Sipping mushrooms for health purposes might seem novel to Western culture, but this has long been a part of other cultures’ practices. Indigenous Siberians for instance often incorporate powdered chaga into their meals to extend life expectancy and promote longevity.

Functional mushrooms contain many beneficial nutrients for health, which may help strengthen your immune system, regulate stress levels, reduce inflammation and support digestion. To reap maximum benefit from mushroom products it is often best to take them on an ongoing basis.

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms are said to boost immunity, help treat or prevent disease, and boost libido. Along with other varieties such as Ganoderma, Maitake Hen-of-the Wood Turkey Tail Shiitake Reishi is often prescribed for conditions including myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis; viral infections; high blood pressure as well as psychological ailments like anxiety and depression. Reishi may even help boost libido while improving sleep quality as well as enhance quality of sleep quality – among many more!

Reishi benefits stem largely from its role as an adaptogen, or substance that helps the body deal with stress by lowering cortisol levels and strengthening immune system functions. Reishi may also help increase white blood cell activity–natural infection fighters–to fight cancer more effectively; research indicates it may even destroy cancer cells while attenuating severity of tumors in people living with lung cancer; however, more evidence needs to be accumulated before definitive double-blind studies can be conducted on its effectiveness.

One small study suggested that Reishi extract could assist people suffering from neurasthenia, a disorder associated with fatigue. Although, this research is questionable and more investigation is necessary. Reishi has been shown to interact with the GABA (gamma-aminobutryic acid) pathway of the brain, decreasing neural activity and encouraging sleep. Furthermore, several studies indicate it promotes liver detoxification while simultaneously helping new cells grow thus improving liver function.

Reishi may interfere with blood-clotting, so those suffering from bleeding disorders are wise to steer clear. Reishi may interact with medications used to slow clotting, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others) heparin and warfarin (Coumadin). Reishi may help to lower blood sugar, and may alter how effectively insulin is absorbed and used by your body; so if you’re taking medications for diabetes or taking Reishi for its therapeutic benefits, be sure to speak with a healthcare provider prior to starting to take any supplementation regimens. Reishi supplements could inhibit the absorption of antacids, calcium supplements and other medicines taken simultaneously. Therefore, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider prior to starting any form of reishi supplementation (whether powder form or extract), especially if you have other medical issues or take prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Rose Hips

Roses are beloved garden plants renowned for their beauty and fragrance. Additionally, they’re revered medicinally – particularly their high levels of vitamin C which aid in strengthening immunity as a natural antiviral and antioxidant that also combats inflammation conditions. Furthermore, rose plants contain flavonoids, polyphenols and galactolipids which all provide additional medicinal properties.

The pseudo-fruit (hips) of a rose plant are small berry-like fruits containing its seeds. They grow just below rose flowers and come in red, orange or yellow hues; commonly used to make herbal tea but can also be added into jellies, soups, sauces and seasoning recipes for added mild floral notes and subtle tart notes.

Rose hips are an abundant source of Vitamin C, helping to strengthen immunity. Their antioxidative properties may also assist with treating cardiovascular diseases and fighting skin aging while protecting from free radical damage.

Rose hips offer many health and beauty advantages in addition to their nutritional properties. Their extract can be used in homemade cosmetics such as face masks and moisturizers; shampoos and hair conditioners may include rose hips to help hydrate hair follicles. In addition, rose hip oil may help treat conditions like dermatitis, dry skin and minor wounds.

Rose hips can help improve skin tone and reduce scarring when applied topically, acting like a facial scrub to remove blackheads or mixed with honey to create an acne mask for sensitive skin types. Furthermore, their oil can even be used to treat stretch marks and wrinkles.

Rose hips can be purchased fresh or dried from herb stores, food coops and herb distributors. When making tea from them, be sure to brew all of the dried fruit in order to reap its full health benefits. Before using rose hips in their tea brewing ritual, students should rinse, sort through and remove any seeds or stems before grinding into powder form for use in beverages.

Crab Apples

Many of us can recall as children wandering through woods or farmland and discovering trees filled with tiny apples, only to pick one and take a bite, only to realize it was either intensely tart or had cottony mouthfeel – thus prompting us to throw it back out! While apples might not taste the greatest directly off their trees – unless you enjoy extremely sour and tart flavors – their unique flavor comes alive when turned into jams and jellies as well as providing base ingredients for fruit leather recipes.

Crab apples are packed with healthy-boosting antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins that work tirelessly to defend cells against damage while alleviating symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis.

Crab apples are an elegant sight in any garden, their vibrant blossoms luring pollinators in and demonstrating nature’s interdependence. Plus, crab apples thrive in small spaces or containers while when in full bloom they form stunning natural sculptures for urban gardens.

Chinese Crab Apples thrive when planted in full sun with well-draining soil. To promote vigorous, healthy plants, apply an organic mulch such as compost or well-rotted manure in spring before pruning in late winter to remove dead, diseased or dying branches and maintain shape. As these fruit trees are easy to cultivate in backyard gardens worldwide.

Sage

Sage is an aromatic herb rich in antioxidants. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties, helping combat colds. Sage may also aid memory recall and cognitive performance – and researchers have even discovered it may protect against Alzheimer’s by blocking loss of a key chemical.

Sage is part of the mint family and is an upright perennial herb with square stems, opposite leaves, and irregular ball-like flower clusters. Sage thrives in full to partial sunlight with well-draining soil, making them easy to cultivate from seeds or cuttings. Harvest the leaves, flowers and seeds throughout summer for small collections or dry across an open space on a large tarp for larger collections.

Sage’s vibrant aroma is stimulating, uplifting, and revitalizing. Its antibiotic, expectorant and diaphoretic properties help move stagnation along from digestive to respiratory and emotional spaces. Sage can be particularly useful for treating swollen glands such as tonsils and adenoids as well as alleviating digestive problems like flatulence and bellyaches. Plus its anti-inflammatory properties help treat colds with sore throats associated with them while its astringent action tone down respiratory systems!

Sage is an integral ingredient in culinary arts and cuisine, often used to add flavor when used as a seasoning in recipes and added as garnish for salads or vegetables. A rich source of Vitamin K that aids blood clotting and strengthens bones, it’s also good source of soothing tea or tincture for sore throats, can be smoked or burned as incense.

The Sage Marichi Pose, commonly referred to as Sage Twist is an effective yoga posture that can help treat back pain and stiffness, improve digestion by increasing abdominal circulation, stimulate liver and kidney functions more effectively, as well as improving breathing through stretching chest walls out further and expanding diaphragm volume, while simultaneously increasing concentration by focusing on breathing techniques that calm your mind and focus your concentration. For optimal results it should always be practiced under supervision by an accredited instructor, to avoid overexertion of this pose.