The ultimate guide to Medicinal Mushrooms

The ultimate guide to Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms are becoming ultra popular over here in supplements – how have they been traditionally used in Eastern culture?

Mushrooms have a long history of therapeutic use in the East. Mention of their medicinal properties goes back to 200AD in China, where mushrooms were classified in the ‘superior’ category of herbs, and used to increase life span, prevent any kind of illness, improve cognitive function, treat infertility, give fortitude and bravery. In fact in China medicinal mushrooms were referred to as ‘herbs for the immortals’

One of the main areas in which mushrooms have been traditionally used in the East in the modern era is in treatment of cancer.

Why are mushrooms so good for our bodies - what can they do? Do you recommend them to your clients?

Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse. They contain phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium, as well as B and D vitamins, which is especially high in mushrooms exposed to sun. They are also high in protein and fibre and low in fat, which makes them an ideal diet food.

Additionally, many medicinal mushrooms are high in ergothioneine and glutathione. Glutathione acts both as an antioxidant and detoxification agent, while, ergothioneine protects DNA from oxidative damage.

But perhaps of most importance in terms of medicinal properties are active ingredients called mushrooms polysaccharides that have a significant impact on the immune system with potent immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects. More specifically polysaccharides in mushrooms enhance T-cell and microphage activity and increase production of leukocytes, or our immune cells, that help fight us viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. 

Medicinal mushrooms are part of many of my formulas to boost or modulate immune system, help recover from post-viral fatigue or stress and adrenal exhaustion, prevent cancer or maintain vitality alongside chemotherapy.

I know there are a lot of different types - which ones do you most recommend? And is it better to take them in supplement form or as they come? 

Some mushroom varieties have been utilized for a long time in traditional medicine, such as reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, chaga and turkey tails. Ironically, our most popular button mushrooms seems to have less medicinal properties than others, and they are also often eaten raw, which is not as beneficial as cooked preparations.

Reishi, known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’, help support a healthy immune system, lower elevated blood pressure, assist with rejuvenating brain and connective tissue and improve allergic response. Cordyceps, that have been traditionally used by Chinese athletes at the Olympics to improve performance, is nowadays used to strengthen respiratory function of the lungs, improve endurance and prevent cancer. Chaga constitutes perhaps the most medicinal properties in a single mushroom helping us fight pathogens, reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, alleviate arthritis, and prevent or slow the progression of cancer.

As always with herbs, vitamins and minerals, the best way is to take any of them is by incorporating them into the diet. When we enjoy the process of eating we have the optimal amount of enzymes and other digestive juices, ready to help us fully absorb and make the most of the nutrients in food. It is not quite the case when we have to swallow a handful of pills, is it? 

However, if you are using mushrooms medicinally to treat a certain health condition it is important to take a therapeutic dose in the form of tincture or powder. I prefer using tinctures in my practice. Tinctures are concentrated extracts of herbs that are alcohol based. They tend to be the fastest acting, as alcohol is easily metabolized and some of it can enter the bloodstream directly if taken sublingually. Additionally, alcohol increases the shelf life of a herbal preparation, which can be preserved for over 2 years.

How would you recommend to incorporate mushrooms into their diet?

There are many delicious recipes from mushroom soups, to fritters or curries. Active ingredients in mushrooms are not heat sensitive, in fact cooking activates their medicinal properties, so any cooked preparation will be beneficial for health (apart from the deep fried one!) 

You can add some of the mushrooms that have fairly neutral taste, such as reishi, to smoothies. Chaga goes quite well with coffee or you can simmer chaga chunks in water for up to four hours to make tea. Another favourite of mine is porchini powder, which has a gourmet flavour and is perfect in stews and cream sauces.

Below is my mushroom fitters recipe, which is gluten, egg and dairy free and is super easy to make. 

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Author: Jenya Di Pierro

Founder, Naturopath & Herbal Medicine Practitioner

BSc, MSc, DipCNM, AMH, ANP