I have always been a mushroom lover and it I fairly easy to incorporate edible mushrooms into my lifestyle. But perhaps you are not and maybe find yourself wondering how to incorporate these medicinal benefits of certain mushrooms into your life but do not know where to start.
Edible mushrooms have great benefits and I hope that you find some inspiration in this article that will point you in the right direction of choosing which mushroom to look into more and different ways you can incorporate them into your lifestyle.
There are two main ways that mushrooms can support your body, and that is through nourishing your nervous system ad supporting your immune system.
The majority of the mushrooms on this list contain a complex starch (polysaccharides) that stimulate your immune system. And this really helps to improve the function of your immune cells.
These starches in the mushrooms basically help your immune system to have proper discernment creating destruction of harmful pathogens but keeping the harmless ones alone.
Even-though there are many mushrooms I am trying to keep it simple and only focus on 6:
- Reishi
- Maitake
- Shiitake
- Turkey Tail
- Cordyceps
- Chaga
Lets look at each one and its benefits first and down below are some useful ways to prepare them.
Mushrooms
Reishi (ganoderma lucidum)
This is a reddish orange to black color mushroom with a shiny skin that has a slender stalk that attached to the cap from the side. Most of the time this murshroom is found on hardwood trees throughout North America and South America and Europe. It is very useful in supporting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When you have an active viral infection this mushroom will increase its resistance to it. It also helps with sleep and if you eat a poisonous mushroom this mushroom will counter the poison effects. (1)
Safety: Because it is high in adenosine, this mushroom is not suggested for hemophiliacs and should be used with caution by people that are on anticoagulants or anti platelet medications.
Preparation: Tea, capsules, tinctures, as food.
Maitake (grifola frondosa)
This mushroom is grown on tree roots and at the base of the stump throughout the US, Europe and Asia. They are small fan shaped caps that are all together at the stalk. Another great supporter of the cardiovascular system and immune system. It supports healthy blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. (2)
Safety: No known issues reported
Preparation: In food, as tea or taken in capsules
Shiitake (lentinula edodes)
This is a light brownie to amber colored mushroom with the top central or off central to the stem. It grown on broad leaf trees throughout Eastern Asia. Also stimulates the immune system and increases the resistance to bacterial and viral infection making it great to have around during the cold and flu season. It supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure by strengthening blood vessels. (3)
Safety: If it consumed raw or not fully cooked then dermatitis can occur
Preparation: Taken in food, tea, tinctures or capsules
Turkey Tail (trametes versicolor)
Turkey tail grows moistly on dead logs all over. We have been lucky enough to have Turkey Tail in our property. They look like overlapping clusters of fan shaped caps. They very much resemble a turkey tail, hence its name. You will want to look for shades of brown whites and grays. Underside of the cap is white with tiny pores that do not usually change color when scratched. This mushroom has been approved by the FDA for use in clinical trials for it’s anti tumor benefits. It is great for stimulating and supporting the respiratory system, immune system and digestive system. It also helps to detox the liver and supports healthy cholesterol levels. (4)
Safety: There is no known issues.
Preparation: Best in tea or in capsules
Cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis)
This mushroom looks a bit interesting if you see it whole. It is orange to brown in color and sometimes a bit of violet. It is known as a lung tonic and has adaptogenic properties. It is an energizing mushroom which stimulates the body and mind so it is best consumed in the morning if you are the sensitive type. For people that find it way to stimulating, reishi would be a better choice. (5)
Safety: No known interactions
Preparation: In tea, tincture or capsules
Chaga (inonotus obliquus)
This mushroom is black and is a deep mass that is hard and looks like it has been burned. It grown mainly on birch, alder and elm trees. This mushroom is over harvested because it takes along time to grow so whenever possible choose other mushroom or herb options. It is highly antioxidant and is known to soothe the digestive tract and mucous membranes. It also supports the lungs, liver and heart as well as discouraging parasite growth.(6)
Safety: No known interactions
Preparation: Tea, tincture
How to make your own preparation
As you can see there are many ways that you can prepare and add edible mushrooms into your lifestyle. The benefits come not only from eating the mushrooms in a food format but also by extracting their health benefits form herbal preparations.
The most common ways are by water extraction in teas, decoctions, or tinctures.
Whichever method you use to extract the medicinal properties if you have a whole mushroom it is essential that you boil the mushroom for 45-60 min to get the active constitutes from inside the cell walls.
After cooking it for a long time your liquid should be dark and have a distinct smell. At this stage you can take the recommended dose or add in your favorite herbs like ginger, cinnamon or peppermint that can improve the flavor and help you get the dose down.
Doses
When it comes to finding out your own dose it is important to ask yourself why you are taking a certain mushroom. If it is mainly for supporting your wellness then you might not want to take it as often or as much in comparison to dealing with a certain imbalance in your body you are trying to support in which case you can look into a higher dose for a duration of time.
Is is also important to think about which mushroom you are taking and it if has any side effects when taking them long term. If you are thinking about a certain mushroom then its best to research it thoroughly or talk to an herbalist, especially if you are on any medications.
Some mushrooms can be taken as often as you’d like and others have a suggested dosage that fall within a certain range per day.
Final thoughts
If you are looking to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your life then they are fairly easy to include in your meals. If you need them for a specific purpose it is important to look at the method you are taking them in and make sure that the medicinal properties have been extracted.
For example, some mushroom are not good to take as tinctures but better to take in food.
As always it is important to research the mushroom thoroughly to make sure that there are no interactions with medications or health issues.
If you need further support do not hesitate to schedule your free 30 min consultation if you need a more personalized plan for yourself of your family needs.
