Mushrooms are adaptogens, helping your body manage stress by feeding prebiotics to your beneficial gut bacteria and supporting healthy inflammation responses and digestion. They also support healthy inflammatory responses.

Add mushrooms to soups and stews for an instant flavor boost, or stir them into salads to give a zesty salad extra body and depth of texture. Or try steeping dried mushroom powder in hot water for mushroom tea or coffee!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps, one of the world’s largest genera, contains over 500 species and one of its major classifications is anti-aging properties. Many of its species have been cultivated in laboratories for their medical benefits which range from hepatoprotective effects and immunomodulatory actions to antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. There are various extracts available including aqueous and alcoholic, each offering different concentrations of bioactive compounds with unique properties – for instance aqueous extracts contain high concentrations of nucleosides while alcoholic extracts offer more active components with strong antioxidant potentials.

Cordyceps was used by ancient Chinese as a cure for respiratory conditions such as asthma. Modern studies have demonstrated its benefits by improving lung function, decreasing asthma attacks and helping the body cope with environmental pollutants. Cordyceps extracts contain polysaccharides, nucleosides, proteins and essential amino acids which have immune-modulating properties. Furthermore, they have also been shown to prevent experimental animals from developing hepatocellular carcinoma while having anti-fibrogenic properties (Zhao 2000). Bailing capsule, an herbal formulation of cordyceps that provides liver protection, was shown to mitigate renal transplant rejection (Wojcikowski et al 2004 and 2006) as well as improve immune system function (Ng and Wang 2005) while increasing CD4+ cell counts while simultaneously inhibiting IgE production by Th2 cells (Kuo et al 2001).

Cordyceps may help enhance physical performance and increase energy levels. By helping maintain balanced blood sugar levels, which in turn increase oxygen delivery to muscles cells, Cordyceps increases anaerobic exercise capacity in athletes engaging in regular high intensity training sessions. Cordyceps is also an effective anti-oxidant and neutralizes free radicals that may damage cell membranes – two factors which have proven their ability to boost performance levels and boost energy levels.

One study revealed that mushroom blends containing Cordyceps militaris were effective at improving tolerance to anaerobic exercise, particularly due to enhanced lactate clearance which in turn increases energy metabolism, helping athletes reach new levels of performance. Furthermore, this mushroom blend may help people suffering from fatigue as its effects include decreasing fatigue while improving mood by regulating blood sugar levels and providing increased energy; polysaccharides contained within it have also been proven to enhance immunity function while decreasing oxidative stress.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms have long been used as an ancient healing remedy, with China and Japan using it as a semi-magical remedy known as “the mushroom of immortality.” Reishi promotes general wellbeing while its immune-balancing abilities may help decrease autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, this powerful antioxidant protects cells against damage from oxidative stress or age related conditions.

Studies demonstrate that Reishi’s polysaccharides boost antibody production, increasing white blood cell activity to destroy harmful microbes, while supporting healthy functioning enzymes which counter oxidant damage and maintain proteins essential for normal cell development.

Reishi has been shown to promote mental health by relieving anxiety and inducing deep, restorative sleep. One study conducted with participants taking reishi reported better mood and less fatigue and depression when evaluated on a five-point Likert scale (0 = no improvement, 1=no significant improvement, 2=some improvement, 3=significant improvement, 4=very much improvement).

Adaptogens such as Passion Flower have been shown to promote natural sleep cycles by working with GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid) pathways, which lower neural activity to facilitate relaxation and promote restful slumber. Furthermore, this supplement works with your endocrine system to elevate your mood and reduce stress hormones in your body.

Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits of Reishi. Reishi may help ease chronic inflammatory conditions by helping reduce pain. Reishi has also been found to enhance liver function while protecting it against harmful toxins; some individuals even report relief from high cholesterol or triglyceride levels while taking Reishi.

Reishi offers many health advantages, yet it is recommended to first seek advice from your physician before adding new supplements to your diet. It’s particularly wise to do so if you have a serious medical condition or take any medications; Reishi may cause side effects including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and constipation – and in rare instances allergic reactions have even occurred – so taking this supplement under medical supervision is best advised.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms (scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus) are one of the most sought-after edible mushrooms to help improve focus and mood. Boasting mild, sweet flavour, they’re frequently included in salads, egg dishes, stir frys and noodles as a delicious snack or used alone as a supplement for stress management, mental wellbeing or enhanced brain functioning.

Studies suggest lion’s mane can help enhance cognitive health and may even help protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, likely through its ability to support neural growth while protecting against oxidative stress. Furthermore, its natural serotonin production might help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety by supporting mental wellbeing.

Lion’s Mane mushroom may also provide memory enhancement by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF). It is thought that hericenones and erinacines in its constituents cause this effect, though further research needs to be completed in order to confirm these claims.

As with other medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane should be consumed in moderation. Like most mushrooms, it contains chitin in its cell walls which may cause discomfort for some individuals; to minimize this possibility you could cook or take supplements that have been processed to remove this substance.

Many people take lion’s mane as a nutritional supplement because it may boost immune system health. Lion’s mane is known to contain potency antivirals and antibiotics which help stimulate our innate immune response system and has also been demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties which could inhibit cancer cell growth.

Lion’s mane supplements can be purchased in powder form from herbal and nutritional stores as well as online. When purchasing, make sure it has been independently tested to ensure optimal levels of safety and efficacy; consult with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any new dietary or supplement regimens.

Turkey Tail

The turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is an exquisite and colorful bracket fungus with an extensive history as an antimicrobial treatment, known in Chinese medicine as Tun Zhi and often employed as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine to support immune functions and fight infections.

Fungus contains powerful antioxidants and other compounds known to increase immunity, as well as helping balance human gut bacteria balance and eliminate build-up of toxins that could have an adverse impact on health.

This mushroom has also been linked to reducing oxidative stress, which has been associated with inflammation and other conditions including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. As its beneficial properties span such a broad spectrum, many experts consider it one of the most powerful fungi available.

Fungi are known for containing polysaccharides, peptides and terpenoids with therapeutic benefits in regards to inflammation, cancer, antimicrobial infection and healing properties. Some of their most potent compounds, like PSK and PSP are immune cell stimulators which kill cancerous cells while protecting from bacteria or viral infections.

A turkey tail mushroom’s most valuable benefit lies in its ability to relieve gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and diarrhea, due to its natural ability to balance stomach acid levels and improve digestion. Furthermore, this fungus can even relieve symptoms caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Turkey tail mushrooms have also been demonstrated to reduce the risk of viruses like herpes simplex and genital warts, according to research. It appears that these mushrooms stimulate natural killer cells which in turn target and kill virally-infected cells.

When purchasing Turkey Tail mushroom supplements, it’s essential to select high-quality products cultivated organically by certified organizations like USDA or Ecological Laboratories. Furthermore, choose supplements which have been thoroughly evaluated for both safety and efficacy prior to their release on the market.

To make tea, soak dried mushrooms in hot water for approximately 15 minutes or until softened before straining and enjoying as a beverage. For an alternative way, you could create powdered turkey tail extract using a blender, food processor, mortar & pestle combination and then stir it into soups, stews and salad dressings.