From Lion’s Mane to shiitake – medicinal mushrooms have been named the new CBD for their health boosting comounds. Clarissa Berry, Nutritionist for DIRTEA, reveals why
Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms with therapeutic properties that have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Mushrooms like chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail are packed with beneficial compounds that can increase resilience to stress, enhance energy levels, regulate mood, improve sleep, sharpen focus, and much more.
Even better, they are not psychedelic and are totally caffeine-free.
As science catches up with tradition, providing evidence of how powerful these mushrooms really are, they’re fast becoming a vital part of anyone’s wellness routine, possibly overtaking CBD which has boomed in recent years as a natural aid to manage stress and anxiety, improve sleep and calm inflammation.
Medicinal mushrooms are very safe to consume and offer some fabulous benefits
With stress a common feature in most of our lives, it’s no wonder that we would turn to scientifically proven methods to support us, and the benefits of choosing natural over synthetic aids are becoming ever more apparent.
Medicinal mushrooms are very safe to consume and offer some fabulous benefits, for stress, sleep and far beyond.
I recommend choosing one to start with, and while you may feel the effects after just a few days, take it consistently for around two months to really see results.
Just some of the issues they can help with include:
#1 Reduced stress and anxiety
The most popular medicinal mushrooms are all considered ‘adaptogens’, which means that they help the body to cope with stress.
They increase our resilience to life’s stressors and regulate the body’s systems so that we’re ready to adapt to what life throws at us.
It has calming effects on the nervous system
Reishi is an especially powerful stress and anxiety reliever. It has calming effects on the nervous system, soothing the mind without subduing or sedating.
Lion’s mane can elevate the mood, and research suggests it may reduce symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
Due to their adaptogenic nature, any medicinal mushroom you add to your routine is likely to add a layer of armour against the stresses of daily life.
#2 Improved immune support
Beta-glucans, found in all medicinal mushrooms, are one of their most powerful active components. They stimulate the immune system to fight off infections, as well as to find and destroy damaged or cancerous cells.
They also nourish and support the gut microbiome, which further contributes to healthy immunity. Reishi has one of the highest concentrations of beta-glucans, which makes it a fantastic supporter of immunity.
Chaga, with more antioxidants than any other food, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which strengthen and support the immune system alongside its beta-glucans.
#3 Supports gut health
Mushrooms are actually the most fibre-rich foods on the planet, which means that they are jam-packed with goodness that only our resident microorganisms can digest.
Beta-glucans act as prebiotics, feeding good bacteria in the digestive tract to support a healthy and flourishing gut microbiome. This is extremely beneficial for digestive function, as well as cardiovascular, immune and brain health.
Anti-inflammatory compounds in lion’s mane also soothe the gut lining and can relieve symptoms of gastritis.
#4 Better energy levels
Another property of medicinal mushrooms is their ability to improve energy levels without jitters or crashes.
The best in this arena is cordyceps, which is thought to support energy systems at the cellular level, possibly even enhancing our cells’ ability to use oxygen.
Cordyceps can help to combat fatigue as it makes energy more available to our cells, and also supports healthy energy production throughout the day.
Cordyceps can help to combat fatigue as it makes energy more available to our cells
DIRTEA’s Cordyceps extract powder ensures a high concentration of active ingredients, making it the perfect way to naturally boost energy in the mornings.
Simply mix a spoonful with boiling water in the morning and reap the natural energy enhancing benefits all day.
DIRTEA is a unique range of powders and Super Blends which harness the healing powers of mushrooms, adaptogens and ayurvedic herbs to naturally enhance your wellbeing.
#5 Improved sporting performance
Similarly, cordyceps can improve athletic performance. Its ability to support our energy systems and oxygenation may improve endurance, and studies suggest it can improve exercise performance in older adults.
Athletes in China traditionally take cordyceps as a natural performance enhancer and attribute many of their successes to this incredible mushroom.
studies suggest it can improve exercise performance in older adults
Cordyceps isn’t your typical pre-workout – it doesn’t jack you up or make you restless, but it could provide a natural boost to improve not only your performance but also your recovery.
#6 Increased focus and brain power
Lion’s mane is the absolute standout when it comes to cognition. Compounds in lion’s mane called terpenes can regenerate nerve cells and are neuroprotective.
This powerful mushroom can improve cognitive performance, focus, memory and mental clarity, making it a brilliant addition to anyone’s morning routine.
There is also promising research on its ability to reduce symptoms in those with dementia and to speed recovery from nervous system injuries.
#7 Enhanced libido
Cordyceps has been used traditionally for centuries to enhance sexual vitality, and science is beginning to support this claim.
With as little as one tsp per day, cordyceps has been shown to increase sperm count and testosterone levels in males. It may also help improve libido in those with a low sex drive, and combat erectile dysfunction.
cordyceps has been shown to increase sperm count
Studies so far have focused on benefits in males, however anecdotal evidence reports similar effects in females.
#8 Clears and calms skin
For skin, there’s no better mushroom than chaga. It is the most antioxidant-rich food known, with 1 tsp containing more antioxidants than 600 blueberries – that’s a powerful health punch!
Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, reactive molecules that damage cells and are responsible for ageing. The antioxidants in chaga help to slow skin ageing and pigmentation, and their anti-inflammatory effects also calm skin irritations, redness and blemishes.
Chaga is also one of the richest sources of melanin
Chaga is also one of the richest sources of melanin, the skin pigment. Consuming chaga boosts melanin production in the skin, offering internal protection from UV damage.
Yet another compound in chaga, betulonic acid, helps to regenerate damaged skin cells. It’s the skin tonic you never knew you needed.
#9 Better sleep
The beta-glucans in reishi, alongside their immune-modulating effects, reduce inflammation and can affect the production of neurotransmitters.
Consuming reishi releases serotonin and GABA in the brain. These soothing and calming neurotransmitters relax the brain and body, making reishi supportive of anxiety when taken in the morning and a natural sleep aid when taken at night.
One tsp of DIRTEA’s Reishi extract powder before bed is a wonderful way to encourage healthy sleep while supporting overall wellness.
More Healthista Content:
5 CBD benefits for women you didn’t already know about
Why can’t I sleep? 8 reasons your gut health could be to blame
3 best facials in London for glowing skin – tried and tested
5 healthy pasta recipes perfect for the weekend
Brittle nails? Feeling bloated? 7 signs you’re not digesting protein properly
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
