Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have a very positive impact on our immune system. Medicinal mushrooms contain essential polysaccharides, glucans (beta-glucans), numerous minerals, trace elements, and almost all B-vitamins, making a significant contribution to health. The nutritional and medicinal properties have been known for a long time.

Mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom. The most popular medicinal mushrooms include Chaga, reishi (lingzhi), lion’s mane, and cordyceps sinensis. Each mushroom is unique, with distinct characteristics, properties, and nutritional profiles.

Chaga

Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus that mainly grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as those in Scandinavia, Siberia, Canada, and Alaska. In Dutch, the mushroom is called “Berkenweerschijnzwam,” and in Latin, it’s Inonotus obliquus. For centuries, Chaga has been used as a traditional medicine in Scandinavia, primarily to boost the immune system and promote overall health. Chaga is low in calories, rich in fiber, and filled with antioxidants. It likely has the highest ORAC value of all plant foods in the world.

Reishi

Reishi is one of the most popular and widely used mushrooms globally due to its numerous health benefits. In English, the mushroom is called Lingzhi or Reishi Mushroom, and in Dutch, it’s known as “gesteelde lakzwam.” Reishi has been traditionally used for over 2000 years to support the immune system. Reishi contains specific substances, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and beta-glucans.

Reishi stimulates blood circulation and psychological well-being, lowers blood cholesterol, and strengthens the immune system. It is used to enhance general well-being and balance immune system function. Reishi has an adaptogenic effect – it balances the body’s functions in various ways, and its effects depend on the amount of polysaccharides and triterpenes it contains.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane, or in English, Lion’s Mane, gets its name because of its lion-like appearance. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a beneficial mushroom in Eastern medicine and has been traditionally used by Buddhist monks for thousands of years. Lion’s Mane is an adaptogen, non-toxic plants that help the body resist physical and mental stress.

The mane-like mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is still used as a remedy. Lion’s Mane neuropeptides are responsible for the growth, maintenance, and proliferation of neurons and myelin in the brain. This specialized protein is necessary for the growth of sensory neurons in our brains, playing an essential role in the differentiation and survival of various nerve cell populations in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Cordyceps Sinensis

Cordyceps is a highly regarded ancient herbal supplement, known colloquially in the Netherlands as ‘rupsendoder’ (caterpillar killer), ‘rupsenzwam’ (caterpillar fungus), or ‘Chinese rupsendoder.’ Cordyceps naturally contains polysaccharides (including cyclofurans, galactomannans, beta-glucans & beta-mannans), lipids, nucleoside analogs, notably high in cordycepine and 3-deoxyadenosine. Cordyceps promotes cellular energy production, oxygen utilization, and stimulates blood circulation and the blood flow of all organ systems. Cordyceps sinensis has a strengthening and invigorating effect on the body and mind.