The Magical world of Mushrooms

October 05, 2020

The Magical world of Mushrooms


Not plant. Not animal. These strange and unusual fungi have some weird and wonderful characteristics. From glowing in the dark to tasting like fried chicken, they are even more closely related to humans than they are plants. Mushrooms can synthesize vitamin D, repel insects, help to break down plastics, alter our consciousness and even kill us in an instant!
Humans have been taking mushrooms for a very long time. Possibly as far back as 9000 BC cave markings have been found from the Mayans and Aztecs depicting people taking mushrooms. In Ancient Egypt they were referred to as "the plant of immortality" and were a food exclusively kept for royalty, commoners were not even allowed to touch them. As early as 206 BC Chinese medicine has described many health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and today many of these are being supported by scientific research. From destroying cancer cells, supporting cardiovascular health, reducing stress and slowing ageing, revitalizing the liver and healing damage to our DNA. For much of what we lack, mushrooms have, in an easily digestible form. They contain disease fighting properties, are a great prebiotic, contain antioxidants and a whole range of important nutrients. They even contain copper, a mineral that is vital to our survival that the human body does not produce on its own.
Some of the top medicinal mushrooms widely used can so easily be added in to your daily health routine to give amazing benefits to your mind and body.

Chaga, King of the medicinal 
mushrooms. Referred to as "the gift of God" Chaga is  packed full of a variety of vitamins and minerals that make it one of the most nutritionally dense foods available. Chaga is a tonic herb, an adaptogen and an anti-ageing, immune boosting superfood. Traditionally found growing in old growth birch forests, it is so powerful it has even been shown to heal the birch tree on which it grows. Chaga is thought to contain the highest concentration of superoxide disutase(SOD) which is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress, this may slow down the signs of ageing and prevent many health problems. Chaga may also help in alleviating fatigue also lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. The bioactive components in Chaga exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunostimulatory activities. It has shown remarkable results for people suffering psoriasis with research showing a 76% remission rate in patients taking chaga. It may also be of some benefit for people suffering rheumatoid arthritis.

Reishi, Queen of the 
mushroom kingdom. This mushroom has been used as a tonic herb that promotes good health, and longevity. It has been seen to increase vitality, reduce stress, calm the mind, produce a sense of deep relaxation and improve sleep. It is a powerful adaptogen which will help the body deal with stress. For thousands of years Reishi has been used as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of diseases including cardiovascular diseases and insomnia. The main constituents including polysaccharides, triterpenes and peptides help to enhance the anti-microbial, antioxidant and immunomodulating activities.

Shitake is considered the elixir of life by Japanese elders as it bursts with amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Shitake mushrooms have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and have been used to boost immunity, strengthen the respiratory tract, tone the heart, improve circulation and strengthen the liver. Shitake contains high levels of amino acids and triterpenes which may help to reduce damage from UV rays and could stimulate the natural renewal process of the skin.

Tremella is an incredible Qi Tonic and adaptogen used for centuries in China and Japan as a youth preserving tonic. Tremella hydrates and plumps the skin creating a glowing complexion as it mimics the effects of hyaluronic acid. It may help slow down the signs of ageing as it is packed full of potent antioxidants, its also an anti-inflammatory and a great prebiotic. This herb can soothe the stomach, boost the immune system and support healthy cholesterol.

Lions Mane, a powerful and natural nootropic, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its amazing effects on cognitive health. Lions mane supports the brain and nervous system, improves cognitive function, improves memory focus and supports good digestive health. It may reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, help repair nerve damage and enhance your dreams and mood. This mushroom is rich in bioactive components such as beta-glucans which are thought to be responsible for important physiological activities, it has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting abilities.

 Turkey Tail has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to cultivate a strong immune system. It supports the heart, lungs and spleen, tones the liver and can improve gut health with its prebiotic properties. Turkey Tail has also been proven to support healthy inflammatory response and cell turnover, this herb contains a wide variety of phenol and flavonoid antioxidants which promote a healthy immune system.

Cordyceps is a longevity promoting and life enhancing adaptogen that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, low libido and kidney disease. The main bioactive compounds such as cordycepin, polysaccharides and sterols may promote anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant activities. Cordyceps is also a brilliant athletes tonic for building physical strength and power and for improving endurance in prolonged and high intensity exercise.

Protect your health naturally and start to get your daily dose of Mushrooms today! We have a fabulous range of high quality mushroom extracts available, from liquids to powders and tablets. Its just so simple and you really will feel the difference.

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