Herbal Collective Magazine Article December 2023 Three parts
Part one “Tis the season for Mushrooms”
If you haven’t heard the term “Functional Mushrooms” you may notice it used more often.
All mushrooms are functional, many provide a wide range of health benefits and some are even deadly. Mushrooms are the fruit of Mycelium, the network that makes up over 30% of the earth also known as the earth's internet, connecting all plant matter, it is truly the original world wide web.
Welcome to the first of a three part series on functional mushrooms.
Even if you’ve barricaded yourself indoors and are completely avoiding the holiday excitement and madness this year, you will still experience some of the energetic vibrations or “stress of the holidays''. You may see it displayed in the media, entertainment (radio, social media, youtube, all your viewing platforms and it wil also show up in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, and service reps…. Basically unavoidable
What can you do to help cope with all of this?
Most people are familiar with selfcare techniques such as exercise and proper sleep, healthy food choices help a great deal. Meditation or simply just focusing on your breath for a few minutes a day will help enormously.
Reishi to the rescue! Think of this mushroom as the “Rest and Relax” mushroom. It's becoming more popular due to the availability and scientific research being published.
What is it ?
There are three main types of reishi mushrooms: red reishi, black reishi, and blue reishi. Each type has unique properties and is used for different purposes.
Red reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, the most commonly used and widely studied type. It has a bitter taste and a woody texture, and is usually dried and made into a tea or extract. Red reishi is known for its immune-boosting properties and is often used to support overall health and wellness. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, red reishi has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it beneficial for heart health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Black reishi, or Ganoderma sinense, is less commonly used than red reishi, but is still valued for its health benefits. It has a slightly sweet taste and a softer texture than red reishi. Black reishi is often used to support respiratory health, and is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Blue reishi, also known as Ganoderma resinaceum, is the rarest and least studied type of reishi. It has a distinct blue hue and a bitter taste. Blue reishi is believed to have similar health benefits to red reishi. It may also have anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed to confirm this. Blue reishi is typically consumed as a tea or extract.
When it comes to choosing a type of reishi mushroom, it's important to consider your specific health needs and goals. Red reishi is a good choice for overall health and immune support, while black reishi may be more effective for respiratory health and autoimmune conditions. Blue reishi is the rarest and least studied type, but may offer similar benefits to red reishi. Keep in mind that reishi mushrooms are generally safe to consume, but it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking medication.
Where to find them?
Reishi is a wood-decaying fungi that occurs in both northern temperate and tropical regions. It can be found on coniferous and deciduous trees. It has a large annual fruiting body. There are a number of steps needed to prepare these magnificent mushrooms for internal use, for the sake of this article, I’ve focused on health benefits.
When buying reishi mushroom extract, (concentrated form of the mushroom, in powder or liquid form) make sure that your supplier can tell you the growing source and the percentage of extract, pricing will vary wildy and the less costly supply may be due to lower extract percentage. It's best to choose 4x or 8x concentration, most supplies on Amazon are rated at 2 to 4 extract.
Choosing a sustainable source is also important to make sure the enviroment is not being put at risk for the sake of harvesting.
Effects ?
The calming effects of Reishi may be due in part to its ability to modulate neurotransmitters in the brain. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Reishi extract increased the levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, in the brains of mice
Reishi also appears to work on the HPA by improving the function of the adrenal glands themselves. This makes reishi an excellent herb choice for calming the mind, easing anxiety, promoting sleep, grounding and centering us, and fostering greater resilience to stress over time
What to avoid when taking reishi?
Reishi mushroom might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Certain types of mushrooms, especially reishi, are also considered adaptogens that lower cortisol, meaning they can help your body to deal with stress and keep your mood more upbeat. Reishi mushrooms may work by reducing inflammation, lowering stress levels, and promoting nerve cell growth.
Given that Reishi is said by some to enhance your mood, you might have thought that it was a morning mushroom. But, perhaps more significantly, Reishi is also said to have a relaxing, calming effect, so most people recommend taking it before bed.
Consistency is critical when adding any supplement to your daily routine, so you'll feel best after 2-3 weeks of regular supplementation. However, if you're using reishi mushrooms for their calming and soothing effects, you should feel the benefits within a few hours of taking reishi.
Side effects and precautions
Special Precautions and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe when used for up to one year. Intense use of Reishi mushroom can cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash.
How to take it?
If you are using a powdered extract, follow the suppliers directions for volume. You may notice this mushroom being very earthy and a little bitter, You can take it with water or better
Added it to coffee, hot chocolate
Even better add it to Cacao drink that can be used at night with no caffeine effects and harmonizing the flavour.
Stay tuned for Part two “Mushrooms for a better you”
Coming in January, when we will explore:
Mushrooms for weight loss…
Improve memory
Mood
Prevent disease
Anti aging
Skin care
Author: Lisa Gravelle of Senavia.ca
For more information please visit www.sensavia.ca
Trusted source since 2018
Σχόλια