Go crazzzy for fungus? Luckily for you all of us wild Cordyceps fungus is our ally. We cannot say the same for the unfortunate insects who cross paths with their spores. The Cordyceps fungus is also known as the caterpillar mushrooms and it infects the insect and once it consumes most of the insect it sprouts out of its head like a crown. Although this may not sound so appetizing, you would be lucky if you got your hands on some authentic Cordyceps sinensis, considering it retails for $20,000 a kilo. The most common type of Cordyceps consumed today is the cordyceps militaris which are grown on grain making the mushroom more affordable while not compromising the benefits.

Cordyceps in Latin translates to “club and head.” When you look at the cordyceps fungus you will see that it resembles a gold club. This parasitic fungus is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine. Findings of its benefits was initially discovered by local herders in Tibet when they noticed their goats, yaks etc. were very strong and robust which led them to the discovery of the fungus. They then used the mushroom to help with milk production and reproduction of their cattle and for their own consumption later on.

Possible benefits:

🔘Supports energy output and  stamina*

🔘Promote the body’s natural metabolic systems*

🔘Support a healthy libido* 

🔘Provide kidney protection*

🔘Used to boost athletic performance & cardiovascular function*

🔘Anti-aging due to its high antioxidant content*

Lion's mane mushroom is a large white shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion’s mane as it grows and matures. This mushroom is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Many have compared its flavour to lobster or crab. Lion's mane can be found in countries including China, Japan and India and if you are lucky enough, your local grocery store or mushroom farm.

A projection of our aging population are 65 of age and up amounts to 80-90 million by the year 2050. Many will be affected by neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer’s/ Parkinson’s/ Dementia will top the list. Although there is no cure for these diseases, prevention will be our best shot at slowing down the symptoms.  

Recent studies are providing us with research showing that Lions mane has been shown to promote NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). Hericium and erinaceus are two very special compounds that are found in lion’s mane mushrooms that can stimulate the growth of brain cells.

Possible benefits:

🔘Promotes mental clarity, focus, and memory*

🔘Cerebral and nervous system* 

🔘Gut & digestive health*

🔘Many studies have identified a NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in Lion’s Mane*

🔘Decrease stress & anxiety*

🔘Optimizes nervous and immune system health*

🔘Supports cognitive function*

With the respectfully earned title “Queen of Mushrooms or “ mushroom of immortality,” Reishi is the most researched and commonly used mushroom. Used for more than two millennia in Asia. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum s.l.) grows throughout the world, primarily on hardwood trees, and is well known for supporting general wellness and immunity.* 

Reishi is packed with adaptogen. Adaptogens help our body’s ability to deal with stress and promote calmness. This beneficial factor aids in regulating our sleep cycle to promote better sleep.* 

Multiple studies have shown the many ways that Reishi can support our immunity. Some of the molecules in the mushroom are found to have increased activity in a type of white blood cell known as natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are responsible for fighting off infections and cancer in our bodies.* 

Reishi is the #1-selling mushroom species worldwide

Possible benefits:

🔘Promotes cardiovascular system health*

🔘Enhances the body’s ability to adapt to stress*

🔘Supports energy and stamina*

🔘Overall wellness support*

🔘Immune Support*

🔘Improved sleep*

Unlike your typical white button mushroom, chaga produces burnt bark like growth which resembles a chunky wood like charcoal. You can find chaga in colder regions such as Russia, Canada and Northern Europe. Just like the Cordyceps mushroom, it is a parasitic mushroom that infests birch trees. Chaga is a slow growing mushroom and can take up to 5 years to mature, so it is important to harvest the mushroom sustainably.

Chaga is known to be anti-inflammatory and high in compounds that stimulate the production of white blood cells, which is essential for fighting off bacteria and viruses.* For centuries the people of Russia and Northern Europe used chaga to boost their immune system and fight off minor colds to serious illnesses.* Beta-D-Glucan is a water soluble compound that can be found in the cell walls of the mushroom. The way it interacts with our immune system is unclear but together they work to boost your immune.*

Possible benefits:

🔘improves the immune system*

🔘Anti-inflammatory*

🔘Anti-oxidant*

🔘Lowers cholesterol*

🔘Lowers blood sugars*

🔘Protects your cells from free radicals*

Also known as Trametes- Versicolor, Turkey tail takes a disc like shape and it comes in various colours.* Peer reviewed studies have shown Turkey Tail to inhibit cancer cells and help the body produce cancer fighting cells.* It contains polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) compounds which appears to inhibit growth of cancer cells.*

According to research, when you have a healthy gut, it improves your overall immune health. In studies Turkey tail has been shown to helps balance the bacteria colony in the gut to help prevent diseases.* A study in mice using Turkey tail has shown some promising results in preventing obesity.* Additionally, further research has demonstrated that Protein-bound beta-glutamates (PBG) could help prevent obesity by balancing the bacteria in the gut.* When given PBG, the PBG prevented weight gain in the mice that ate a high fat diet.

With further research, this medicinal mushroom could be used to help treat other conditions and prevent illness.*

Possible benefits:

🔘Gut health*

🔘Anti-inflammatory*

🔘Anti-oxidant*

🔘Immune boosting*

🔘Lower blood sugar*

A celebratory dance of joy was performed when the people of Japan successfully found Maitake mushroom during their forage. Maitake is sought after for its valuable health benefits. It can be found grown on maple, oak, and elm trees but it can be cultivated at home.

Maitake mushroom, also known as Grifola frondosa, is a type of edible mushroom native to Japan, China and North America. The mushroom has a distinctive fan-like shape and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is often referred to as “hen of the woods” due to its resemblance to a chicken’s tail. It is widely used in Japanese cuisine and is known for its delicious, earthy flavor.

It is also known for its potential health benefits, which include boosting the immune system, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss. Maitake mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage. They also contain compounds that have been found to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. In addition, maitake mushrooms contain vitamin D, which helps to maintain strong bones and teeth. Additionally, maitake mushroom has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties.

Possible benefits:

🔘strengthen immune*

🔘anti-bacterial properties*

🔘Supports insulin sensitivity*

🔘Antioxidant*