ALANCES THE THYROID

This medicinal mushroom has been shown to benefit the thyroid gland. Chaga helps in restoring the balance of the thyroid by activating the immune system, increasing NK cells, and reducing the thyroid antibodies.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?

Chaga is well tolerated, and generally regarded as safe. It has been used as a folk medicine for centuries.

That being said, if you are on other medications, have diabetes, or suffer from auto-immune disease, it is advised to first seek out a qualified health practitioner before starting to supplement your diet with Chaga.

The same can be said for any medicinal mushroom or natural health product, and Chaga is no exception.

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7. Natures Rise

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9. Mycology4you

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12. Medicinal Herbals

TOP 7 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS – The Mushroom of Many Colors (Turkey Tail)

Turkey Tail

Nature’s Secret Weapon against microbes, cancers, and faltering immune systems

TOP 7 Medicinal Health Benefits

Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor – meaning of several colors) is one of the most researched mushrooms in the world as well as the most common and local mushrooms to many peoples around the world. The mushrooms are strikingly “zonate” with sharply contrasting sections, with a surface that is delicate, arc like fuzzy or velvety zones alternating with smoother ones of different colors, in tiled layers, and the flesh is 1–3 mm thick and has a dense leathery texture. Its beautiful multicolored zones are very easy to identify.

Continuing on our journey, Turkey Tail and its several colors are sure to draw the eyes of any nature lover and forager.

Turkey Tail mushroom is a common polypore mushroom that has earned its name from its resemblance to the colorful plumage of a turkey’s tail.

It grows on dead logs worldwide and received its name because its rings of brown and tan look like the tail feathers of a turkey. True flexible.

Researchers identified 38 different phenolic compounds, including Quercetin and Baicalein in Turkey Tail. Quercitin and Baicalein are two phenolic compounds found in other natural plants and herbs with an incredible amount of research and value behind them.

1. Quercetine that helps release interferon (usually in response to the entry of a virus, which has the property of inhibiting virus replication),

2. Baicalein – This compound has powerful antiinflammatory properties. It also inhibits the spread of cancer cells, reduces the adhesion properties of tumors, and induces tumor cell cycle arrest.

Turkey Tail mushrooms are potentially beneficial for fighting breast, blood (like leukemia), colon, lung, and stomach (gastric) cancers.

Turkey Tail is well known for its protein-bound polysaccharides, also known as polysaccharopeptides (PSPs).

• PSK/PSP – These are protein-bound carbohydrates that activate and help increase monocytes, increase dendritic (resembling a tree) cells, increase macrophages, and increase immunity to toxins.

• PSK was first discovered by a chemical engineer working for Kureha Chemical Industry Co. The

Beta-d-glucans stimulate dendritic cells also known as Antigen Presenting Cells (APC), these cells detect, engulf and then inform the adaptive immune system of an infection. They can be supportive for preventing and treating certain immune conditions. REAL MUSHROOMS

Together they work to restore balance to the immune system without a specific target.

Turkey Tail is known most for its following benefits and uses:

• May help promote cellular health

• May help support immune system function

• May help promote digestive health

Turkey Tail mushroom seems to be in a league of its own among other functional mushrooms. One abundant property source of beta-d-glucans. branching structure, and gelation properties, causing diverse physiological effects.

• Beta – form chemical compounds such as carbohydrate to carbohydrate

Beta-d-glucan in Turkey Tail:

~ Is the most common polysaccharide found in the cell walls of mushrooms. Examples of common polysaccharides are cellulose, glucose, and fructose. There are over 80 positive clinical studies supporting the use of beta-d-glucans.

~ Effect on the immune system isn’t consistent across all mushroom species. It’s dependent upon the beta-d-glucan shape, complexity, solubility, size, and extraction method.

~ They are a type of fiber that’s responsible for many of the health-promoting properties that have also been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and even fight cancer cells.

Beta-d-glucans influence your microbiome by:

• Acting as prebiotics (food for the good bacteria in your gut)

• Affecting the growth of bacteria species

• Improving biomarkers related to the gut microbiota, immune, and health such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)

Beta-Glucans so glucans contribute to the “mouthfeel” texture also.

Mmune Function

A source of a polysaccharide, known as polysaccharide K, in Turkey Tail is established as a cancer adjunct therapy for the immune system. Turkey Tail contains one of the highest amounts of betaglucans of all mushrooms, which can help keep our immune systems healthy when used over an extended period of time. β-glucan in Turkey Tail:

~ Scientists have been studying beta-glucans to see if they can be used as a treatment for people with schizophrenia due to much lower level of beta-glucan in their blood than the average person, and they also show less ability to fight off diseases like colds.

~ They activate and increase certain white blood cells that would cause the immune system to respond more quickly and efficiently. Beta-d-glucans are commonly regarded as being Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs). BRMs work by stimulating and supporting the immune system to turn up or turn down enabling a more effective reaction for fighting off infections.

~ In contrast, β-glucan in Turkey Tail can also turn down an overactive immune response via anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation improves immune function by stimulating cytokine production, increasing natural killer cells, and through other immune-boosting functions.

Natural immunity is your body’s against foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. A few examples of natural immunity in action are your skin, cilia (hair-like projections) in your respiratory tract, eyelashes, and chemicals in your blood.

Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are proteins in your immune system that recognize pathogen molecules called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The betad-glucans in mushrooms are thought to be PAMPs that affect your immune cells.

Protein-bound polysaccharides (PBP) can enhance key types of immune cells, like T-cells, when used alone or in combination with synergistic (produce a combined greater effect) with herbs. Then, these move to the spleen, bone marrow, and lymph tissues. There, the broken-down betad-glucan can enhance the natural (NK) killer cells and other immune-system cells’ ability to direct resources toward or away from a specific location.

Elps Deal With Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s way of dealing with foreign invaders and is a normal response to these types of situations. However, if inflammation becomes chronic it can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and even cancer!

Beta-glucans

~ Also act as a type of “antibody,” or protein that recognizes and eliminates and parasites because they attack and destroy the body’s own cells.

However, this is not the case with beta-glucans because they only react to foreign material and cause no harm to your own cells.

~ Also helps reduce inflammation that occurs as a result of autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s Disease or arthritis.

~ Helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the digestive system, which is then excreted out of the body with feces rather than reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This also helps to regulate high blood pressure because betaglucans can act as a vasodilator, relaxing the blood vessels.

~ HDL (good) cholesterol is also increased when taking beta-glucans, which helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Romotes Healthy Digestive Function

Beta-glucans in Turkey Tail

~ Also promote healthy digestive function by aiding in normal bowel movements, promoting regularity, alleviating constipation, colon cancer prevention, and supporting a healthy bacterial balance in the gut.

~ Upon ingestion of beta-d-glucans in Turkey Tail, your intestines absorb it and it binds to fungal receptors on immune cells that break it down to smaller carbohydrates (polysaccharides).

They food through your digestive system healthy digestive system so that your body is able to absorb and digest nutrients from the foods you eat, allowing it to function properly.

When in fermented form its substrate shows potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro.

Re Adaptogenic Mushrooms

As their name suggests, adaptogens help the body adapt to the various types of stressors we may come across. This includes physical, biological, or chemical stressors. Adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to help stabilize your cortisol levels under stress and assist the body in reaching balance again.

Ighting Cancer Cells

Beta-glucans in Turkey Tail:

~ Act as natural cancer fighters. They activate the body’s immune system, which helps kill off tumour cells and prevents them from continuing to divide by releasing substances that inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis in these cells.

~ Bind to these sugars and clear them out of circulation so that tumors can’t grow bigger.

Glutoxins, a type of molecule that beta-glucans can to help with these spread throughout the body.

NTI-FUNGAL

Beta-glucans in Turkey Tail: β-glucan in blood is marketed as a means of identifying invasive or disseminated fungal infections. They are responsible for defense against infections, and supports the repair of damaged tissues in the body, neutralizing foreign pathogens.

TOP 7 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS – The Dancing Mushroom (Maitake)

MAITAKE

Nature’s Secret Weapon against microbes, cancers, and faltering immune systems

TOP 7 Medicinal Health Benefits

Immune support | Full of antioxidants | Antiinflammatory | Helps to manage blood sugar |

Support brain health and cognition | Support the nervous system | Increase energy and stamina

a unique, frilly appearance, a delicate texture and an earthy flavor.

Continuing on our journey, we find Maitake “my-tah-key” growing near the bottom of oak, elm, and maple trees. Why Maitaki mushrooms are known as “the dancing mushroom”? According to a Japanese legend, a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters met on a mountain trail, where they discovered a fruiting of Maitaki mushrooms emerging from the forest floor. Rejoicing at their discovery of this delicious mushroom, they danced to celebrate.

Hopefully, you will discover a benefit below that will make you dance. Maitaki is also known as sheep’s head. You can probably see why looking at the images above. They can grow to over 100 pounds, earning them the title “king of the mushrooms.”

Maitaki flavor that almost resembles eggplant. Most people use them in soups, stews, sauces, and more.

Antioxidant

Oxidation is the process of damage in the body that is natural, but can result in disease when not balanced. As an antioxidant it can reduce the effects of oxidative stress and free radicals in the environment. This antioxidant ability is especially helpful in angiogenesis, which is the process of creating new blood vessels. When there is abnormal activity, angiogenesis can help promote tumor growth, but Maitaki mushrooms may combat this dangerous and malignant process.

It Can Protect You Against Cancer

It has been shown to slow down the growth of certain tumors. Since it can also promote immune activity, including killer cells and T-cells, Maitaki can also prevent cells from turning cancerous. The D-fraction that makes up the beta-glucans in Maitaki is also anti-cancerous.

Maitaki Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has the strongest activity in tumor growth inhibition both in administered orally and intraperitoneally. Not only on the inhibition against tumors already growing, but also on the inhibition of formation of the secondary focus due to metastasis of tumor cells in lymph and/or blood.

D-fraction can even induce cell death, also called apoptosis, in breast cancer cells and renal cancer cells. In addition anti-hepatitis activities have Maitaki

It Can Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol can build up inside the arteries and cause them to harden and narrow, blocking blood flow and forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Maitaki can help lower your blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol because of the betaglucans that can absorb and remove it from the body.

Beta glucan (often called β‐glucan or BG) is a glucose (or sugar) polymer (having many parts) found in the cell walls of certain plants, bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Beta glucan benefits are due to the fact that it’s a soluble and fermentable fiber. Soluble fibers have effects including delaying gastric emptying, slowing glucose absorption, absorbing cholesterol particles and stimulating immune cells in the gut. Studies suggest that consuming foods with BG may help reduce the risk of glucose intolerance thanks to their ability to slow glucose (or sugar) absorption after eating a carbohydrate-containing meal.

Eating Maitaki can also give you more energy, and thus promotes higher metabolism.

Balances Blood Sugar

Maitaki can be a good food to try for the control of blood glucose levels. Some research has focused on mushrooms and their ability to inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which is in charge of breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. By stopping this enzyme, glucose absorption can slow down in the body.

For those that want to avoid the side effects of these diabetic medications, such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and even jaundice, then eating mushrooms can be helpful.

Boosts Immune Function

It acts as a natural defense system for your body and helps fights off foreign invaders to protect your body against injury and infection. They were effective in stimulating an immune response and were even stronger when paired with shiitake mushrooms.

PROMOTES FERTILITY & HORMONAL BALANCE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a condition caused by an overproduction of male hormones by the ovaries, resulting in small cysts on the ovaries and symptoms like acne, weight gain and infertility. Maitaki mushrooms can help women that suffer from hormonal disorders, particularly polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Maitake mushroom powder was proven to help improve ovulation cycles while also helping stabilize them.

It may be therapeutic against PCOS and could help combat common issues like infertility. A 2010 study conducted at the J.T. Chen Clinic’s Department of Gynecology in Tokyo, for example, found that Maitaki extract was able to induce ovulation for 77 percent of participants with PCOS and was nearly as effective as some of the conventional medications used for treatment.

Mushrooms are known to be one of the best vegetarian sources of vitamin D and the only non-animal source that can be absorbed efficiently. The cell membrane is known as ergosterol and in mushrooms converts to ergocalciferol, or vitamin D2, when exposed to UV. Maitaki mushrooms can contain more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D2, but you can increase by placing your mushrooms upside down so that the gills face the sunlight.

Support brain health and cognition | Support the nervous system | Increase energy and stamina

The word “Shiitake” comes from the Japanese word for “oak”, which is where these mushrooms were originally found growing.

• 1st – 3rd images are Shiitake

• 4th image is the Hop Hornbeam Japanese Shade Tree

• 5th Image is the Ironwood American Hop hornbeam Tree

Continuing on our journey, Shiitake can can found on hardwood logs. Shiitake were later grown on sterilized sawdust, which allowed for faster production. Hardwood trees that produce Shiitake mushrooms include Sugar Maple, Hop Hornbeam shade tree, Ironwood American Hop Hornbeam tree, Alder, Poplar, and Yellow birch, in addition to Oak. Oak is still the mycelium’s favorite food because it produces a beautiful flush of brown Shiitake caps.

• It’s the second most widely cultivated mushroom in the world (behind the white button mushroom). This mushroom was made famous by east asian cuisine, but is now available all over the world. We’re going to take a deeper look at this little brown mushroom.

• The earliest known record of Shiitake cultivation dates back to 1209, during the Song Dynasty in China. This makes it the oldest known cultivated mushroom. The mushroom, unlike most plants, is not inherently more dangerous, but it does play by different rules, so it’s best to learn these before consuming it.

• The Chinese used (and still use!) Shiitake mushrooms to treat anything from colds to headaches to constipation. They are also thought to improve longevity.

• Shiitake mushrooms are a good substitute for meat because they contain many of the same amino acids amino acids in a higher percentage than in milk, eggs, anticancer effects.

Other benefits are:

• May help promote immune system function

• May help support dental health

• May help promote metabolic function

• May help support inflammation levels

• May help promote positive emotional outlook

Immune System

Shiitake mushrooms may also help strengthen your immune system. One study gave people two dried Shiitake daily. After one month, their immune markers improved and their inflammation levels dropped.

These include truffles, portobello mushrooms, and Shiitake mushrooms.

Mushrooms are very low in calories and rich in selenium, copper, and all of the B vitamins.

This immune effect might be partly due to one of the polysaccharides in

While people’s immune systems tend to weaken with age, a mouse study found that a supplement derived from Shiitake helped reverse some age-related decline in immune function,

VIRUSES – INCLUDING FLU

Shiitake mushrooms may also help fight infections.

Several compounds in Shiitake have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal effects.

As antibiotic resistance is growing, some scientists think it’s important to explore the antimicrobial potential of Shiitake. That said, while isolated compounds show antimicrobial activity in test tubes, eating Shiitake is unlikely to have any effect on viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in people.

Side Effects Of Cancer

Shiitake mushrooms are also loaded with polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids, some of which have immune-boosting, cholesterollowering, and anticancer effects. Shiitake mushrooms have Lentinan, a polysaccharide, that have shown great promise as an immune system-boosting agent. Mushroom polysaccharide lentinan for treating different types of cancers, an antitumor property: A review of 12 years clinical studies in China.

Research has also discovered a compound in called Eritadenine that can help maintain cholesterol already within a healthy range. Lentinan has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of leukemia cells, in people with gastric cancer.

Since 1980s, though it has been approved as an adjuvant therapeutic drug both in China and Japan for treating cancers, a systematic review of clinical studies of Lentinan has not been conducted elaborately. The 9474 reported lentinan-associated cancer treatment cases include:

• lung cancer (3469 cases)

• gastric cancer (3039 cases)

• colorectal cancer (1646 cases)

• ovarian cancer (183 cases)

• cervical cancer (130 cases)

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (70 cases)

• pancreatic cancer (15 cases)

• cardiac cancer (15 cases)

• nasopharyngeal cancer (14 cases)

• duodenal cancer (1 case) and

• 110 cancer cases with no classifying patient information heart health. help lower cholesterol:

Overall clinical data show solid effect of Lentinan on improving the quality of life and on promoting the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy during cancer treatment.

•Eritadenine. This compound inhibits an enzyme involved in producing cholesterol.

• Sterols. These molecules help block cholesterol absorption in your gut.

• Beta glucans. This type of fiber can lower cholesterol.

One study in rats with high blood pressure found that Shiitake powder prevented an increase in blood pressure. A study in lab rats fed a high-fat diet demonstrated that those given Shiitake developed less fat in their livers, less plaque on their artery walls, and lower cholesterol levels than those that didn’t eat any mushrooms.

The primary Shiitake Mushroom Medicinal Benefit is to support cardiovascular health.

Reduces Inflammation

Shiitake contain phenols and other antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory protection.

Supports Liver Health

Shiitake mushrooms increased antioxidant activity and protected liver cells from damage. The compound, called Hericystin, was found to reduce inflammation and help the liver regenerate. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that mushrooms may be a promising treatment for liver disorders.

Shiitake

Science shows that prevent hepatitis.

Diabetes

This almost magic mushroom, Shiitake, can lower triglycerides levels in the body. High triglyceride levels indicate to a higher risk for the development of diabetes type 2, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. High levels of triglyceride occur when we consume too much sugar and white flour. Shiitake may act as a preventive agent against arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke, hypertension.

Bone

Shiitake mushrooms have one of the highest amounts of natural copper, a mineral that supports healthy blood vessels, bones, and immune support.

Shiitake mushrooms may also help promote bone health. The obtained results showed that vitamin D2from Shiitake mushroom was able to increase bone mineral density and trabecular bone structure of femur bone as well as its bioavailability. The absence of estrogen induced adverse effects not only on bioavailability of vitamin D2 but also on trabecular bone. In conclusion, vitamin D2-fortified

Shiitake mushroom might help postmenopausal women increase vitamin D2 bioavailability and retard trabecular bone loss.

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is a nutrient made by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight and is found in fish and fortified foods. Vitamin D2 helps the body absorb and use calcium and phosphate, substances that are the building blocks of bones and important to many other processes in the body, particularly the nervous system. Vitamin D2 also helps the body maintain the right balance of calcium and phosphate in the body. Vitamin D2 is often advised or prescribed to patients with osteoporosis, or bone loss.

Possible side effects

Most people can safely consume shiitake, although some side effects may occur. My thought is if you have sensitivities to Oak Trees, you may also be sensitive to Shiitake. In rare cases, people can develop a skin rash from eating or handling raw Shiitake.

This condition, called Shiitake dermatitis, is thought to be caused by Lentinan. Shiitake dermatitis is a rash that some people develop with exposure to raw Shiitake mushrooms. It’s thought to be caused by lentinan, a polysaccharide that breaks down when heated. The dermatitis is very itchy and can spread over the entire body. It typically appears within 24 hours of exposure to raw Shiitake mushrooms and can last up to three weeks. affect 1.8% of people.

In addition, using powdered mushroom extract over a long period may cause other side effects, including upset and sensitivity to sunlight.

Some also claim that mushrooms’ high purine levels can cause symptoms in people with gout, a type of arthritis that involves sudden pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints. When uric acid levels are high, crystals of it can accumulate in your joints. This process triggers swelling, inflammation and intense pain. Nonetheless, research suggests that eating mushrooms is linked to a lower risk of gout.

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