Also referred to as black poplar field cap or velvet pioppino mushrooms, these deliciously nutty-tasting beauties may be difficult to come across but their long, chewy stems make for delicious additions to soup or noodle bowls.

This invention pertains to fungus cultivation techniques and describes a type of substratum for and method for growing tea tree mushrooms. The substrate comprises of camellia shell, fire fiber crop waste straw and numb bran with high levels of nutrition and an abundant supply of essential elements.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), commonly referred to as Monkey Head Mushroom, is both medicinal and edible variety that’s commonly used by traditional Chinese medicine to ease symptoms associated with peptic ulcers and gastritis, and it can be found in soups and stews or taken as fresh or dried supplement form.

Small clinical trials suggest lion’s mane may help enhance cognition, although more research needs to be conducted. Laboratory studies have demonstrated its benefits, including stimulating nerve growth and improving spatial memory (which allows your mind to remember where things are). One such study demonstrated its effect on lengthening dendrites (nerve cells connecting neurons for transmitting information), inflammation reduction and amyloid plaque build-up associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Another trial demonstrated how lion’s mane could reduce symptoms of mild anxiety and depression among patients diagnosed with depression. Furthermore, a third trial demonstrated how it increased immune system cell activity as well as reduced inflammation in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Researchers are investigating lion’s mane as an aid for treating other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. More research needs to be conducted in this regard in order to ascertain its effect.

Lion’s mane is generally considered safe as a dietary supplement, though more research needs to be conducted into its long-term safety at higher doses. Reported side effects from taking lion’s mane may include stomach upset and bloating as well as nausea and skin rash; additionally it may interact with some medications, such as blood thinners and immunity modulating prescription drugs; it is wise to consult your physician or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) prior to adding it into your daily diet regimen.

Finding and purchasing lion’s mane mushrooms: At your grocery store, look for bright white, firm mushrooms with shaggy surfaces that have bright white centers. Lion’s mane is available both as bulk products as well as capsules and liquid extract. When purchasing supplements directly, always read through and inspect the label thoroughly for quality and purity since these aren’t subject to FDA regulation as are prescription drugs.

Even the best-researched supplements have not been shown to treat or cure disease, and mushrooms in general may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Therefore, before trying lion’s mane mushrooms it is advisable to consult a registered dietitian nutritionist or healthcare provider and don’t exceed recommended daily amounts. For additional advice visit The Sports Nutrition Playbook.

Reishi

Since ancient China, Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been revered semimagically as healing herbs with semimagical healing capabilities; more so than even Ginseng. Long revered, Reishi has long been considered a sacred plant with spiritual potency; known as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi can also serve as an antidepressant and sleep aid, as well as possessing anti-inflammatory and liver protection benefits that further research needs to investigate; available as supplements such as extract, powder or tea forms.

Reishi’s polysaccharides and beta-glucans have been demonstrated to support immune health, making it a potential treatment for cancer. Reishi may stimulate T cells, NK cells and cytokines to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and tumors; as well as being used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and promote liver health; it has even shown antiviral properties as well as having potential hepatoprotective actions.

More research needs to be done, but early studies indicate that Reishi has antioxidant properties and may help lower cholesterol levels. Furthermore, studies have also discovered it reduces blood sugar and improves quality of life among those living with type 2 diabetes.

Reishi can help with both stress relief and emotional balance. Reishi acts as an adaptogen, helping the body deal with stress and anxiety better while also encouraging restful sleep and strengthening immunity systems. Some research also indicates that reishi may relieve symptoms associated with depression such as fatigue and poor appetite.

Preliminary research suggests that Reishi may help treat rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, Reishi may help treat coronavirus infections; various compounds found within its active mushrooms such as Lucidumol, Ganoderic Acid and Ganomanondiol have been studied in relation to their potential antiviral effect in treating human coronavirus infections.

Reishi can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and may interact with various medications. Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) should not be combined with Reishi as this increases risk of bleeding; similarly it could interfere with immunosuppressants which decrease immune response – used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis.

Reishi is generally safe when taken at recommended dosage levels; however, high doses may cause digestive distress in some individuals and be toxic to liver health; therefore it should never be consumed by children, pregnant or nursing women, or people suffering from severe liver or kidney conditions. Reishi can affect certain laboratory tests, including blood sugar and clotting tests; thus it should be discontinued at least two weeks before any surgery or chemotherapy treatment is undertaken. Reishi may also interact with certain forms of chemotherapy therapy treatments. Before using Reishi, consult your healthcare provider if taking other drugs or herbs, such as aspirin and salicylates, heparins, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), and pentoxifylline (Trental). Reishi may interact with some antidepressant medicines such as SSRIs.

Birch Polypore

Fomitopsis betulina) is an ancient medicinal mushroom found almost exclusively on birch trees and looks similar to white hooves emerging from them. As with all fungi, however, its growth does not start at ground level like plants but from below using an underground network of hyphae. Spores released by its fruiting body can land anywhere and then develop further as hyphae to colonize and spread to nearby trees or mushrooms.

Birch polypore fungus offers numerous health advantages, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. Studies have revealed its composition contains compounds such as phenolic acids, indole compounds, and sterols; these phytochemicals are responsible for its antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and antitumor activities as well as its astringent qualities which reduce inflammation while speeding wound healing.

Birch polypore has been used in traditional medicine for over 5,300 years as an adaptogen, which helps treat stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Antiseptic, astringent and antiparasitic properties of this fungus also make use of its flesh stopping bleeding quickly while its fruiting body contains agaric acid which is toxic against Trichuris trichiura parasite.

Birch polypore mushrooms have numerous medicinal applications; in addition to being tasty edible mushrooms that can be turned into tea or tincture. As their bitter flavor requires sweetener for optimal enjoyment. Although raw consumption may also be possible, this should be done only as an extreme last resort.

This mushroom is often taken as a nutritional supplement due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Additionally, it’s thought to aid in detoxification processes, protecting liver tissue from damage while treating digestive issues such as diarrhea, ulcers and constipation. Furthermore, this substance is even effective against viral infections like influenza, encephalitis and yellow fever.

Birch polypore is an excellent source of vitamins C and D as well as magnesium for muscle function. Additionally, this fungus is very easy to find in nature all year long; though most abundant during summer. Found in forests across Europe and North America, birch tree mushrooms can often be confused with more well-known chaga species (Inonotus obliquus). Both mushroom types thrive primarily on these trees. They’re two distinct mushrooms with distinct properties and benefits. But this fungus offers an ideal alternative to chaga, making it easier to locate in nature as opposed to having to cut or scrape off of a tree trunk for harvesting purposes.