For centuries, medicinal mushrooms have been revered in various cultures around the world for their potential therapeutic benefits. Today, their popularity is soaring, with an array of products available to cater to different preferences.
Nancy’s Nifty Nook carries many trusted brands of medicinal mushrooms and staff is available to explain their incredible health benefits. They also carry some tea forms from Teeccino and Chaga Chunks.
Brands to Trust
Owner Nancy recommends two notable brands that are leading the way in the medicinal mushroom market - New Roots and Omega Alpha.
New Roots offers capsules and powder options, while Omega Alpha has recently launched a liquid line. These brands employ meticulous extraction methods that ensure the preservation of therapeutic compounds, resulting in highly concentrated and bioavailable extracts.
Notably, their products are sustainably harvested, scientifically researched and rigorously tested. They are also gluten-free, non-GMO and free from grain and alcohol.
The marvels of medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses, offering a wide range of health benefits. Some of their remarkable advantages include:
- Immune support: Medicinal mushrooms can bolster your immune system, helping your body defend against infections and diseases.
- Antioxidant properties: They are packed with antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals, contributing to overall health.
- Inflammation response: These mushrooms support a healthy response to inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
- Blood sugar regulation: Certain mushrooms can help balance blood sugar levels, crucial for those with diabetes or at risk.
- Brain health: Medicinal mushrooms have been found to support cognitive function and improve mental clarity.
- Nervous system support: They aid in maintaining the health of your nervous system, vital for overall well-being.
- Increased energy: Many mushrooms can boost your energy and stamina, making them ideal for those seeking a natural energy lift.
Popular medicinal mushrooms
Chaga
- Strengthens immune function and cellular health.
- Aids in destroying abnormal cells.
- May lower blood pressure.
- Combats abnormal and mutagenic cell growth.
- Reduces inflammation.
Chaga is rich in antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It has anti-inflammatory qualities, relieves pain, purifies the blood and protects the liver, promoting overall well-being.
Cordyceps
- Increases resistance to disease and environmental stressors.
- Enhances oxygen utilization and circulation.
- Boosts mental clarity and physical energy.
- Improves sexual function for both men and women.
- Supports the kidneys, adrenals, heart, liver, and lungs.
Cordyceps is known to treat various health issues, including liver ailments, high cholesterol, blood pressure regulation, improved memory, kidney health, respiratory function and blood sugar normalization. It has even been used as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatments.
Coriolus (Turkey Tail)
- Regulates the immune system effectively.
- Assists in improving cellular health and balance.
- Targets infected tissue without overstimulating the immune system, reducing cellular anomalies and growths.
Coriolus is a versatile mushroom used to combat infections while maintaining a healthy immune system, making it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
Lion's Mane
- Stimulates the synthesis of nerve growth factor.
- May reduce brain plaque and assist in myelin sheath rebuilding.
Lion's Mane is known for its cognitive and nervous system benefits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking improved mental clarity and focus.
Maitake
- Boosts the immune system and may limit abnormal cell growth.
- Reduces chemotherapy side effects.
- Modulates glucose levels and reduces inflammation.
Maitake supports the body's defense mechanisms, making it useful in preventing diseases associated with abnormal cell growth and enhancing overall health.
Reishi
- Improves immune health.
- Assists in chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
- Enhances energy and stress resistance.
- Acts as an antioxidant.
Reishi is effective in treating a wide range of health conditions, including inflammation, blood sugar regulation and liver protection.
Shiitake
- Fights colds and flus.
- Enhances immune health.
- Acts as an antiviral and antibacterial agent.
- Tonic for the liver and antioxidant.
Shiitake offers immune support and helps lower cholesterol levels while protecting the liver.
Resilience (Mushroom Blend)
- Increases energy, stamina, stress resistance and immunity.
Resilience is a unique blend of various medicinal mushrooms, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.
As with any natural product, careful research and a discussion with your family doctor is recommended. If you are taking pharmaceutical drugs, consult your pharmacist to ensure there are no contraindications.
Nancy warns that while some medicinal mushrooms have many traditional therapeutic uses, others are toxic, which can result in poisoning and even death.
Some mushrooms can also have hallucinogenic properties. “It is important to understand that picking mushrooms for consumption is not a good idea. Only consume those that are produced by companies that do the research and provide you with safe products,” she says.
Stop by the store located at 152 Holland Street E. to discover medicinal mushrooms. Embrace the power of nature and explore the myriad of health benefits these incredible fungi have to offer.