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Mushroom double extraction (folk method)

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Mushroom double extraction (folk method)

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Part 1: EtOH

folk method: cover with 50% alcohol

store for 2-4 weeks

strain out, keep extract+mushrooms

Part 2: H20

note volume of alcohol extract, double

use that amount of water to decoct mushrooms

simmer until you have equal parts hot water and alcohol extract

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A spring brew to revitalize your system and renew after the winter months. Mushrooms help support the liver, and boost the immune system as the body adjusts to the new Spring season.

Brew together for 1-2 hours:

·      dandelion whole plant

·      reishi or turkey tail mushrooms (sliced, fresh or dried)

·      cleavers

·      nettles

·      yellow dock

Strain and add molasses syrup to taste. Take 2T daily, and store in the refrigerator.

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Brew together in 2 quarts of water for 45 mins to 1 hour:

·      2c dried elderberries

·      1c dried reishi (Turkey tail or maitake can be substituted)

·      2 cinnamon sticks

·      ½” ginger root, chopped

·      4 whole cloves

·      3 whole star anise

·      Optional: astragalus slices or ½ c echinacea root

·      If a cough/lung irritation is present, marshmallow root or wild cherry bark may be added.

Once the herbs have decocted and the liquid is reduced, strain. Let cool to lukewarm and add 1-2c honey or sugar.

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Reishi-chaga coffee: reishi slices, chaga pieces. Sweeten and add milk if desired. Can also add ashwaganda for additional adaptogenic support.

Winter ginger immune tea: turkey tail, astragalus root, ginger root. Great preventative tea during winter months when the flu is going around!

Reishi-lavender hot cocoa:Make a basic reishi tea, and add lavender to infuse for a few minutes. Strain, and add cocoa, sweetener, and milk to taste. Optional: omit lavender and add a shot of coffee for espresso for a reishi mocha!

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Our primary events are monthly meetings, forays during mushroom seasons, weekend getaways, and participation in local mushroom-related events.

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The South Sound Mushroom Club is dedicated to the finding, identification, and eating of mushrooms. Our primary events are monthly meetings, forays (mushroom hunts) during mushroom seasons, weekend getaways, and participation in local mushroom-related events. You may join the club by paying annual membership dues at a club meeting, foray, or on our Join SSMC page.

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Hiker’s high formula for stamina and endurance

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Hiker’s high formula for stamina and endurance

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1p Reishi
1p Cordyceps (optional)

1p Chaga

1p Rhodiola

1p Licorice

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2p Reishi

2p Dandelion

1/2p Gentian

1/2p Ginger

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2p Lion’s mane

2p Bacopa

1p Gotu kola

1p Ginkgo biloba

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Mushroom walks, ID clinics, classes, and much more.

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Puget Sound Mycological Society | The Largest Mushroom Society in the Pacific Northwest

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The Puget Sound Mycological Society is an organization of people interested in wild mushrooms and mushrooming. We provide support for research, education, cultivation, hunting, identification, and cooking of mushrooms.

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Turkey tail and the anti fragility of the immune system

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Turkey tail and the anti fragility of the immune system

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from the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild

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1 quart water

2-3 Reishi mushroom slices (harvest your own or get through an organic source like Moutain Rose Herbs)

1 cinnamon stick

sliver of nutmeg

3 allspice berries

3 whole cloves

1 star anise

3-4 peppercorns (red, white or black)

3-4 cardamom pods

1T organic Green tea (added at the last 5 minutes)

Decoct the Reishi along with the spices for 30 minutes. The longer it decocts, the stronger it will get. Turn off the heat and add the Green tea. Let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Add sweetener or milk/milk substitute to taste. This will make 2-3 cups.

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Supplies for mushroom growers

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Grow your own mushrooms! Field & Forest Products can help you get started. We offer superior, certified organic spawn, ready-to-fruit indoor mushroom grow kits, tools, technical information, and good advice. Whether you are a market grower or hobbyist, our aim is that you enjoy growing mushrooms successfully.

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for making mushroom logs

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Excellent mushroom ID guides

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MushroomExpert.Com contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms. I think mushrooms are much more interesting, engaging, and important than figuring out what happens to humans who digest them-so you will need to consult other resources if eating mushrooms (or avoiding poisonous ones) is your goal.

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Turkey Tail Mushrooms & The Antifragility of Immunity

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Turkey Tail Mushrooms & The Antifragility of Immunity

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On turkey tails, and how our immune systems also need a workout sometimes (just like us).

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This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Plant Healer Magazine, one of this era's finest publications for plant aficionados.
Medicinal mushrooms have a lot to contribute to an herbalist's practice. Turkey Tail ( Trametes versicolor[1]) is begging to be used, like the little kid persistently raising its hand in the classroom, "Pick me! Pick me! Pick me ppllleeaassee!" This little mushroom-so tenacious, resilient & adaptable-has so much to offer in terms of medicine. Their earthen-colored fan shapes herald the arrival of the rains as they move in and digest dead trees, turning them into soil so new life can sprout. These decomposing fungal organisms (known as primary decomposers) are vital in the cycle of life & the seasons, each one an agent in an autumnal pull back to the earth, doing the good dirty work so new life can leap forward in the next season[2].

Turkey Tail mushrooms are busy little beavers in our ecosystems, aiding decomposition & soil generation. In human & animal bodies, the story changes. They means by which they support immune function are enchanting-providing clever little nudges here & there that invigorate our immune response. They're ubiquitous in the wild and versatile in combination with other plant medicines. To me, this makes them a key member of the apothecary.

Learning about Turkey Tail mushrooms is a welcome lesson in antifragility. Antifragility refers to the concept that certain systems thrive from shocks, volatility, and stressors in the environment. We see this phenomenon in post-traumatic growth, scandalous & volatility-loving celebrity reputations, evolutionary paths of species, and adaptive mechanisms in human bodies. We not only tolerate shocks, but we need a bit of it.

This particularly holds for our immune systems, which tends to go haywire when bored or gradually weakened by chronic infections and persistent environmental stressors. A little shake-up every now and then invigorates the organism & system. It's part of our nature.

When our immune system gets lax & stagnant, its activity gets misdirected and can turn on itself. Like the bored student who starts to heckle her classmates or the family that bickers when snowed in for 5 days. Put an engaging assignment in front of her, give the family members a new board game and all is peaceful. Stimuli like this have a purifying effect on relationships. This is known in some circles as hormesis, and it's responsible for the health benefits of exercise, intermittent fasting, (beneficial responses to) vaccinations, and the tissue repair processes stimulated by certain kinds of oxidative stress & inflammation. All involve clever stressors that nudge the system into strengthening the adaptive response.[3]

Turkey Tail mushrooms help our immune systems adapt by providing a clever stressor. Their B-glucans (polysaccharide) are the constituents considered most responsible for this hormetic effect. (They are contained in all fungal cell walls, so B-glucans are universal in medicinal mushrooms.) Upon ingestion, they dock with receptors in the small intestine, which initiates an immune response (B-glucans resemble a bacterial cell to the body). Different mushrooms have varying beta glucans and each elicits a slightly different effect on the immune system.

This is the cornerstone mechanism for Turkey Tail's pharmacological effect in the body. Being the most studied medicinal mushroom, Turkey Tail is widely used in contemporary cancer treatment in Asia. The mushroom contains 2 notable protein-bound polysaccharide complexes: PSP & PSK (both are B-glucans). They help inhibit tumor development directly while stimulating a host-mediated immune response, making it a preferred complementary therapy among integrative oncologists & medical herbalists. (PSK is an approved cancer drug in Asia.) While most of the clinical trials concerning Turkey Tail are conducted with PSP & PSK (which don't give a complete picture of Turkey Tail as a whole organism), studies are currently underway using the whole biomass-a welcome improvement. Other areas with research support include HIV, HSV, Hep C, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. I've seen cases where Turkey Tail has helped cases of viral meningitis, Lyme disease (and particularly neurolyme), and mononucleosis.

Being a widely available & agreeable mushroom, I use Turkey Tail often. I particularly employ it in cases of immune suppression & sluggishness-especially when it appears to be a chronic or persisting condition. I find its taste to be neutral-slightly sweet and only slightly warming. It agrees with most people I see. The client presentation that makes me think of Turkey Tail is some bogged down with chronic infections and is running colder/cloudier because of it. (And this mushroom blends very well with Rosemary for this. A favorite combination of mine is Turkey Tail/Rosemary/Ashwaganda for these types of cases.) Because of this, it's a quasi-adaptogen of mine. From personal experience, working with several clients, and hearing a bajillion anecdotes, I think that medicinal mushrooms help our immune systems become more adaptive and, in some ways, more intelligent. Their clever prodding helps us keep our systems on their toes, invigorating us in the process.

These forest darlings have been with people a long time. Trametes species have been used for centuries around the globe, including China, Mexico, Finland, and even England. I've also seen references to Australian Aboriginal use of Trametes species of sucking on the polypore for mouth sores. But most of the traditional use comes from Ancient China & Japan, where mushrooms were enthusiastically embraced in healing & medicine traditions. (In contrast, Western cultures tended towards mycophobia, associating the fungal beings with witchcraft & devilry.) The Ancient Taoists observed its ease in growing on pine trees-a notoriously antifungal wood. This fashioned a reputation for Turkey Tails as one of stubbornness, resilience & strength. In Japan, it earned the name kawaritake, meaning "bellowing clouds." This also conveyed a sense of longevity, divinity & spiritual resilience. It was used for centuries in TCM to clear damp condition, strengthen the lungs, stomach, & spleen, increase energy & assist in convalescence in long-term diseases.
Finding Turkey Tail Mushrooms
These mushrooms are primary saprophytes, meaning that they grow on fresh, organic material (mostly wood). They're found in every state in the country and are known as 'bracket fungi,' which form leathery/leaf-like structures in concentric circles. When you're in the field, you want to look for the characteristic Turkey Tail fan shape, with tiny pores underneath & a hairy/velvety top surface. There are other Trametes species-notably T. hirstua, which is usually white & paper thin. There is also a False Turkey Tail ( Stereum ostrea) which is larger and funnel-shaped when compared to the true Turkey Tail. (Michael Kuo has a 'True Turkey Tail' key on his website, listed below.) I read on one site, "Found everywhere on dead logs & stumps. If you can't find them, you need to visit an eye doctor or give up mushroom collecting."

They are also silly easy to cultivate. Being quite the aggressive little guys, they'll pretty much grow on any type of wood (except for cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood). You can pick up plug spawn to inoculate to fresh logs fairly inexpensively. In fact, due to their prolific fruiting habits & abundance, they are one of the most common contaminants of other mushroom logs (like Shiitake or Maitake). It's a weedy little mushroom.
A Few Worthy Recipes
While some say that Turkey Tail smells like gym socks, I find their flavor to be very mild (when compared with Reishi, Shiitake & the like). So these little critters often find their way into my decoctions. I especially like this blend below as a nourishing adrenal/immune/nervous system tonic. Use a generous pinch (the 4-finger pinch as I call it) each of the following and prepare as usual.

Oatstraw or tops

Ashwaganda root

Turkey Tail fruitbodies

Nettle leaf

Tulsi aerial parts (add towards the end)

Hawthorn berries (or leaves/flowers) make a nice addition, as well as Devil's club root bark.

And here's a mineral rich, cleansing & fortifying Spring tonic recipe that I swear (& make promises) by. I call it 'Live Long & Prosper' (Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's recipe.)
Live Long & Prosper
In a big stock pot, add:

a large handful of nettles

a large handful of fresh dandelion roots, leaves & flowers

fresh chopped blackberry leaves

fresh chopped yellow dock root

a sprig of young horsetail

a handful of cleavers

good pinch of dried calendula blossoms

a bit of kelp, nori (or whatever seaweed you have around)

pinch of hawthorn berries (and leaves/flowers if you have them)

good 4-fingered pinch of sliced dry or fresh Turkey Tail mushrooms

Cook on medium until the brew reaches a light boil. Simmer for several hours. I usually let the liquid reduce by half. Strain it-you'll have this dark, bitter liquid. Add black berry juice, molasses & honey until it's sweet enough for you. I like to add a little good-quality brandy to help preserve it. Keep it in the fridge, but consume it within 3 months. I take a few tablespoons daily. Don't be shy.
Tincturing Medicinal Mushrooms: The Double Extraction Process
Mushroom tinctures are made using a double-extraction technique. First, the alcohol extracts the constituents that are not soluble in water, like sterols & terpenes. After the mushrooms have been extracted in alcohol, it goes through a hot water extraction or decoction process to extract the beta-glucans, proteoglycans, and other immune-supporting polysaccharides. The below steps outline the double extraction process using the folk method of tincturing. (For more detailed recipes and ratios, see references below.)
Part 1: Alcohol extraction
Break the fruitbodies up into the smallest pieces possible. This makes for a larger surface area and thorough extraction. It's easier to do this while they're still fresh before drying.

1. Fill a quart or half-gallon canning jar halfway with the dried mushroom.

2. Add the vodka, filling the jar to the top. Label it!

3. Cap the jar and keep it in a warm, dark place. Agitate daily.

4. After about a month, strain.

Part 2: Hot water extraction

1. Take the alcohol-soaked mushroom pieces that are left over after straining (called the marc) and put them in a pot. Cover them with water.

2. Simmer for 2 hours. The water will evaporate throughout this time.

3. Allow the tea to cool before you strain it. Discard all the solids but save the water.

4. Add this water to an equal amount of the alcohol extract. This gives you an extract that's 25% alcohol, as the vodka was 100 proof to begin with (50% water/50% alcohol).

You may need to do some measuring before you boil the water to make sure you have enough. Gauge the amount of liquid used in your first alcohol tincture and boil at least triple that amount of water for the hot water extraction. It may seem like a lot but it will reduce (you can always keep boiling if it doesn't).

Suggested use varies depending on the size of the person and the strength of the tincture. A good standard amount is 1/2 of a teaspoon taken 2-3x a day. It should keep for about 2 years. And as always, store in a cool place in dark-colored bottles away from direct sunlight.
...And Some Odd Ways that People Use Turkey Tails
I've heard of folks tearing a fruitbody off a log and chewing fresh. It's called "Redneck Chewing Gum." Sounds fishy, but some people do it. I've had people ask for Turkey Tail extract to use as a hair strengthener. (It'd never occur to me to put this in my hair, so I have no idea if this works or not. But I neither want straight hair, nor wish to waste product on vanity.) It's also used in floral arrangements by some outfits in Europe. I've also come across a couple hardcore mycophagists who toss the fruitbodies into their stew.
References
Hobbs, C. (1986). Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Culture. Summertown: Botanica Press.

Kuo, M. (2005). Trametes versicolor: The Turkey Tail. http://www.mushroomexpert.com/trametes_versicolor.html

Powell, M. (2010). Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide. East Sussex: Mycology Press.

Rogers, R. (2011). The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms & Lichens of North America. Berkely: North Atlantic Books.

Stamets, P. (2002). MycoMedicinals: An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms. Olympia: MycoMedia.

Stamets, P. (2012). Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer. Huffington Post. Retrieved June 10 2013 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-stamets/mushrooms-cancer_b_1560691.html

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Turkey Tail Mushrooms & The Antifragility of Immunity

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This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Plant Healer Magazine, one of this era's finest publications for plant aficionados. Medicinal mushrooms have a lot to contribute to an herbalist's practice. Turkey Tail ( Trametes versicolor[1] ) is begging to be used, like the little kid persistently raising its hand in the classroom, "Pick me!

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Mushroom cultivation supplies, books, equipment, etc.

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Fungi Perfecti® is a family-owned, environmentally friendly company specializing in using mushrooms to improve the health of the planet and its people. Founded by mycologist and author Paul Stamets in 1980, we are leaders in a new wave of technologies harnessing the inherent power of mushrooms and mycelium worldwide.

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Lion's mane: nutrients for the nervous system

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Lion's mane: nutrients for the nervous system

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Article on how Lion's mane boosts mood, memory, and concentration.

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If you're familiar with nutraceutical mushrooms, then you're probably already aware of their well-studied effects on immunity. But there are some mushrooms that go even further. Lion's mane is a truly unique mushroom that not only supports immunity, but also provides valuable nutrients for the whole nervous system. Given the importance of mental and neurological function to our quality and experience of life, as well as the variety of stressors that can impact it, Lion's mane can be a treasured addition to any health regimen. This article first appeared in the October issue of Face the Current - the Unity edition.

What is Lion's mane?

Lion's mane ( Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that grows on dead and dying deciduous trees-particularly oak, maple, beech, and birch trees. The mycelium continually grows throughout the wood and, when the conditions (temperature and humidity) are just right, a glorious mushroom emerges to facilitate spore dispersal. The unique appearance of Lion's mane reminds us that mushrooms form in all shapes and sizes. It appears as a hairy white ball or tuft (the French common name is pom pom blanc, or white pom pom) whose spines yellow with age. Lion's mane can be spotted in the wild in North American temperate forests (albeit with some effort, as this mushroom is relatively uncommon). Fortunately, this mushroom is easily cultivated on oak and maple logs. Many companies sell 'plug spawn' to inoculate logs, which will produce flushes of mushrooms for several years.

A valuable mushroom for mind and body health

Mushrooms generally support healthy immune system functioning, keeping our front line defenses primed and ready to respond when needed. They do this in a balanced way and prevent our immune systems from going into overdrive. This trait is common to all beneficial mushrooms, as the compounds that particularly support immunity (the polysaccharides) are pieces of the fungal cell wall.

While all nutraceutical mushrooms share these immune-supporting properties as a result of their cell wall structure, some species have unique metabolic processes that generate special compounds. Lion's mane is one of these species. It produces compounds in the mycelium and mushroom that promote neuron (nerve cell) growth. The ability of Lion's Mane to impact neurogenesis has profound implications for cognitive functioning and memory. A 2009 clinical trial in Japan found a significant increase in IQ test scores among participants with mild cognitive impairment who ingested Lion's mane powder daily for 4 weeks. As a result, it has earned a reputation as the premier nootropic mushroom, often taken daily with other nootropic herbs like ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba), Bacopa monnieri, and gotu kola ( Centella asiatica).

Many people also feel an uplifting effect on mood with Lion's mane. Another clinical trial addressed the ability of Lion's mane-participants who took Lion's mane for 4 weeks noted improved mood with fewer symptoms of emotional discomfort.

The neurological benefits of Lion's mane extend further than mood support and mental capacity. Several studies suggest an impact peripheral nerve health as well. Lion's mane isn't just a mushroom for the brain-it supports the nervous system of the entire body.

Lion's mane has another intriguing characteristic-the ability to support gastrointestinal health, particularly maintaining integrity of the lining of our stomachs and intestinal tract. This application has abundant support in the scientific literature. Recent scientific advancements on the gut-brain axis have illuminated the importance of our GI tract and microbiome health in relation to the health of the brain. Could this be another mechanism of Lion's mane? Time will tell. In the meantime, we know that reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum) and Turkey tail ( Trametes versicolor) have compounds that directly improve the intestinal microbiome. Future research may reveal similar properties in Lion's mane.

How to consume Lion's mane

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom and is safe to take daily for memory, mood, and cognitive support. It can be found as a supplement in the form of capsules or extract. The daily serving size is 1g or 2mL respectively, though a higher amount can be taken for increased neurological support.

Lion's mane is not only edible, it's a delicious gourmet mushroom that has a delicate lobster-like flavor when sautéed and added to dishes. It pairs well with seafood. A favorite recipe is wild salmon stuffed with sautéed Lion's mane, pine nuts, and rosemary. It's flavorful and packed with nutrients for the nervous system. Lion's mane mushrooms can be found at gourmet grocery stores or farmer's markets.

References

Brandalise, F., Cesaroni, V., Gregori, A., Repetti, M., Romano, C., Orru, G., . . . Rossi, P. (2017). Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2017, 3864340. doi:10.1155/2017/3864340

Chang, C.-J., Lin, C.-S., Lu, C.-C., Martel, J., Ko, Y.-F., Ojcius, D. M., . . . Lai, H.-C. (2015). Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Nat Commun, 6, 7489. doi:10.1038/ncomms8489

Kolotushkina, E. V., Moldavan, M. G., Voronin, K. Y., & Skibo, G. G. (2003). The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro. Fiziol Zh, 49(1), 38-45.

Kuo, H.-C., Lu, C.-C., Shen, C.-H., Tung, S.-Y., Hsieh, M. C., Lee, K.-C., . . . Lee, K.-F. (2016). Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A protection from MPTP-induced neurotoxicity through the ER stress, triggering an apoptosis cascade. J Transl Med, 14, 78. doi:10.1186/s12967-016-0831-y

Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake ( Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res, 23(3), 367-372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634

Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res, 31(4), 231-237.

Pallav, K., Dowd, S. E., Villafuerte, J., Yang, X., Kabbani, T., Hansen, J., . . . Kelly, C. P. (2014). Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes, 5(4), 458-467. doi:10.4161/gmic.29558

Wong, J.-Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., Phan, C.-W., Kuppusamy, U. R., Golbabapour, S., & Sabaratnam, V. (2013). Gastroprotective Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013, 492976. doi:10.1155/2013/492976

Xu, C. P., Liu, W. W., Liu, F. X., Chen, S. S., Liao, F. Q., Xu, Z., . . . Lu, X. H. (1985). A double-blind study of effectiveness of Hericium erinaceus pers therapy on chronic atrophic gastritis. A preliminary report. Chin Med J (Engl), 98(6), 455-456.

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Lion's Mane: nutrients for the nervous system

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If you're familiar with nutraceutical mushrooms, then you're probably already aware of their well-studied effects on immunity. But there are some mushrooms that go even further. Lion's mane is a truly unique mushroom that not only supports immunity, but also provides valuable nutrients for the whole nervous system.

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Medicinal Mushrooms in the Human Mycobiome

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Medicinal Mushrooms in the Human Mycobiome

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We've heard of the microbiome, but what about the MYCObiome?

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Big discoveries in little things. That seems to characterize our learnings about the importance of the human microbiome. Our developing understanding of microbes and their role in health and disease has led to a nation-wide wake up call for more responsible use of antibiotics in livestock farming and medical practice. We're beginning to understand the role of bacteria in systemic immunity, digestion, nutrient absorption, inflammation, autoimmunity, hormone metabolism, and neurotransmitters. We're expanding our awareness by examining the human virome and the role of beneficial viruses.

And now, researchers are now beginning to look at the human mycobiome. The relationship between humans and their resident fungal species has been a neglected field of study. We're familiar with genuses like Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus. But there are many, many species of fungi living in our lungs, digestive tracts, oral cavities, and skin that are just starting to be characterized. These likely play a big role in health and disease and highly influenced by our own immune responses. I suggest this is another pathway by which medicinal mushrooms work in the body.

Research has been limited in this area because of methodological restrictions. Typically, when studying fungi and testing for the presence of certain species, a sample is collected and transferred to flasks of sterile liquid media. The fungi is then cultured and visually examined. This technique dates back to the 1920's. But we're now understanding that not all fungi culture out, and many organisms have been missed.

With culture-independent methods (including DNA sequencing), we're disovering that there are many more species than predicted, and different mycobiota patterns are associated with certain disease states, especially IBD and cystic fibrosis. Mycobiome fungi can have a commensal (mutualistic/coevolutionary) relationship with its host, or pathogenic. It's largely dependent on context-other microbes present, the host immune response. And the mycobiome influences bacterial microorganisms. It's a 2-way street.

When it comes to pathogenic fungi, like Candida and Aspergillus species, deficiencies in certain immune pathways are associated with greater disease risk. These pathways include Dectin-1, TLRs and Th1 responses. Interestingly, these are the exact pathways that fungal polysaccharides support and upregulate. (Fungal polysacchardies are a group of compounds that are broken down from the fungal cell wall from higher fungi like Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, and many others.) The host immune response determines the composition of the mycobiome.

It makes me wonder: Perhaps this is an unexamined role of medicinal mushrooms-correcting some of the weakened pathways in the mycobiome. We know fungal polysacchardies (like B-glucans) increase NK cell, neutrophil, macrophage, and Th1 activity. They stimulate innate and cell-mediated immunity. But they may be interacting with the human mycobiome, and this could be another element of their role in immunity.

If you want to read more, I would recommend these papers ( here, here, and here). They're free full text and give a good overview of the mycobiome.

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Medicinal Mushrooms in the Human Mycobiome

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Big discoveries in little things. That seems to characterize our learnings about the importance of the human microbiome. Our developing understanding of microbes and their role in health and disease has led to a nation-wide wake up call for more responsible use of antibiotics in livestock farming and medical practice.

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Reishi reduces obesity in mice and positively alters microbiome composition

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Reishi reduces obesity in mice and positively alters microbiome composition

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How reishi affects the microbiome.

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Over the last few years we've been fed hints that nutraceutical mushrooms may play a role in the composition of the gut microbiome. First there was an in vitro study. Then, in August 2014, a clinical trial from Harvard Medical School found that Turkey Tail (biomass) polysaccharides acted as prebiotics in the digestive tract.

Now, a recent study in Nature Communications found that Reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum) reduced obesity in mice by affecting the composition of the gut microbiome. Now, I'm not one to jump at the sight of research 'against obesity' as if fat-shaming. But we already knew that Reishi impacts insulin sensitivity, but microbiome alteration is a new piece of data.

Here's how the study worked. Mice were fed a high-fat diet and gained weight. The obese mice were then given a Reishi mycelial water extract. Markers of inflammation decreased, as did body weight and fat accumulation. There were also increased levels of Treg cells in the liver after Reishi water extract supplementation. The high molecular weight polysacchardies (>300kDa) are believed to be responsible for these effects. The microbiota composition improved-particularly with the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and with decreased levels of endotoxin-producing Proteobacteria. The same effects was observed in obese mice who received fecal transplants from the Reishi-treated mice. This means that the gut microbiome was directly affected by Reishi, enough to reproduce the same effects in mice with similar baseline conditions.

This is a fascinating development. We know mushrooms positively impact immunity, and immunity and digestive health are intrinsically linked. This study sheds light on a new dimension in which mushrooms may be affecting physiology-by supporting probiotic or beneficial microflora, tightening intestinal junctions, and reducing inflammatory markers. Furthermore, the fact that Treg cells were upregulated in the liver is exciting in itself.

The micrbiome is the new frontier of research, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

References (all available as free full text)
Pallav K, Dowd SE, Villafuerte J, Yang X, Kabbani T, Hansen J, Dennis M, Leffler DA, Newburg DS, and Kelly CP. Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: a randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes. United States; 2014;5(4):458-67.

Chang CJ, Lin CS, Lu CC, Martel J, Ko YF, Ojcius DM, Tseng SF, Wu TR, Chen YY, Young JD, and Lai HC. Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Nat Commun. England; 2015;6:7489.

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Reishi reduces obesity in mice and positively alters microbiome composition

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Over the last few years we've been fed hints that nutraceutical mushrooms may play a role in the composition of the gut microbiome. First there was an in vitro study. Then, in August 2014, a clinical trial from Harvard Medical School found that Turkey Tail (biomass) polysaccharides acted as prebiotics in the digestive tract.

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Book by Robert Rogers

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the fungal pharmacy: the complete guide to medicinal mushrooms and lichens of north america

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mushrooms - therapeutic use - north america

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self-help / substance abuse & addictions / drugs

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health; nature; self help books; plants; fitness; motivational books; mushrooms; herbal medicine; motivation; mushroom identification book; herbs; health books; herbalism; homeopathy; wellness; alternative medicine; self help; medical books; happiness; wildlife; self improvement books; chinese medicine; medicinal herbs; fitness books; self development books; nature books; homeopathy books; medicinal plants; herb book; motivational books for women; herbal remedies book; herbal antibiotics; personal growth books

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self-help / substance abuse & addictions / drugs

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The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America

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In The Fungal Pharmacy, noted herbalist Robert Rogers introduces readers to more than 300 species of medicinal mushrooms and lichens found in North America. These fungi, Rogers explains, have the capacity to heal both the body and, through the process of myco-remediation, the planet itself. Throu...

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Medicinal mushrooms: fitness for your immune system

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Medicinal mushrooms: fitness for your immune system

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How mushrooms work for immunity

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Mushrooms: there are the good, the bad, and the psychedelic. Most people are familiar with the latter varieties. But another class of mushrooms have been neglected and underutilized: the medicinal mushrooms. Though they have a long history of use in Chinese, Japanese, and Eastern European medicine traditions, Western medicine is just catching up to the health benefits of mushrooms.

Mushrooms support immune function, and they do so in a way that is normalizing to the immune system as opposed to being a stimulant. You can think of them as immune tonics that are applicable in a wide variety of situations, including-

Lowered resistance and "catching things" easily

Chronic or persistent infections

Certain autoimmune disorders

Mushrooms affect immune function because they have compounds that resemble a microbe. Our vigilant immune cells sense this and respond to it by increasing innate immune activity (our front-line defenses). This puts our system on alert and provides a workout for our immune systems, making them stronger over time. Many types of mushrooms provide this activity, even common edibles like Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms.

They're rock stars for our immune systems, and help support other areas of the body too, like the nervous system, liver, and cardiovascular system. For a closer look, let's examine the some key mushroom species and their health benefits.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is probably the most well-known medicinal mushroom. Its use as a general wellness tonic is evident in some of its other common names, like "Mushroom of Immortality" and "Mushroom of Longevity". It can be used on an acute as well as long-term basis to support immune functioning. This restorative mushroom also helps support the adrenal glands. I think of this as the mushroom to use when you're stressed out, run down, and getting sick frequently. It's also a fabulous mushroom for allergies and hay fever as it can reduce the histamine response to environmental triggers. The doses are on the high end for medicinal mushrooms. It's suggested to take 5ml of the tincture 3 times daily for active immune boosting, or 2ml twice daily for immune and adrenal support.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion's Mane is a beautiful white mushroom that resembles a white pom pom with elongated spines. It too supports immunity, but Lion's Mane is really best known for its neurological and mental health benefits. It contains compounds that protect and promote growth in neurons. Clinical research with Lion's Mane has demonstrated efficacy for anxiety, depression, and cognitive function. This is a mushroom to consider for overall nervous system health. Lion's Mane mushroom powder is often found as an encapsulated product. Maintenance doses are 1-2g daily, with the therapeutic doses starting at 3g daily.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

This is a prized gourmet mushroom famous for its immune supportive properties. It contains a compound known as D-fraction that has been heavily researched for cancer treatment. Maitake may also help address common cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and even blood sugar issues. Maitake mushrooms can be incorporated into your diet for year-round immune health. Tincture doses are 5ml 3 times daily for active immune boosting, or 2ml twice daily for maintenance.

So how do you take mushrooms? The first thing to know is that they have to be heated in order to be bioavailable. The fungal cell wall is indigestible, and heat allows the cell wall to break down in order to access their nutrients. There are supplements available on the market in the form of capsules and extracts.

But you can also prepare teas using mushrooms. In fact, this is the traditional way that they were prepared as immune tonics. Mushrooms are easily obtained in dried and sliced forms, which is perfect for making tea.

Mushroom Tea recipe

Using 1 teaspoon of dried mushroom to 1c water,

1. Add the mushrooms to water on a pot on the stove

2. Bring up to a boil

3. Lower heat and simmer for at least 20 mins (up to several hours)

4. Strain and enjoy!

You can also reuse the mushrooms for another batch of tea. (They're best if used within one day.) You can also add other herbs and spices, like ginger, licorice, or cinnamon to suit your taste. In fact, one of my favorite go-to mushroom tea recipes is Reishi chai. Along with whole chai spices, this makes the perfect balancing pick-me-up beverage when you're feeling tired, worn out, and run down.

Reishi Chai Recipe

In 1 quart of water, add:

2-3 slices of dried Reishi mushrooms (available organically through Mountain Rose Herbs)

½ cinnamon stick

5 allspice berries

3 cardamom pods

2 cloves

1 peppercorn

Pinch nutmeg

Turn heat on medium-high until the tea reaches a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and add milk and sweetener of your choice. You may also add other herbs- I add a pinch of Ashwaganda root for extra adrenal support, or dried Elderberries for added immune benefits. This can be stored in the fridge and chilled for an iced version.

Enjoy!

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Medicinal mushrooms: fitness for your immune system

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Mushrooms: there are the good, the bad, and the psychedelic. Most people are familiar with the latter varieties.

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SC-based mushroom cultivation company.

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Mushroom Mountain is a company that focuses on the needs of the planet. We are developing innovative fungal solutions for world hunger, pest control, and disease. Our company offers high quality spawn, fruiting kits, mushroom related gifts and books, workshops, and farm tours for our visitors and growers to expand their knowledge of fungi. Mushroom Mountain is actively involved with mycoremediation design and research for removing biological and chemical contaminants from water and soil.

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Mushroom Mountain: Harmony With Nature Through Fungi

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mushroom Mountain is a company that focuses on the needs of the planet. We are developing innovative fungal solutions for world hunger, pest control, and disease. Our company offers high quality spawn, fruiting kits, mushroom related gifts and books, workshops, and farm tours for our visitors and growers to expand their knowledge of fungi.