If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you are interested in taking mushroom based supplements, and have discovered there are two main offerings - powdered mushrooms, and extracts. This article is here to help you know the difference between the two, and which one you should take for the most possible benefit.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 5 medicinal mushrooms that currently have the most research, evidence, and investigation done in regards to their ability to support, improve, or help maintain the immune system, along with some basic information on the mushrooms themselves.
So you’re interested in taking mushroom supplements - whether that be for dietary reasons, wanting to incorporate adaptogens, or for specific compounds found in mushrooms - and you notice that certain supplements mention mycelium, but others don’t, and are now wondering why that is. That’s what we’ll clear up in this article.
In this article, we’ll cover the 5 best medicinal mushrooms for those seeking an adaptogenic and/or healthy, plant based lifestyle. These mushrooms are highly nutritious, and have a decent amount of research into them as well that show evidence of other health benefits too!
In this article, we’ll cover the health benefits of Ashwagandha in detail, covering the research with the most medical and health that has been done on this adaptogenic herb. But first, a little history as to why this plant has caught the attention of medical and health researchers in the first place.
Medical Mushrooms are mushrooms that are used or can potentially be used in the future to make medical drugs. They contain one or more compounds that can have various health benefits as well, such as antiviral or anti senescence properties. Many medical mushrooms also contain adaptogenic properties which are under study, such as compounds which boost the immune system by stimulating lymphocyte production, or novel anti inflammatories.
Cordyceps Militaris is an edible (when cooked) mushroom that is now safely and effectively cultivated, which seems to have various positive metabolic effects in humans due to its wide range of novel polysaccharides and because of the compound Cordycepin.
A tasty and highly nutritious mushroom popularly eaten in Asian countries which may have some mood stabilizing effects, but currently does indeed seem to improve cognitive performance with daily consumption.
Rosehips are the edible fruit of the deciduous rose. They are typically reddish-orange, although black and yellow kinds can be found as well. There are many varieties stemming from the multitude of species of roses that can be found all over the world. Historically, they have been used both as a source of food and as a medicine throughout many cultures for a wide variety of reasons, with the main uses having been for circulation, lotions, tonics, and purifications (both spiritually and physically).
Curcuma Longa, commonly called Turmeric, is a root that is very commonly used in cooking. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it was widely used for cooking and as a coloring agent. The root, along with other parts of the plant, are also part of Ayurvedic medicine, and were historically used to treat various illnesses, ranging from general health tonics to antiseptics to treat wounds.[1] It is from these Ayurvedic practices and results that had been observed for centuries that scientists in modern times began to look into the plant closer to determine Turmeric’s medical benefits.
Reishi Mushroom is a great food to incorporate into a diet, with its powdered form making it versatile to use in cooking or for quick smoothies or even as a part of supplementary powders made at home or purchased. It can add some extra vitamin D, and it is especially useful in Vegan diets, providing the full spectrum of B complex vitamins despite not being an animal product. Reishi’s possible immune-regulating effects are an added plus as well, helping you stay healthy and productive!
Also known as Dong Quai, this antioxidant rich, adaptogenic root has long been cultivated for its health effects, especially in women. This root contains compounds which have been shown to aid in gynecological regulation, which in turn can aid in the conditioning of women's skin.
Most of modern medicine comes from simply copying and refining what already exists in nature; from the acetylsalicylic acid that was medically used for thousands of years in the form of willow tea and now used in aspirin, to antibiotics such as penicillin that were discovered in fungi. Adaptogens are another such thing - in this case, herbs and fungi that contain compounds which counteract biological stress responses. Check out this list for adaptogens that counteract stress and fatigue.
