If you have clicked on this post thinking, I am going to talk about magic mushrooms. I am sorry to disappoint. I am also not going to talk about your average mushroom either.
There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the world, and only 15 are used for human consumption, with a further 20 being edible for humans.
Mushrooms such as Reishi have been a medical herb in China and Japan for over 2000 years. As a result, many studies have been done on medical mushrooms and their effect on tumours and the immune systems.
"In fact, in 1991 a 5,300 year-old mummy was discovered carrying birch polypore fungus, which exerts a purgative effect and may have been used to treat the mummified person’s intestinal parasites".
Eleven years ago, I started to use medical mushroom mixes with Reishi and shiitake to help those who were suffering from glandular fever or chronic fatigue after a virus.
That is most likely why mushrooms have had a big comeback and are even more prevalent than ever before as new research sees good results with using mushrooms in long covid.
Mushrooms are a source of many nutrients, including fibre, protein, selenium, and potassium, as well as the vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E. Additionally, they possess several bioactive components, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Notably, β-glucan, a polysaccharide commonly present in mushrooms, has been studied for its immune-stimulating and prebiotic properties.
Researchers have identified 130 possible therapeutic uses for mushrooms, Including :
Anti-bacterial
Anti-diabetic
Anti-fungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anti-parasitic
Anti-tumour
Anti-viral
Hepatoprotective
Immunomodulating
The top 8 mushrooms for immune support
Chaga- anti-cancer and antioxidant effect as well as immune system support
Cordyceps- protects against viruses and has anti-bacterial action
Lion Mane- anti-cancer, anti-microbial and immune support
Maitake- supports immune function
Oyster- anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immune support
Reishi- immune support, anti-allergic, antitumour, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory
Shiitake- anti-cancer, anti-microbial, immune support
Turkey tail- supports immune function
For general immune support, it is recommended to have a combination of mushrooms in a mix and to use a single mushroom for targeted support.
Medical Mushrooms like the ones listed above come in many forms, including powder, liquid or capsules.
Research and paper used to formulate this blog