7 Adaptogenic mushroom benefits

Medicinal mushrooms: uses and virtues

Adaptogenic mushrooms are increasingly part of the natural remedies available and accessible. They have great medicinal powers also known as adaptogenic virtues. Sometimes present in our boreal forests and sometimes from abroad, the mushroom, consumed as a herbal tea, decoction or tablets, offers anti-cancer, anti-aging and anti-stress properties.

What is an adaptogen?

An adaptogen is an herb or substance that stabilizes the body's normal functions, helping the body better manage various types of stress, whether physical, chemical or biological. Studies conducted on adaptogens show that they improve the stress response and promote overall balance in the body.

Virtues of adaptogenic mushrooms

1. Reishi

It is the mushroom of immortality. The latter contains more than 200 bioactive substances making it a triumphant remedy on several levels. Among its benefits are:

• Increases resistance to physical and psychological stress
• Strengthens immunity
• Modulates the stress response and prevents exhaustion
• Improves liver function
• Softens the mood
• Helps overcome side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Elixir of long life

Dosage: As it is inedible, it is best taken as a herbal tea or decoction. For the herbal tea option, infuse 2 to 8 grams of reishi per day. Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals. Repeat for 6 to 8 weeks for a more effective cure.

In decoction, incorporate 30 grams of reishi in 3 liters of water and reduce over the heat to 2 liters. Place in the fridge and drink regularly.

2. Shiitake

It is a mushroom with a sublime taste that you will easily find in supermarket. Edible, it is found in several Asian dishes. Its medicinal virtues are well known:

• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Regulates weight and helps maintain a healthy weight
• Stabilizes immune health: increases it when necessary and moderates it in cases of hyperimmunity (allergies, autoimmune disorders)
• Excellent source of iron
• Prevents breast, prostate and colon cancer

Dosage: Consume whole, up to 10 mushrooms per day. It is delicious when added to your soups and vegetable stir-fries. It retains its medicinal properties when heated for 7 minutes over medium heat. 

3. Maitake

A mushroom that fascinates growers with its immense size of up to 45 kg, it also interests scientists for its anti-tumor properties. It is also used for its virtues:

• Antidiabetic and regulates blood sugar
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves fertility and ovulatory disorders
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-viral
• May combat chronic fatigue
• Eases hay fever symptoms

• Delays aging, especially that of the skin

Dosage: It is more frequently found in liquid extract or capsule. Take 15 to 50 mg of liquid extract or 500 mg of encapsulated powder per day on an empty stomach.  

4. Cordyceps

Coming from North America, Europe and Asia, this caterpillar mushroom grows at altitude. Several scientific studies have demonstrated its benefits, among others:

• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes sexual and reproductive health
• Improves liver and kidney function
• Treats respiratory tract conditions (cough, bronchitis, asthma)
• Anti-tumor – prevents the formation and proliferation of metastases

Dosage : Prioritize the decoction. Use 5 to 10 grams per day for a long-term treatment (2-3 months). Stop for a week and start again.

5. Coriolus

He is the champion of immunity. It strengthens the immune system to such an extent that it should be avoided if you are taking immunosuppressants to treat, for example, autoimmune disorders. In the absence of this contraindication, use coriolus as:

• Anti-viral
• Anti-herpes
• Anti-cancer
• To slow the progression of certain diseases

Dosage : Incorporate 3 to 10 grams of dehydrated mushroom or 10 to 30 grams of fresh mushroom into your food.

6. Chaga

Having gained popularity in recent years, this birch parasite is easily spotted in Quebec forests. In addition to being essential for the health of the adrenal glands and digestive organs, it is used for its properties:

• Anti-cancer
• Stimulants for the immune system
• Antioxidants

Dosage: Simmer 10 grams of mushrooms in 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink daily.

7. Hydne hedgehog or lion's mane

The latter may have already been served to you in an oriental cuisine dish. It has a pleasant texture when cooked and replaces meat well in vegetarian dishes. Several studies have confirmed that consuming this mushroom can:

• Slow cognitive decline
• Improve nerve health – indicated for Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis
• Promote the regeneration of bone tissue – indicated for osteoporosis
• Promote wound healing
• Soothe stomach ulcers and cancers

Dosage: Incorporate a few pieces of fresh mushrooms into your breakfast. Sauté in olive oil to maximize its properties. In capsule form, supplement up to 2000mg per day.

Proven blends

Synergy for energy: reishi + shiitake + maitake + cordyceps

This mixture will help you face a period of intense stress or fight against great fatigue and/or depression. This revitalizing synergy restores strength, energy, resistance, vitality and endurance.

Imperial Synergy: reishi + cordyceps + ginseng

This mixture increases vitality (Qi or Chi in Chinese medicine) and supports metabolism.

Ready to emerge from the shadows of the great forests and a new fashionable food, the adaptogenic mushroom will be consumed in salads, in infusions or as a supplement in 2025.

Now it's up to you to see the adaptogenic benefits of mushrooms. You will find it in a natural food store, such as La Boite à Grains. Botanica, New Roots and Wild Rose are brands to prioritize. They use whole, good quality mushrooms and use processes that release and optimize the beneficial properties.

 

References:

• http://www.etre-bien.eu/reishi-les-6-vertus-dun-champignon-fantastique/
• http://www.naturemania.com/bioproduits/champignon2.html
• https://philippeprovencher.com/category/herbes-adaptogenes/
• http://alchimiste-en-herbe.com/le-merveilleux-monde-des-adaptogenes/
• http://www.mangersantebio.org/9912/reishi-champignon-de-la-longevite
• http://www.mr-plantes.com/2015/01/reishi-rouge-ganoderma-lucidum/
• https://remedes.ca/chaga/