The Top 7 Most Popular Medicinal Mushrooms

 Unlocking the Healing Power: The Top 7 Most Popular Medicinal Mushrooms

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The use of medicinal mushrooms has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many health benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of medicinal mushrooms, their benefits, scientific evidence, and popular medicinal mushroom extracts. We’ll also look at the dosage and potential side effects.

Types of Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in many cultures as a form of medicine. Today, medicinal mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits. There are many different types of medicinal mushrooms, the top 7 most popular medicinal mushrooms include cordyceps, reishi, shiitake, maitake, lion's mane, Chaga mushrooms, and turkey tail mushrooms.

• Cordyceps is a type of mushroom that is known for its ability to increase energy and stamina. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat fatigue, improve athletic performance, and boost the immune system.
• Reishi is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
• Shiitake is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its ability to boost the immune system. Studies have shown that it can help reduce inflammation, fight off colds and flu, and even reduce high cholesterol.
• Maitake is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that it can help reduce the growth of cancer cells and even reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Lion's Mane is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its ability to boost brain health. Studies have shown that it can improve memory, focus, and concentration.
• Chaga is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its anti-aging properties. Studies have shown that it can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and even reduce the risk of cancer.
• Turkey tail is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known for its anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that it can help reduce the growth of cancer cells and boost the immune system.

Evidenced Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

The health benefits of medicinal mushrooms have been backed up by scientific studies. Studies have been conducted by famous scientific and medical journals, such as the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and the Journal of Integrative Medicine. In these studies, researchers have found that medicinal mushrooms can help reduce inflammation, fight off colds and flu, and boost the immune system. They have also found that they can help reduce the risk of cancer, improve brain health, and reduce wrinkles.

Popular Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

Medicinal mushroom extracts are generally better than whole mushrooms for taking supplements, as humans cannot digest chitin properly and whole mushrooms have a little health benefit. Extracts tend to be more concentrated and have a higher potency than powders, making them the preferred option for desired effects. 

There are many different types of medicinal mushroom extracts available on the market. These extracts are concentrated forms of mushrooms and are usually taken in the form of powders, capsules, tea, or mushroom hot chocolate mix. Specifically, medicinal mushroom extracts are generally produced by first harvesting, drying, and grinding the mushrooms into a fine powder. This powder is then cooked in either water or alcohol multiple times to extract the desired compounds. The extracted compounds can be used as biological response modifiers to improve our immune system and reduce the side effects of harmful therapy. Mushroom tinctures are also made by soaking fresh or dried mushrooms in a solvent such as alcohol or water.

Popular brands include Real Mushrooms, Host Defense, Four Sigmatic, and Mushroom Science.

Dosage & Potential Side Effects

It is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any type of medicinal mushroom extract. Besides, the best time to take medicinal mushroom extracts depends on the desired effect and the type of mushroom. For example, reishi is best taken in the evening after dinner, while Lion's Mane should be taken early in the morning on an empty stomach. Generally, mushroom supplements can be taken at any point of the day.

The dosage and potential side effects will vary depending on the type of mushroom and the person taking it. As with any supplement, it is important to take the recommended dosage and not exceed the recommended amount.

Final Thoughts

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries as a form of medicine. Today, they are becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits. The use of medicinal mushroom extracts is a safe and natural way to improve your health and well-being. If you’re looking to unlock the healing power of medicinal mushrooms, be sure to check out the top 7 most popular varieties.