Currently, many species of mushrooms and fungi used in folk medicine for thousands of years are under intense study by ethnobotanists and medical researchers. Maitake, shiitake, chaga, and reishi are prominent among those being researched for their potential anti-cancer, anti-viral, or immunity-enhancing properties. Psilocybin, originally an extract of certain psychedelic mushrooms, is being studied for its ability to help people suffering from mental disease, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Minute amounts have been reported to stop cluster and migraine headaches.
Shiitake Lentinula edodes
Shiitake is native to East Asia, specifically China. The species has been cultivated for over a thousand years in both China and Japan. Its good flavor and pleasant texture contribute to continued growth in consumer demand and expanding cultivation. Shiitake mushroom is one of the most popular mushrooms in the world. The shiitake contains abundant protein, microelement, vitamin, etc. Many kinds of nutritional components that human body needed. The shiitake protein contains 18 kinds of aminophenol, among which 9 kinds are necessary to human body.
Scientists have isolated substances from Shiitake which may play a role in the cure and prevention of heart disease, cancer, and AIDS. It exhibits strong immune responses and has been extensively studied for use with cancers and viral infections. Shiitake Mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called “lentinan” that has proven to stop or slow the growth of cancerous tumors in animals. Another component, activated hexose-containing compound, is also said to reduce tumor activity and lessen the side effects of cancer treatment. The mushrooms also contain the compound eritadenine, which is thought to lower cholesterol by blocking the way cholesterol is absorbed into the bloodstream. This mushroom contains a variety of constituents that have demonstrated many actions including anti-tumor, liver protecting, anti-viral, immune modulation, and blood pressure lowering. Its extract is a powerful anti-fungal agent, used effectively to treat candida albicans. It is thought that lentinan enhances the immune system’s ability to fight infection.
Silver-Ear Tremella fuciformis
This species produces a white, lobed, irregularly shaped fruiting body. It is a species that has been long utilized as a “herb” to cure many ailments. In old pharmacological, Chinese books, it is said to cure tuberculosis, high blood pressure, the common cold and to extend life expectancy. However, it is also considered a delicacy and, prior to its cultivation, was affordable only for the tables of the rich.
It is a rich source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. And used as a nerve tonic and a skin tonic for healthy complexions. It is also very rich in Dietary Fiber. According to traditional Chinese medicine Tremella fuciformis nourishes the lung, stomach and kidney, strengthens the bones, helps maintain ideal weight. Other function of Tremella fuciformis are Anti-oxidization, restrain hepatitis, reduce bolld sugar and etc.
Hoelen Poria cocos
Poria cocos is a very old and widely used herb especially in Chinese medicine. Poria cocos has been traditionally used as a tonic to benefit the internal organs. Also known as the Indian potatoe as European settlers saw American Indians digging the mushroom out of the ground. Uses: sooths the heart, strengthens and increases vital energy and calms agitation; anti-tumor; diuretic and is known to cure edema; anti-inflammatory activity that may be useful for psoriasis. Poria cocos also lowers blood sugar levels, and has anti-bacterial, immunotonic and anti-cancer effects. Its different parts have different functions.
Cordyceps Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes about 400 described species. All Cordyceps species are endoparasitoids, mainly on insects and other arthropods (they are thus entomopathogenic fungi); a few are parasitic on other fungi. Cordyceps is a diverse supplement. It is used to promote energy and endurance, as well as for issues relating to respiratory health, kidney health, immune health, occasional fatigue and adrenal fatigue.
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Reishi Ganoderma lucidum Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms grow wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. Reishi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Reishi contains several constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids seem to help lower blood pressure as well as decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels. These specific triterpenoids also help to reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease.
Most Beautiful Mushrooms
This is not a mushroom you want to mess around with