Medicinal mushrooms have recently emerged at the forefront of the health and wellness industry. Thousands of years ago, people learned that different kinds of herbs were useful for various illnesses. Today, we tend to forget that nature is where almost all of our medicines come from. In fact, some antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals come from the Kingdom of Fungi (Lindequist, 2013). All of a sudden, it seems there is so much talk about the medicinal properties that mushrooms possess. So, what exactly are medicinal mushrooms? Where did they come from? What makes them special? And, why should we care?
A Long History Of Medicinal Mushrooms
The most commonly held belief about medicinal mushrooms is that they contain properties that aid in immune system support. The reason this belief is commonly held is simple: because it’s true. There is a reason that these mushrooms are called medicinal. For thousands of years, mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes by people in Asian countries. Mushrooms were first used in Chinese medicine during the Ming Dynasty after methods were developed for growing fungus on logs (Money, 2016). As their use in Western cultures began to increase, scientific studies were done (and are still being done) to determine whether properties inherent in medicinal mushrooms are beneficial to the human body.
Beneficial Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms
While there has not been enough research done to claim that mushrooms cure or heal certain ailments in the human body, scientists have certainly been able to identify specific properties that have been shown to benefit our bodies in different ways. Mushrooms are made up of compounds that contain polysaccharides. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, polysaccharides are generally thought of as biological response modifiers that activate macrophages, NK cells, and T-cells. Many medicinal mushrooms also contain triterpenoids that contain lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Megan Ware from Medical News Today, foods that are high in antioxidants can benefit the human body by getting rid of free radicals that can potentially cause harm. Also, lacking in fruits and vegetables, but present in mushrooms, is the mineral selenium which has been shown to support cardiovascular and cognitive health.
How are Medicinal Mushrooms Consumed?
It is most common for medicinal mushrooms to be consumed in the form of a capsule or a powder. By consuming it this way, you are getting the most potent form of the mushroom. If you prefer a capsule, then it can easily be swallowed a couple times a day. You can also buy medicinal mushrooms in the form of a powder which will allow you to mix it in with tea, coffee, shakes, smoothies, or any other recipe. By consuming a powdered or capsuled version of a medicinal mushroom from Aloha Medicinals, you know that you are putting only the safest and purest substances into your body. Also, don’t be afraid if you don’t like the taste of mushrooms—our powders and capsules are mild and don’t taste like mushrooms at all! As you might guess, never consume a medicinal mushroom you find whole. It is our goal to provide you with the purest and most wholesome ingredients so that you can choose how you want to use them.
Most Common Medicinal Mushrooms
Out of over 2,000 edible mushroom species, Reishi and Cordyceps seem to be the most popular. In case you’ve never heard of these species before, here’s a quick overview:
Cordyceps
Arguably the most well known of the medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps is known for its incredibly powerful bioactive compounds. Originally from Tibet, this mushroom is generally found above 14,000 feet for only two weeks out of the year. Traditionally, the mushrooms grow from the head of a caterpillar. Because many people are put off by this idea, there are additional ways in which we can acquire Cordyceps. They can be grown in a laboratory under exacting conditions, but without the caterpillar. This can actually produce a mushroom that is more than five times more potent than the best wild Cordyceps. In fact, collecting wild Cordyceps is no longer a sustainable business as its natural habitat is being destroyed. Taking a supplement is one of the best ways in which you can reap the benefits. However, many consumers are nervous about ordering online from a supplement manufacturer because they aren’t sure of the potency of the product. If the product isn’t potent, then this essentially defeats the purpose of taking the supplements in the first place. Luckily, Aloha Medicinals produces Cordyceps that is five to eight times more potent than the best wild ones you can find, and every single lot is consistent from one to the next. In addition, the best mushroom supplements are full spectrum. This means that the most powerful and effective parts of the mushroom are extracted and utilized during every stage of its life cycle.
Simply growing a mushroom and converting it to powder isn’t enough to ensure that you’re getting all of the best parts. Manufacturing and encapsulating only the most effective compounds will ensure that you’re receiving all the benefits that the mushroom kingdom has to offer. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your athletic performance, Cordyceps is the mushrooms for you. It will increases your oxygen intake so that you can perform to the best of your ability. It also supports healthy immune function and promotes vital energy.
Reishi
Reishi is another one of the most commonly known medicinal mushrooms, also called Ganoderma Lucidum or Lingzhi. Reishi is also known for its ability to support the immune system, but many people choose Reishi for its ability to support mental and physical stress. Reishi is an interesting looking mushroom that can be found growing on dead or dying eastern hemlock and on other conifers. Reishi mushrooms have a tough, shiny appearance with a reddish/brownish cap and stem. While Reishi mushrooms have several medicinal properties, you should not simply eat a Reishi mushroom if you see it growing in the wild. Reishi mushrooms should be broken down and powdered by a trusted manufacturing company. Aloha Medicinals has years of experience with growing more potent Reishi than can be found in the wild and extracting only the most bioactive components. Many Reishi users suggest putting a spoon full of Reishi powder into a cup of hot tea before bed for a restful and stress-free night.
High-Quality Medicinal Mushrooms from Aloha Medicinals
As the world’s largest producer of organic medicinal mushrooms, Aloha Medicinals is committed to providing its loyal customers with only the best and purest powdered supplements of bulk mushrooms. In order to live the lifestyle you deserve, you may need a little extra support. We are happy to be able to provide just that. We guarantee that you will receive only the very best medicinal mushrooms available anywhere. If you are unhappy for any reason, we will gladly refund 100% of your money.
When you purchase your bulk mushrooms from Aloha Medicinals, you don’t need to worry about your product being contaminated in any way. All of our cultures are kept in a clean environment throughout the entire process and are rigorously tested to ensure quality. The research that Aloha Medicinals uses to manufacture its mushrooms has been ongoing since the mid-1950s. We have been building our reputation for years as the leading medicinal mushroom manufacturer. Click below to shop Aloha Medicinal products.
References
Lindequist, U., Niedermeyer, T., & Jülich, W. (2005, Sep 2). The Pharmalogical Potential of Mushrooms. PubMed.
Money, N. (2016). Are Mushrooms Medicinal? Elsevier
Gaeddert, A. The Science of Medicinal Mushrooms. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Ware, M. What is the nutritional value of mushrooms? (2017). Medical News Today.