In ancient Chinese medicine, some
mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat a wide array of illnesses.
Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake,
Polyporus and White Button mushrooms are among some of these.
Cordyceps
Recent
research has shown that cordyceps may promote cellular health and has
anti-depressant activity.
Cordyceps may improve immunity by stimulating cells
and specific chemicals in the immune system. Cordyceps
was the foundation of a pharmaceutical drug called Cordycepin produced decades
ago. It may also have activity against cancer cells and
may shrink tumor size, particularly with lung or skin cancers.
Cordyceps is used to treat coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, kidney
disorders, nighttime urination, male sexual problems, anemia, irregular
heartbeat, high cholesterol, liver disorders, dizziness, weakness, ringing in
the ears, unwanted weight loss, and opium
addiction.
It is also used for strengthening the immune system, improving athletic
performance, reducing the effects of aging, promoting longer life and
improving liver function in people with hepatitis B.
Some people use cordyceps as a stimulant, a tonic, and an “adaptogen,” which is
used to increase energy, enhance stamina, and reduce fatigue.
The
reishi mushroom is known in natural health circles as the “mushroom for the
nerves.” These
mushrooms were believed by alchemists to actually grant eternal life. In China
and Japan, reishi mushrooms continue to be used to promote good sleep and
neurological health.
Research
has shown reishi mushrooms may possess immune system enhancing properties as
well as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
Maitake
The
maitake mushroom is known as “miracle mushroom”. And it also means
“dancing mushroom” in Japan, a name for which there are at least two
explanations. One explanation is the way the maitake mushroom looks—the
overlapping leaflets of the mushroom resemble butterflies in a wild dance.
Another
explanation is that when Japanese people centuries ago stumbled upon these mushrooms
growing out in the wild, they would dance for joy because they could be traded
for their weight in silver.
These
massive mushrooms are valued both for their rich flavor as well as their
usefulness as an all-purpose health tonic.
Shiitake
It is
called “healing mushroom”. Shiitake means “shii mushroom” in Japan. It referred
to the shii tree on which it most commonly grows in Japan. The shiitake
mushroom is also called “king” or “monarch of the mushrooms”. This is because
it enriches the diet with a good source
of protein and potassium, as well as zinc (from the stems) which is an
important element for immune health.
These
mushrooms produce an amino acid compound called eritadimine, which accelerates
the conversion of low-density LDL cholesterol into high-density lipoproteins or
HDL.
Modern
research has indicated that Shiitake mushroom may stimulate the immune system,
possess anti-bacterial properties, reduce platelet aggregation and possess
anti-viral properties.
Polyporus
Although
almost every mushroom helps bolster our body’s natural defenses, one of
the most potent mushroom varieties is Polyporus umbellatus, also known as zhu
ling.
Popular
in Asian countries like China and Japan, it has antioxidant capabilities that
help maintain lung and respiratory health. The Chinese also traditionally use
zhu ling to support kidney health.
Polyporus
is closely related to the maitake mushroom, which is known for its powerful
immune-boosting properties. Polyporus is often used in combination with other
mushroom varieties to create a powerful herbal tonic.
White
Button
French
researchers found that white button mushrooms have as much antioxidant power as
wild cream and brown varieties, like popular, immune-booster Shiitake.
In addition,
one study found that people who ate lunches made with white button mushrooms
consumed at least 300 fewer calories than the same size lunches made with beef.
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