Functional mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are known for their supposed health-promoting properties.
These mushrooms are often used in traditional medicine and are believed to have a range of benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and aiding in the management of stress and anxiety.
There are many different types of functional mushrooms, each with its own unique set of reported benefits and uses. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of functional mushrooms, their potential health benefits, and how to incorporate them into your self-care.
Types of Functional Mushrooms:
Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus that grows on birch trees in cold climates, such as Siberia, Russia, and Canada. It is a popular functional mushroom due to its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. Chaga mushroom is often consumed as a tea or extracted into a supplement form and is believed to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Boosting the immune system: Chaga mushroom is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.
- Reducing inflammation: Chaga mushroom is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in reducing chronic inflammation.
- Improving digestion: Some people believe that chaga mushroom extract may help to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushroom is another popular functional mushroom that is native to Asia and North America. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Reishi mushroom is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and may help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improving sleep: Some people believe that reishi mushroom may help to improve sleep quality and duration.
- Boosting the immune system: Reishi mushroom is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to prevent illness and improve overall health.
Reishi mushroom is often consumed as a tea or extract. We use real reishi mushroom in our botanical tonics.
Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis)
Cordyceps mushroom is a type of fungus that grows wild on caterpillars in the Himalayan mountains, farmed it grows on hardwood. It is a popular functional mushroom due to its high nutrient content and potential health benefits, including:
- Improving energy and endurance: Cordyceps mushroom is believed to improve energy levels and increase physical endurance. It may be helpful for athletes or people who engage in regular physical activity.
- Reducing fatigue: Some people believe that cordyceps mushroom may help to reduce fatigue and improve overall energy levels.
- Boosting the immune system: Cordyceps mushroom is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to prevent illness and improve overall health.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s mane mushroom is a type of edible mushroom that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its unique appearance, with long, white, shaggy spines that resemble a lion’s mane. Lion’s mane mushroom is a popular functional mushroom due to its potential health benefits, including:
- Improving cognitive function: Some studies suggest that lion’s mane mushroom may improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
- Reducing inflammation: Lion’s mane mushroom is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Boosting the immune system: Lion’s mane mushroom is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to prevent illness and improve overall health.
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey tail mushrooms are native to Asia and North America. They get their name from their distinctive multicoloured appearance, which resembles the tail feathers of a turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms are a popular functional mushroom due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some potential benefits of turkey tail mushrooms include:
- Boosting the immune system: Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are also believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to prevent illness and improve overall health.
- Reducing inflammation: Turkey tail mushrooms are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Supporting gut health: Turkey tail mushrooms are believed to have prebiotic properties, which means that they help to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This may help to improve digestion and support overall gut health.
The above is an overview of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, but as science takes a deeper look at the fascinating world of fungi we will no doubt find further medicinal uses.
