MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS have been used medicinally since at least 3000 BC. Mushrooms are reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. It is well-established that mushrooms are adept at immune modulation and affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. Extensive research over the last 40 years has demonstrated that mushrooms have potent antineoplastic properties that slow growth of tumors, regulate tumor genes, decrease tumoral angioneogenesis, and increase malignant-cell phagocytosis. Additionally, evidence suggests that medicinal mushrooms may safely boost chemotherapeutic efficacy and simultaneously protect against bone marrow suppression. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/
REISHI: What makes this mushroom unique is its calming properties — all of which are thanks to the compound triterpene. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22207209 Reishi has also been shown to fight cancer cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3585368/
People who should avoid Reishi mushrooms include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a blood disorder, will be undergoing surgery or have low blood pressure.
LION’S MANE: Aids mental clarity and concentration https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24266378
CHAGA MUSHROOMS: an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent contenders for fighting free radicals and inflammation.
SHIITAKE: These mushrooms are particularly good for the heart health.
TURKEY TAIL: contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective that it’s an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. Turkey tail has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with certain cancers, and improve the immune system of people receiving chemotherapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7910230
CORDYCEPS: can help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently and enhance blood flow. This mushroom has been shown to not only improve exercise and athletic performance but also speed up post-workout muscle recovery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/
AGARICUS MUSHROOM: used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), hepatitis B, digestive problems such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and to reduce side effects due to cancer chemotherapy. Other uses include prevention of heart disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers.
In Japan, extracts of the agaricus mushroom are approved as a food additive.
Agaricus mushroom contains chemicals that might improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Some developing research also suggests it might be able to strengthen the immune system, fight tumor development, and work as an antioxidant. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1165/agaricus-mushroom
MAITAKE MUSHROOM: stimulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems in cancer patients. In vitro research has shown maitake can induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, and inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells.
Maitake has a hypoglycemic effect, and may be beneficial for the management of diabetes. It lowers blood sugar because the mushroom naturally contains an alpha glucosidase inhibitor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grifola_frondosa
Medicinal mushrooms are meant to be used as an adjunct, NOT a replacement for the prescribed medicines you may be taking. Always talk to your doctor beforehand to confirm if adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet is safe, especially if you’re using certain medications or are pregnant.