Herbal

Magical, Medicinal Mushrooms

As the days get darker, damper and colder you may notice more mushrooms popping up on trees and rotten logs, between bark and fallen leaves. A bush walk the other day had me pondering just how incredible mushrooms are, connected by a mycelium network that spans the globe (if you haven’t watched the documentary Fantastic Fungi, I recommend it).

Like plants, many mushrooms contain secondary metabolites; compounds that are not essential for growth, development or reproduction, but have other uses such as defence or attraction. These offer a variety of nutritional and medicinal benefits yet are also responsible for the toxicity – in some cases deadly – of certain mushroom species. The medicinal use of mushrooms goes back thousands of years. The oldest human mummy, dating back 4,000 years, was found with a medicine kit containing medicinal mushrooms still used today! These traditional uses are now being reinforced by studies with promising results. One of the most recognised secondary metabolites are polysaccharides, in particular beta-glucans, which stimulate our immune system by activating immune cells. Other secondary metabolites, including vitamins, antioxidants, terpenes and peptides found in mushrooms, also offer a variety of health benefits.

REISHI | GANODERMA LUCIDUM

Perhaps the most well known of the medicinal mushrooms, reishi is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’. Uses trace back 2,000 years to China where reishi is considered a superior tonic herb for enhancing energy, strengthening the heart, and providing various anti-aging benefits, such as supporting memory and the immune system. Reishi increases the activity of key enzymes involved in protecting the body against oxidative stress and activates immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells.

CORDYCEPS | CORDYCEPS MILITARIS

Cordyceps is a parasitic mushroom that grows on the larvae of insects, taking over the host (which dies) before sprouting from its body! Cordyceps is gaining popularity as a medicinal mushroom due to its variety of benefits, in particular supporting strength, endurance and stamina. Nowadays, many varieties are cultivated on grain, making them more appealing to a wider audience. Animal and human studies demonstrate its ability to increase ATP and VO2 max, thereby increasing exercise performance, although further research is required. This, along with its antioxidant actions, may also contribute to its traditional use for boosting energy and libido.

TURKEY TAIL | TRAMETES VERSICOLOR

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for supporting the respiratory and immune systems, turkey tail contains high levels of polysaccharides including PSP and PSK, which provide potent antioxidant and immune modulating actions. Preliminary studies suggest these polysaccharides may be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some countries have approved extracts from turkey tail as an addition to cancer treatments, and research is ongoing.

By Alena Winter Naturopath, Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist

BNHM, DipNut, MNMHNZ, MNZAMH The Herbal Dispensary 07 825 7444 | 6 Wallis Street, Raglan www.raglanherbaldispensary.nz

SHIITAKE | LENTINUS EDODES

Shiitake is the second most popular cultivated mushroom in the world due to its popularity as a food, with its rich, fragrant flavour. Often found dried in Asian grocery stores, they make a delicious and health-promoting addition to soups, broths and stews. Called ‘an elixir of life’, shiitake offers a range of health benefits including immune modulation. Shiitake also contains a specific compound known as eritadenine which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, thereby supporting the cardiovascular system.

LION’S MANE | HERICIUM ERINACEUS

Said to give ‘nerves of steel and the mind of a lion’, animal and human studies have shown benefits supporting cognitive function, memory, nerve growth factor and overall brain function through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. This makes it an option for maintaining and optimising memory and supporting the management of dementia. Its additional actions on anxiety, mood disorders and gut health make it a great choice for elderly, menopause or those with gut-brain dysbiosis. Of more recent interest is New Zealand’s own lion’s mane, pekepeke-kiore (Hericium novae-zealandiae). Its delicate, unique flavour has sparked interest from the culinary industry, and it is hoped that in time research will uncover its own medicinal benefits.

Medicinal mushrooms are best taken daily and long-term, which aligns with their traditional use as tonic medicines. They come in many forms, with powders the most common, easily added to hot or cold drinks or foods. Long-term use is safe; however, if you are taking medications, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific health concerns, speak to a qualified practitioner first.

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