Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms; What are their benefits and how to consume them?

In general, mushrooms have a bad reputation because of their appearance and their potential danger. Naturally, we would all tend to refuse to eat a wild mushroom for fear of being poisoned. And yet, there is much more to say about the multiple benefits of mushrooms than about their dangerousness, especially in the context of Chinese medicine. Both delicious and intriguing, certain mushrooms are highly prized for their medicinal properties. And for good reason, they are known to have incredible power over the human body. Without further ado, we reveal all the secrets of these famous medicinal mushrooms that are full of health benefits.

What is a medicinal mushroom?

Composed of a stem and a cap, mushrooms come in many shapes and colors. Some are inedible, and some are even poisonous. Neither animal nor vegetable, the mushroom represents the fungal kingdom. Among the many varieties of mushrooms existing on the planet, some are said to have powerful medicinal properties.

By definition, a medicinal mushroom is a variety of mushroom that produces metabolites with important therapeutic properties. Today, medicinal mushrooms are being studied for the treatment of degenerative diseases and cancer. Although we still lack perspective on the subject, scientific research is rather encouraging and already allows us to emphasize the multiple benefits of these medicinal mushrooms.

How do medicinal mushrooms affect the body?

The medicinal mushroom is an adaptogen which aims to stabilize the body's functions. Like adaptogenic plants, it neutralizes stress and contributes to the general well-being of body and mind. The adaptogen allows the body to better adapt to stress, whether of physical, chemical or biological origin.

If medicinal mushrooms are so beneficial for the body, it is also because they are rich in minerals, vitamins, trace elements and fibre. From a nutritional point of view, their high amino acid content makes medicinal mushrooms an excellent source of protein, especially in the oyster mushroom family. In general, medicinal mushrooms offer many virtues which aim to harmonize vital functions.

Widely known for their beneficial action on the immune system, medicinal mushrooms are used in China and Japan to treat certain cancers. In addition, recent studies have proven that certain medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides that prevent HIV from destroying T cells. These scientific studies speak volumes about the enormous potential of this natural alternative. Among the medicinal mushrooms that help strengthen the immune system, the most famous are presented below.

What are the benefits of medicinal mushrooms?

Chaga

The first medicinal uses of chaga date back to the 17th century in Russia. Today, this mushroom grows mainly in the United States and Canada. Easily spotted in Quebec forests, it is found on trees and looks like a black, hard and crusty rock

Ce fungus also called the "king of mushrooms", owes this nickname to its many health benefits, and in particular thanks to its great usefulness in the treatment against Cancer. Chaga is technically an infection of the wood it feeds on (hence its very hard, woody appearance), so many experts don't do not consider it to be a "conventional" mushroom, like those presented above, but it nevertheless remains one of the most popular throughout the world. Another particularity is that it is traditionally consumed as an infusion by breaking it into pieces and leaving them to infuse for a minimum of two hours in hot water. The Moonchild Wandering also offers you pieces of high quality raw chaga. quality to prepare it as an infusion, here !

Chaga is famous for:

• its stimulating action on the immune system
• its regulatory action on the digestive system
• its anti-cancer properties
• its antioxidant properties.

Cordyceps

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps sinensis is highly valued for its many virtues:

• It invigorates the body
• it increases life expectancy
• it contains vitamins E, K, B1, B2 and B12
• it contains minerals (magnesium, calcium, iron and copper)
• it contains amino acids
• it increases physical energy
• it boosts libido
• it protects the kidneys
• it soothes certain respiratory disorders
• it increases the level of ATP (adenosine triphosphate); the body's main source of energy that keeps our muscles working.

Reishi

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom, superfood and adaptogen. Also nicknamed the "magic mushroom" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) because it is very popular and recognized for its incredible actions on health.

• An excellent booster for our immune system and prevents diseases & respiratory infections: very useful, especially during the pandemic we are going through!
• Helps fight stress
• Facilitates sleep
• acts on bad cholesterol
• helps counter poisoning due to certain poisonous mushrooms
• it supports the good microbes in our body
• it is used to fight tumors
• Reishi is also used in certain cosmetic products because it is a natural protector of the skin against ultraviolet radiation.

Maittake

Nicknamed “mushroom of vitality”, maitake has been used for several thousand years in Japan for its many virtues:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves longevity.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• Effectively reduces stress.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Regulates blood sugar.
• Fights chronic fatigue.
• Slows down skin aging
• Recommended for improving fertility and treating certain gynecological disorders.
• Maikaté is an adaptogen and therefore helps to reduce stress effectively.

The lion's mane

Very common in Chinese cuisine, Lion’s mane is considered one of the best mushrooms in the world. In a few words, here are the virtues of the one nicknamed "Lion's Mane" or "Yamabushitake":

• It has powerful antioxidant properties
• it fights stress, anxiety and depression
• it reduces bad cholesterol
• it reduces blood pressure
• it regulates the nervous system
• it boosts the immune system
• it improves cognitive abilities
• it protects neurons and the whole brain
• it protects cells from aging and external aggressions.

The turkey tail

From the Latin Coriolus versicolor, turkey tail or turkey tail is an extremely beneficial mushroom for health, if not one of the best. In China and Japan, it is often used to extend life expectancy. Here are its benefits:

• Has significant antitumor properties.
• in Japan, it has been used for more than 40 years to fight certain cancers (breast, ovary, prostate, stomach, etc.).
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Supports healthy liver function.
• Prevent chronic fatigue while increasing energy and vitality.
• Helps eliminate toxins effectively.
• Improves intestinal health.
• Can fight HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Reduces inflammation associated with certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
• Turkey Tail is an adaptogen and therefore helps to reduce stress effectively

How to consume medicinal mushrooms?

Most medicinal mushrooms simply need to be cooked before eating. Some species even need to be boiled for a few minutes or hours to facilitate the extraction of their active components. This process is called a decoction.

At The Moonchild Wandering you can find medicinal mushrooms in raw form like our wild chaga chunks or in powder form to make it easier to incorporate them into your diet. That said, it always seems more interesting to consume them in their natural form to benefit from all their molecular components.

Although these are natural products and safe for your health, we advise you to seek your doctor's advice before integrating new foods into your daily life.

Every body reacts differently and some organisms are too fragile to support these natural alternatives. This is particularly the case for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children (before 1 year) or people suffering from autoimmune diseases.

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