessel. Over 350 species belong to this genus; numerous ones have been utilized as herbal medicine due to their anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-aging and immune modulatory properties.
Cordyceps is a popular supplement among athletes and those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, lung disease, cardiovascular issues or autoimmune disorders. It may enhance oxygen usage and blood flow for improved performance as well as to delay aging – though more research must be conducted to ascertain these potential health benefits of Cordyceps fungus.
Studies conducted on extracts from C. sinensis fruiting bodies have demonstrated significant antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities, including inhibiting cancer cell proliferation while encouraging cell apoptosis and improving kidney and liver functions. Cordycepin (polysaccharide component) and cordycepine (3′-deoxyadenosine) were shown to act as powerful anticancer components while test tube and animal studies revealed cordycepin’s radioprotective abilities against radiation-induced leukopenia.
Cordyceps’ second advantage is its ability to combat physical fatigue. By increasing liver glycogen and muscle glucose levels, it enhances your body’s energy-burning capability and increases ATP production while decreasing oxidative stress in rats.
Studies indicate that Cordyceps may provide numerous health benefits to those suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been shown to reduce blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels as well as improve lipid profiles among CKD patients, and protect them against renal tubular epithelial injury by modulating TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway activation.
Studies suggest Cordyceps may also aid in combatting the signs of aging by reversing gene expressions that lead to cellular aging and increasing lifespan in mice. Furthermore, this superfood may even have sexual enhancement capabilities and enhance sexual ability among men.