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Medicinal mushrooms: Discover a wide range of benefits and boost your health

What are medicinal mushrooms?

Medicinal (vital, functional) mushrooms are species of mushrooms that contain bioactive substances that promote health. Their healing properties have been part of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. This precious gift of nature excels in its content of beneficial substances such as polysaccharides (e.g. beta-glucans), antioxidants, triterpenes and vitamins.

Vital mushrooms are classified as adaptogens, which are natural substances that help the body better resist stress and maintain balance in the body. By the way, some herbs are also adaptogenic , such as ashwagandha, ginseng or rhodiola (rose gentian).

The most well-known medicinal mushrooms include lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, maitake and shiitake. Each has unique properties and supports the body in a different way.

Medicinal mushrooms and their products do not fall into the category of medicines, but are classified as dietary supplements. They can also be part of a meal, for example shiitake and maitake are commonly added to Asian dishes.

 

Medicinální houby jako součást jídla

Effects

An earlier study from 2014 reported that medicinal mushrooms and sponges are believed to have approximately 130 medicinal functions. Among their key properties is the ability to:

  • Fight tumors (anti-cancer effects)
  • Strengthen and regulate the immune system (immunomodulatory effects)
  • Neutralize free radicals (antioxidant effects) and protect cells from damage
  • Positively influence heart and vascular health
  • Help lower cholesterol levels
  • Act antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal
  • Contribute to the detoxification of the body
  • Protect the liver (hepatoprotective effects)
  • Help regulate blood sugar levels (useful for people with diabetes)
  • Increase libido

According to a 2022 study, mushrooms have been identified not only as a food with significant nutritional value, but also as a source of bioactive chemicals.

Medicinal mushrooms are undoubtedly a valuable treasure of nature, thanks to their content of many bioactive substances that support health and the body's natural defences. The most important components include polysaccharides, antioxidants, triterpenes and vitamins. Each of these substances has specific effects. Let's take a closer look at each effect:

  • Polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans, are the main constituents of medicinal mushrooms:
    • Strengthening immunity
    • Anti-cancer properties
    • Supporting metabolism
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Natural antioxidants such as melanin, ergothioneine, ferulic acid or phenolic compounds:
    • Prevention of aging
    • DNA protection
    • Support immunity
    • Regeneration of liver cells
  • Triterpenes are unique compounds that are present in some medicinal mushrooms such as reishi:
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    • Support cardiovascular health
    • Stress relief
    • Supporting the immune system
  • B vitamins (e.g. B1, B2, B3 and B5)
    • Energy support
    • Nervous system health
    • Stress relief
  • Vitamin D
    • Bone and dental health
    • Immune system support
    • Prevention of autoimmune diseases

Other important substances contained in medicinal mushrooms include:

  • Lectins: Bioactive proteins that help stimulate the immune system, promote immune cell activity and have antiviral and anticancer properties. They also interact with other substances from mushrooms to amplify their therapeutic effects.
  • Ergothioneine: A powerful antioxidant that has protective effects on cells and tissues, and acts as a preventative agent against aging.
  • Chitin: A fibre that supports gut health and digestion. It improves intestinal peristalsis and acts as a prebiotic (helps the growth of beneficial bacteria).
  • Sterols: Contribute to the regulation of blood cholesterol levels and support the health of the cardiovascular system.

The effects of lion's mane

The lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) promotes brain health, improves memory and concentration. It has neuroprotective effects that may help with neurodegenerative diseases.

It is an ideal choice if you want to improve cognitive function or promote mental well-being, it is also recommended as a prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Reishi effects

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is nicknamed the "mushroom of immortality". It supports the immune system, improves sleep quality, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and helps the body to cope better with stress.

It is suitable if you need calming, regeneration and support in stressful situations or if you struggle with chronic fatigue or have difficulty sleeping.

Cordyceps effects

This mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) stands out for its ability to increase energy, promote athletic performance and improve lung function. It also helps to improve oxygen circulation in the body.

A great choice for both athletes and those looking for a natural vitality boost.

User Experience

Experiences with medicinal mushrooms are mostly very positive. Users often mention:

  • Increased energy: Taking cordyceps has given them more vitality and stamina.
  • Sleep support: Reishi has helped with falling asleep and improving sleep quality.
  • Better concentration: Lion's Mane mushroom helped improve concentration and memory.

However, results may vary depending on the body's response and frequency of use. Some users reported that they did not experience any changes. In short, it is an individual matter, as with cannabinoids. For example, some people may experience mild psychoactive effects from the cannabinoids CBN and H4CBD, while others experience no changes in perception.

How to use medicinal mushrooms

To incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your life, simply choose a method of use according to your needs and preferences:

  • Powder: You can add it to smoothies, coffee, soups or yogurt. The powder is versatile and easy to dose.
  • Tincture: A concentrated extract that you simply add to water, tea or other liquids. It is popular due to its fast absorption.
  • Capsules: Offers accurate dosing and the easiest method of taking. Check out our Smartshop 🛒🛒🔥, mushrooms section , where you can get for example CBD Star Medicinal Mushrooms with CBD - Immunity Adaptogens, Euphoria Mushrooms Focus and more.
  • Teas and decoctions: the traditional method of preparation, especially for mushrooms like reishi or chaga.
  • Use of mushrooms in food: Fresh, dried or frozen mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, oyster mushroom or enoki can be added to food.

How to combine medicinal mushrooms

Combining different medicinal mushrooms can increase their effectiveness as each mushroom has a different composition and affects the body differently. They can work together in perfect synergy (the so-called synergistic effect).

Here are 3 examples of how medicinal mushrooms can be combined:

  • Reishi + Lion's Mane: Nervous system support and stress relief
  • Cordyceps + chaga: Increase energy and boost immunity
  • Reishi + cordyceps: Suitable combination for athletes - regeneration and support for athletic performance

There are many ways to combine them and they can also be combined with CBD. If you are not sure how to do it, start with products that already contain blends created by experts. In our e-shop you can buy, for example, a blend of reishi, cordyceps, lion's mane and shiitake mushrooms or a powerful combination of reishi and chaga mushrooms with extra CBD.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms offer a natural way to support your health without unnecessary chemistry.

Thanks to their content of bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, antioxidants and vitamins, they bring a wide range of benefits, from boosting immunity to improving cognitive function to increasing physical performance.

However, each of these mushrooms harbours slightly different effects - for example, reishi excels at calming and combating stress, cordyceps provides energy and improves physical performance, while lion's mane will support the brain, memory and nervous system.

There are several ways to combine, use and incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your life - just find the way that best fits your lifestyle. Explore our range and discover a new level of vitality and overall well-being.

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Photo: AI

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