Medicinal mushrooms are magical—they have the ability to clear away and repair remnants from our past, help us meet the present, and fortify our immune system to promote lasting health in the future.
The unparalleled, multi-dimensional benefits of medicinal mushrooms allow them to work not only on diverse organs and systems in the body, but also on other aspects of well-being along the spectrum of time. For this reason, I often say that medicinal mushrooms support past, present and future health.
The effects of mushrooms on the body don’t diminish over time the way some other natural therapies do. This means, with mushrooms, you can continue to see positive results with ongoing use. You will not develop a tolerance to them, as you can with medications and even botanicals when used continuously. Mushrooms can also be taken at high doses when additional support is needed.
I first learned about these remarkable fungi during my early exploration into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), more than 30 years ago. Mushrooms help train the body so that, over time, you may actually need less. As an example, I used to take six capsules twice a day. Now I take three capsules once a day. This is because my body was trained over time.
These highly adaptable features are unique to mushrooms. While wild mushrooms can grow just about anywhere, they especially thrive in conditions of deterioration and decay—so they can help you adapt and thrive too, regardless of challenges you may face.
The Antiviral Strength of Mushrooms
Immune system training and balance (aka modulation) is fundamental — and can go a long way in helping you achieve your best health. But the immune benefits offered by different mushrooms extend beyond this, delivering powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. They make the perfect cold-weather defense.
Unique antiviral properties are present within many medicinal mushroom species, including:
- Inhibition of enzymes that allow a virus to replicate
- Inhibition of enzymes that allow viruses to attach to and infect healthy cells
- Blocking the spread of viruses within the respiratory system
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Top Mushroom Varieties
There are over 260 species of medicinal mushrooms found so far. Compelling research and a long-history of traditional use have helped identify some of the most powerful and effective species, to help you achieve total-body health and wellness.
Mushrooms can be taken individually, but over the years, I’ve learned how to get much better results by taking them together within a comprehensive formula. Combining different mushrooms gives you broad-spectrum support and coverage for your most critical areas of health. And believe me, you’ll notice the difference!
Here are a few of the top varieties I use often in my practice to help my patients—as well as myself and my family—achieve greater health and longevity.
Ganoderma (Reishi)—Antiviral actions, supports front-line immune activity, reduces symptoms of bronchitis and asthma, lowers cholesterol, enhances oxygenation of blood and tissues, reduces inflammation, supports detoxification, protects against radiation damage, and more.
Cordyceps (Caterpillar Mushroom)—Immune-regulating and -enhancing properties: improves phagocyte, macrophage and NK cell function, improves bone marrow, anti-tumor activity; reduces LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, improves oxygenation and vital energy levels, anti-aging benefits, and more.
Coriolus (Turkey Tail)—A primary anti-cancer mushroom with unique compounds that demonstrate potent activity against pancreatic, cervical and other cancers; antiviral, supports front-line immunity, reduces symptoms of autoimmune conditions, anti-inflammatory benefits, and more.
Lion’s mane—Lion’s mane is rich in cell-supporting polysaccharides, and has been used in traditional medicine as well as in modern culture to help support cognitive abilities like focus and memory. There is also scientific research supporting the use of lion’s mane for mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. Lion’s mane is known for supporting a healthy gastrointestinal tract, defending against toxins from the environment and working with the immune system to support white blood cell production.
Spotlight on Two Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Reishi and cordyceps are two of the most notable adaptogenic mushrooms. As adaptogenics, they are able to grow in low-oxygen environments. Cordyceps, for example, grows under severe conditions in the Himalayas at 14k to 15k feet. They are naturally good for the heart, lungs, and brain, and for conditions involving high oxidative stress and low levels of oxygen.
Reishi and the codyceps are high in phospholipids, so they are important components in stabilizing cell membranes and mitochondria. They can penetrate into the cell membrane to exchange with/remove fat-soluble toxins, while actively protecting your nervous system and brain.
Both mushrooms also help enhance detoxification and protect against the negative effects of toxins. Codyceps, specifically, helps protect the kidneys from damage caused by immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and aminoglycosides, a class of antibiotics.
Reishi is known for its ability to protect the liver from inflammation and fibrosis, crucial for lung health. It also protects the blood vessels and, through that, can help promote healthy blood pressure.
While other supplements have their place, nothing beats the innate life force and wisdom of mushrooms. Fungi hold an energy and congruence that you often can’t find in isolated nutrients.
References
Linnankoski R, et al. Antiviral Agents From Fungi: Diversity, Mechanisms and
Potential Applications. Front Microbiol. 2018 Oct 2;9:2325.
Lu J, et al.. Molecular mechanisms of bioactive polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi), a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Feb 6;150:765-774.
Saleh MH, et al. Immunomodulatory Properties of Coriolus versicolor: The Role
of Polysaccharopeptide. Front Immunol. 2017 Sep 6;8:1087.
Wasser SP. Medicinal Mushrooms in Human Clinical Studies. Part I. Anticancer, Oncoimmunological, and Immunomodulatory Activities: A Review. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2017;19(4):279- 317.
Xiao Z, et al. Fungal polysaccharides. Adv Pharmacol. 2020;87:277-299.
Zheng Y, et al. Cordyceps polysaccharide ameliorates airway inflammation in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of asthma via TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2020 Feb 7;276:103412.
