The use of medicinal mushrooms is rooted in ancient healing systems that have spanned thousands of years. Today, these powerful fungi are still remarkably effective in addressing modern health issues related to stress, toxins, and unhealthy lifestyles. They remain particularly important during cold and flu season.
Ancient cultures identified the health benefits of mushrooms through trial and error or accidental discovery. The therapeutic compounds found in beneficial mushrooms include lipids, proteoglycans, polysaccharides, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Health benefits of medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have a range of advantages, including reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, increasing circulation, enhancing oxygen use, protecting against radiation damage, neutralizing free radicals, detoxifying the body, fighting cancer, supporting metabolism, and protecting against heart disease.
Aside from these benefits, mushrooms also aid digestion, cognitive function, and hormone balance. They are considered the world’s first “smart” drugs, as they seem to seek out areas in the body that require improvement and target those regions.
Of note, the way mushrooms interact with the immune system is impressive. They do not simply act as immune system boosters but rather have an optimizing effect. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a family of carbohydrates that significantly impact immune response. These molecules energize macrophages, part of the innate immune system, and work alongside lymphocytes, T cells, natural killer cells, and other immune components to enhance functionality.
Medicinal mushrooms for autoimmune diseases
Instead of merely increasing immune response, the active ingredients in mushrooms help train the immune system to function appropriately while providing a moderated response to potential threats. This property is evident in how mushrooms affect those with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Mushrooms can help control an overactive immune system by modulating T1 helper cells that could generate an excessive inflammatory response in autoimmune disorders. This is especially beneficial in contrast to prescription medications that suppress the immune system and come with numerous side effects.
Medicinal mushrooms for cancer treatment
The use of natural agents like medicinal mushrooms to precisely modulate the immune system has applications in treating a range of diseases, including cancer. Some mushrooms have demonstrated activity against various cancer types and cancer metastasis. Moreover, the immune-optimizing benefits of mushrooms have been studied in the context of heart disease factors, such as blood thickness and cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown that mushrooms have potent antiviral agents that work against the common cold, influenza, and more severe viruses like HIV and hepatitis.
Popular medicinal mushrooms
Here are some widely studied medicinal mushroom varieties and their associated health benefits:
- Coriolus versicolor: A powerful anti-cancer agent containing beta-1 and beta-4-glucans. This mushroom fights cervical cancer and enhances the therapeutic effects of radiation.
- Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): Contains alkaloids, proteins, ergosterol, and beta-glucans. Known to lower cholesterol, promote circulation, support liver health, protect against radiation damage, enhance oxygenation of the blood, and provide anti-cancer benefits.
- Agaricus blazei: Boosts interferon and interleukin activity, stimulating the immune system to deal with infections and cancer while having antibacterial properties.
- Cordyceps sinensis: Increases phagocyte, macrophage, and natural killer activity. Helps regulate cholesterol and increases athletic performance.
- Polyporus umbellatus: Demonstrates anticancer actions, reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, supports liver health, and exhibits antibacterial activity.
- Grifola frondosa (Maitake): Offers anticancer benefits, reduces high blood pressure, enhances macrophage and natural killer cell activity, lowers blood sugar, and supports liver health.
A high-quality medicinal mushroom formula can make a significant difference in health and vitality, as mushrooms are good for detoxification, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, fine-tuning the immune system, and preventing disease. They are nature’s “smart” drugs and can promote overall health.
