Health is a complex topic and most of us to some degree have health challenges. Whether those are pain related, anxiety, depression, poor immune function, allergies or even cancer, we all have some problem that we are contending with in our daily lives. There are many herbs that can assist with health restoration and healing, but one group, referred to as medicinal mushrooms, are real powerhouses for our health. The key is understanding them and combining them for true effectiveness. Dosage is also another key factor, with some individuals requiring a low dose, while others require a much higher dose. Medicinal mushrooms are something I rely on daily in my routine, so let’s dig in a little deeper.
The following is an excerpt taken from my book “Why Aren’t You Healed“, which takes the reader through the concepts and philosophies of alternative medicine, herbs and their purpose, and dosage regimens utilized for various conditions. This is an incredible book, putting everything that I personally know about herbs into an easy to follow format to assist you with your health goals.
There are many tonics used to restore Qi, Yin, Yang and Yin, but there is a class of them that to me are not only very safe, but also very effective. That group is called medicinal mushrooms and includes many varieties. Mushrooms are incredible and edible substances that have tremendous health benefits. In truth, medicinal mushrooms were one of the first herbal entities that I discovered and utilized in my own cancer recovery.
There are many varieties of medicinal mushrooms, many with similar benefits, but others have unique benefits to the specific type. All in all, medicinal mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates termed beta-glucans, which are present in all, but the precise configuration of that beta-glucan can vary from mushroom to mushroom. These beta-glucans or sugar molecules can impact the digestive microbiome, combat inflammation, impact blood sugar levels, and enhance an immune response. Additionally, the combination of these beta-glucans along with other phytochemicals present in the mushroom can demonstrate pain reduction capabilities, enhance mental health, combat cancer, and rebuild organ function.
From a TCM perspective, mushrooms have the capability to tonify or enhance Qi, Yin, Yang, Blood and Jing, all five elements. Thus, they have the potential of restoring a body, mind, and spirit. In fact, in a prior chapter when we discussed aging and Jing, four of the Jing tonics mentioned were medicinal mushrooms, being Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, and Inonotus.
Medicinal mushrooms are very safe and gentle upon a system, usually without side effects in most instance. For most people, they are effective and safe, with exceptions in those that are allergic. In most cases of health problems, I recommend incorporating medicinal mushrooms into the therapy regimen alongside of other herbs and proper nutrition. In some cases of mild health conditions or just a need to alter the aging process, medicinal mushrooms can be all that you may be require, alongside the dietary and lifestyle changes of course.
I utilize seven medicinal mushrooms in their concentrated extract form, usually in combination:
- Cordyceps sinensis
- Poria cocos
- Inonotus obliquus
- Coriolus versicolor
- Ganoderma lucidum
- Maitake
- Hericium erinaceus
Cordyceps sinensis is a powerful Yang tonic to support kidney health. To some, they also view it as being Yin supportive. It is mildly warming in nature, but not overheating. It is well researched for stamina, energy, pain, immune health, respiratory conditions, reproductive problems, and cancer support.
Poria cocos is a mushroom traditionally used in TCM to benefit digestion and dampness accumulation in the body. Poria is often used alongside of Yin tonics or in those with a weakened digestion. It is neutral in energy and has a diuretic effect upon the body, gently leaking excess fluid off into the urine. It also benefits digestion and the microbiome, mental health, anxiety, depression, and cancer based on research.
Inonotus obliquus or Chaga is another medicinal mushroom used to enhance the immune response, increase energy, and demonstrate anti-cancer properties. Chaga is viewed as being slightly warming and a Qi and blood tonic to the body from a TCM perspective. Chaga also helps to calm the Shen, lower blood pressure, and impact sugar regulation in the body.
Coriolus versicolor or Turkey Tail is another mushroom used for immune support, energy production and demonstrates potent anti-cancer properties. Coriolus is considered slightly cooling in nature. Research has demonstrated incredible cancer fighting potential with a few polysaccharides or sugar molecules present in Coriolus, including PSP and PSK. In Japan, the PSK compound from Coriolus was approved as an anti-cancer medication.
Ganodema lucidum or Reishi is yet one more medicinal mushroom with immune enhancing and digestive supporting capabilities. Reishi is unique because it helps to stabilize the mind or Shen and is incorporated for this reason. It does not have sedating properties, but more so just helps to produce a calm in the body. It has demonstrated marked anti-anxiety capabilities and could impact other mental conditions from depression to Parkinson’s. Reishi is mildly warming in nature.
Grifola frondosa or Maitake is considered very similar in action to Coriolus or Chaga, with immense immune supporting properties along with digestive health benefits. Maitake contains within it a polysaccharide termed the D-fraction, which demonstrates marked anti-cancer benefits in research.
Hericium erinaceus or Lion’s Mane is a unique mushroom that is generally neutral in energy, benefits digestion, and the immune response, but has an affinity to the brain, mind, and nervous system. Modern research has indicated that Lion’s mane is beneficial for cases of anxiety, depression, Alzhmeimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathies, and other cases of nerve dysfunction.
All these mushrooms can be classified as adaptogens to some degree, impacting either the Three Treasures or the Five Elements of health and well-being. In my opinion, they are used in combination so you can take advantage of the benefits of each species, and there is synergism.
Bottom line? Medicinal mushrooms offer tremendous potential to combat aging, pain, and combat disease on many levels. They should be incorporated into every regimen and could be used as a sole therapy for those just wishing to enhance their well-being.
Medicinal mushrooms are offered individually in the Cur-OST Silver line of products, but are also found in combination in the Cur-OST HU Immune blend.
Author: Tom Schell, D.V.M, CVCH, CHN