"Reishi, the "mushroom of immortality," has been revered for over 2,000 years. Traditionally used to promote longevity, boost the immune system, support cardiovascular health, and nurture the spirit, it's no wonder reishi is one of the most researched and respected functional mushrooms."
David Wolfe
What Is a Functional Mushroom? Proven Life-Changing Benefits You Can't Afford to Miss
Hey there, my fellow mushroom enthusiast!
Are you curious about the magical world of functional mushrooms and wondering, "What is a functional mushroom, anyway?"
Well, you've come to the right place!
I'm here to guide you through the process of incorporating these incredible superfoods into your daily routine and help you discover how they can transform your health and well-being.
First things first...
Let's define:
What a functional mushroom is.
Functional mushrooms are a special category of mushrooms that are known for their adaptogenic properties and their ability to support various systems in our body.
Chaga is the king of the medicinal mushrooms. It is an adaptogen, immune modulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and overall longevity tonic.
Cass Ingram, D.O., author and medicinal mushroom expert
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing.
They've been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and now, modern science is catching up, revealing the incredible benefits they offer for our physical and mental well-being.
There are medicinal/functional/adaptogenic qualities to most edible mushrooms.
A 2016 review of clinical trials found that reishi mushroom improved quality of life and enhanced immune response in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy (Jin et al., 2016).
Now, let’s talk about how to get your hands on some high-quality functional mushrooms.
You can:
- support your local mushroom farmers
- grow your own gourmet mushrooms like lion's mane and oyster mushrooms at home
- find gourmet functional mushrooms as specialty food shops like Whole Foods
- opt for a high quality supplement
- grow your own psilocybin mushrooms for microdosing
- all of the above!
If you choose the supplement route, make sure to read my turkey tail supplement shopping guide to ensure you're getting a legit product.
Trust me...
You don't want to waste your hard-earned money on low-quality supplements, which unfortunately make up WELL over 95% of the medicinal mushroom market.
Look for 3rd party testing and transparency in reporting the beta glucans potency - these are absolute must-haves!
A study found that lion's mane improved mild cognitive impairment in elderly individuals after 16 weeks of supplementation (Mori et al., 2009).
Let's talk about gourmet mushroom preparation.
Always, and I mean always, cook your gourmet mushrooms.
Cooking not only enhances the flavor and texture but also maximizes the nutritional value.
Check out my article on how to cook shiitake mushrooms for the science-backed way to do it right.
As a medicine woman...
I firmly believe that adaptogenic mushrooms are a fantastic addition to any western, complementary, or alternative therapy or medical treatment.
The best part?
Functional mushrooms have very few, if any, side effects.
It's almost as if they were designed specifically for us humans to use as medicine...
Things that make you go hmmm....
Lion's mane mushroom is nature's gift to your nervous system! It's the only mushroom possessing not one but TWO potent nerve growth factors, showing potential benefits for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Four Sigmatic, functional mushroom company
And you know what?
That might not be too far from the truth.
To deepen your question, "What is a functional mushroom?"...
Did you know?
We are genetically more similar to mushrooms than we are to plants or any monkey!!!
It's no wonder they treat so many human ailments and have been doing so for millennia with minimal side effects.
Unlike many western medicines, functional mushrooms are generally very safe and have few medication interactions.
A 2010 study found that cordyceps improved exercise performance and reduced fatigue in healthy older adults (Chen et al., 2010).
So, how can you start incorporating these natural wonders into your life?
There are so many delicious and easy ways!
Try adding functional mushroom powders to your favorite smoothies, coffee, or tea for a quick and convenient boost.
You can also find supplements in capsule or tablet form for a no-fuss daily dose.
Feeling a bit more adventurous?
Why not try growing your own functional mushrooms at home?
Growing your own medicine is so much THE MEDICINE.
Shroom Mystic
Many companies now offer grow kits that make it easy to cultivate your own reishi, lion's mane, or other functional mushrooms.
Not only is it a fun and rewarding hobby the whole family enjoys, but you'll also have a fresh supply of these incredible superfoods right at your fingertips.
A 2015 study showed chaga extract stopped human colon cancer cells dead in it's tracks AND killed the colon cancer cells (Lemieszek et al., 2015).
As you begin to incorporate functional mushrooms into your wellness routine, don't be surprised if you notice some profound changes in your body and mind.
Many people report feeling more balanced, resilient, and focused after taking functional mushrooms regularly.
Let's explore the topic, "What is a functional mushroom?" from a personal story.
Popular Articles...
What is a functional mushroom? My personal experience.
Reishi and Cordyceps, in particular, are functional mushrooms you can actually FEEL the benefits of IMMEDIATELY.
Drinking cordyceps daily before any athletic endeavor gives you a boost in lung-capacity and cardiovascular output like nothing I've ever experienced…
Meaning…you feel superhuman in your sport or just in your activities of daily living.
A 2012 clinical trial found a turkey tail mushroom supplementation improved immune function in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Torkelson et al., 2012).
Drinking Reishi before bedtime is a beautiful way to incorporate an evening ritual into your life.
Reishi, the "mushroom of immortality," is like a comforting hug before bedtime, gently lulling you into a deep, restful slumber and ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
You may also notice improvements in your immune function, digestion, and overall sense of well-being.
As an experienced Registered Dietitian, I have yet to find a food with as impressive of a nutritional and wellness profile as the mighty adaptogenic mushroom.
A 2015 mice study showed shiitake mushroom extract reduced inflammation and improved gut immunity for acute colitis (Sung et al., 2015).
Remember, functional mushrooms work best when...
Combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
If you're dealing with a specific health concern, such as chronic fatigue, anxiety, or a weakened immune system, functional mushrooms may be especially beneficial for you.
While they shouldn't be used as a substitute for professional medical care, they can be a valuable complement to your overall treatment plan.
Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and low sex drive. Today, cordyceps is used to boost energy levels, enhance athletic performance, and support overall health and well-being.
Dr. Josh Axe
A 2009 mice study found that maitake mushroom extract enhanced the efficacy of the influenza vaccine, suggesting its potential as an immune-boosting adjuvant (Masuda et al., 2009).
As you begin your functional mushroom journey, and reflect upon your original question...
"What is a functional mushroom?"
Take a moment to appreciate the incredible wisdom and resilience these organisms have developed over millions of years.
By consuming functional mushrooms, you're tapping into that ancient wisdom and inviting it to support your own health and well-being.
So, whether you're sipping on a warm cup of chaga tea, adding a spoonful of lion's mane powder to your morning coffee, or simply marveling at the intricate beauty of a reishi mushroom, remember that you're participating in a centuries-old tradition of natural healing.
Embrace the magic of functional mushrooms and watch as they transform your world, one delicious sip or bite at a time.
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