Did you know that myco-therapy has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries?
Reishi (靈芝 ling zhi) and cordyceps (冬虫夏草 dong chong xia cao) are two examples of Chinese herbs that are both a fungus and they help to stop cough. Reishi calms the spirit while tonifying the heart and lung qi, while cordyceps tonifies the lungs and kidney yang.(1) I have been researching how to safely incorporate myco-therapy into my daily regimen to support my immune system, increase energy, and reduce inflammation. I had been nursing an injury to my heel that was incredibly painful while walking, or standing. To my surprise, 24 hours after drinking the first mushroom decoction, I was able to take a step out of bed pain free. One day later, I was able to walk 3 miles with no pain.
On my quest to find the best mushroom supplement, I found a tincture from Thorne called myco-immune. This supplement has a full spectrum of fungi goodness. Most of these mushrooms grow on the bark of fallen trees. They each have their own biochemical wonder that include polysaccharides, beta glucans, and antioxidants such as phenols, terpenes and flavonoids. Below is a list of ingredients in myco-immune and benefits to the body:
Cordyceps - increase energy, increase libido, improve athletic performance, stop cough, reduce weak and sore low back.
Maitake - manage weight, stabilize blood sugar, improves digestion.
Reishi - spirit calming, sleep aid, anti-microbial, increases blood circulation, balances hormones.
Shitake - clears skin, supports liver, lowers cholesterol, boost white blood cells
Split Gills - anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, reduce oxidative damage.
Turkey Tail - boosts immune response, aid digestion, heal infections.
Lions Mane - boost concentration and protects the nervous system, anti-inflammatory.
Recipe for Immune Boosting Mushroom Tea that is creamy and delicious:
1t. Organic Chaga Mushroom powder
1t. Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
1 dopper full of Thorne Myco-immune
1/4t. pumpkin pie spice
5 drops of liquid stevia
12 oz. hot water
Splash of vanilla hemp milk
I found that there are coffee and tea infused with myco-ingredients that were very expensive. This recipe cost about $2 per serving. I happened upon organic chaga and lions mane powder at my local Grocery Outlet. I carry Thorne Myco-immune at Inner Wisdom Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. As always if you are taking medication for diabetes, or anti-biotics these medicinals can augment those medications so it is important to consult your medical provider before consuming these products. I am available for consultation should you have any questions.
Works Cited
1. Bensky, Dan, et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine. Materia Medica. Seattle, Wa, Usa, Eastland Press, 2015.
2. Kubala, MS, RD, Jillian. “5 Immune-Boosting Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom.” Healthline, 6 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/turkey-tail-mushroom#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3.
3. Tero Isokauppila, and Mark H Hyman. Healing Mushrooms : A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health. New York, New York, Avery, An Imprint Of Penguin Random House, 2017.
