Medicinal mushrooms have been known in many traditions and cultures around the world for their immune strengthening and restorative effects on the entire body.
They have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and some of the very first western medical antibiotics were extracted from these mushroom varieties.
Human's use of mushrooms date back to Paleolithic times with major historical use also in Greece, Mesoamerica and India.
Today, they can be a crucial part of human evolution to help us to grow, evolve and adapt to change.
They help to build a natural resistance to disease, containing the polysaccharides,called Beta-glucans, known as "biological response modifiers".
Every medicinal mushroom has a different level and combination of polysaccharides that boost the activities ofimmune system in different ways.
Host Defense Potentiators:
These compounds are abundant in medicinal mushrooms and include:
hemicellulose, polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptides, nucleosides, triterpeniods, complex starches, and other metabolites.
It is believed that a combination of these ingredients target the human immune system, as well as, aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, hormonal balance and the transport of nutrients and oxygen.
Through a host-mediated (T cell) immune mechanism, they help the body regulate the development of lymphoid stem cells and other important defense responses.
These Host Defense Potentiators (HDP) are adjuncts to cancer treatments in Japan and China.
The worlds leading "cancer drug", known as Kresin, is derived from the
Coriolus mushroom,
and approved in medical treatment in Japanese Health Care System.
Mushroom extracts can be considered some of the first nutraceuticals, which are foods concentrated into medicinal form.
Top Medicinal Mushrooms:
We already mentioned
Reishi mushroom
and
Cordyceps
among our
top 10 superfoods,
but here are a list of other top mycelli, each with their own host of super health benefits.
1) Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion's Mane
mushroom is known for it's effects on cognitive brain functions.
Scientifically proven to stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor production in the brain due to it's unique abilities to pass through the blood brain barrier.more...
2) Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga
mushroom is also called "cinder conk", grows on birch trees found throughout the world. Incredible anti-aging mushroom with extremely high
antioxidant
levels. more...
3) Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Maitake
,also called "hen of the woods", is usually found growing at the base of oak trees. It holds value as a great immune system enhancer, restorative and protective agent. Also eaten in Asian countries in soups and sauces. more...
4) Coriolus (Trametes versicolor)
Coriolus
is a popular mushroom that grows all over the world. Also named "turkey tail" for it's similar color layers of a turkey tail feathers. Contains the polysaccharide, Krestin PSK, that has been used in many countries for cancer treatment and therapy.more...
5) Agaricus blazei (Agaricus subrufescens)
Agaricus
is another widely use immune system stimulant that maintains a high level of beta-glucans and alpha-glucans. more...
6) Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake
is one of the most popular edible mushroom medicinals with it's rich flavor and soft, meaty texture. It also enhances immunity as well as a host of other ailments, and is said to boost energy and improve blood circulation. more...
There are 3 Groups of Mushrooms:
mycorrhizal
parasitic
saprophytic
Medicinal mushrooms are primarily a saprophytic species called "the decomposers", the number one recyclers on planet earth.
They are wood-decomposing fungi that weave between the cell walls of plant fibers, creating an intelligent "internet" of mycelia within the earth's surface.
These are mushrooms that instinctively renew and rebuild in nature, and the in human system, providing equilibrium and life supporting energy!
How To Use Medicinal Mushroom Extracts:
For the most potent possible intake of mushroom medicine it is best to take them in the form of mushroom "extracts", which are powdered mushrooms using a hot water extraction method.
They are concentrated and the most proven effective for therapeutic use.
These extracts simply make the medicine within the cell walls of the mycelli "bioavailable" to be processed by our bodies in more powerful ways.
The cell walls are actually made up of a substance called Chitin, which is similar to lobster shell. The polysaccharides are trapped within this shell wall.
Only a heated liquid solution can break down the indigestible chitin and release the active compounds into a concentrated, bio-available form.
The other option is to make a tea decoction, simmering the mushroom in hot water and drinking the liquid. See
herbal tea preparation
for more info on the decoction technique.
Include these remarkable mushrooms in yourhealthy diet plantoday, pick and choose among your favorite combo's.
For the most potent possible intake of mushroom medicine it is best to take them in the form of mushroom "extracts", which are powdered mushrooms using a hot water extraction method. 
The cell walls are actually made up of a substance called Chitin, which is similar to lobster shell. The polysaccharides are trapped within this shell wall. 
