Medicinal Mushrooms have been used for healing purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. As a matter of fact, Medicinal mushrooms were thought to support the immune system, protect heart health, and promote longevity when used in tinctures, powders, and teas made from dried fungi.
Types of medicinal mushrooms
Not only are medicinal mushrooms high in vitamin B and minerals like copper, selenium, and zinc, but they’re also high in antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage. As a result, medicinal mushrooms are excellent for fighting inflammation and boosting immunity.
All of these mushrooms are thought to have adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens improve your body’s ability to deal with both emotional and physical stress.
1. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms, also known as the “Queen of the Medicinal Mushroom World,” help ease and calm the nervous system. They contain immune-modulating compounds known as beta-glucans, which help boost the immune system as needed. Furthermore, Reishi mushrooms are also known to have anti-cancer, liver-protective, and blood sugar-balancing properties.
In addition, they assist your body in adjusting to physical and psychological stress, making it a natural treatment for anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Another significant benefit of reishi, and what truly sets it apart, is how it works to achieve hormonal balance. The triterpene compounds found in reishi fruiting bodies help to support and balance the endocrine system.
How to cook with Reishi Mushroom
Recipe: Reishi mushroom soup with carrots and kale
Source: https://80twentynutrition.com/recipe/reishi-mushroom-soup-with-carrots-and-kale/
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 2 carrots sliced 1/2″ thick
- 1 bulb fennel diced (fronds reserved)
- 2 cups Cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms sliced (or 1/2 cup dried)
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup reishi mushroom
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 1 tbsp allspice
- 1/2 tbsp thyme
- 3 cups kale chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Fennel fronds minced
Method:
Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes after adding the onion.
Cook for 1 minute after adding the garlic. Sauté the ginger and remaining vegetables (except the reishi powder) for 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
Combine the water, reishi powder, miso paste, and dried spices in a mixing bowl. Bring your soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour, covered.
To wilt the kale, stir it into the hot soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with fresh fennel fronds on top!
2. Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps are known for their ability to boost vitality, endurance, and stamina. This is due to naturally occurring compounds in the mushroom that improve oxygen availability in the blood.
Furthermore, it can help to support natural energy needs for daily routines, cognitive health, and mood. Correspondingly, it is especially beneficial for people who are frequently tired and have low energy.
Cordyceps supplementation, like other functional mushrooms, promotes healthy immune function. Its polysaccharide content promotes gut health and aids in immune system modulation. Cordyceps, as an adaptogenic mushroom, assists the body in responding appropriately when faced with infection or inflammation.
How to cook with Cordyceps Mushrooms
Recipe: Chocolate Mushroom Truffles
Ingredients:
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk BPA free
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1 tablespoon Cordyceps Mushroom Powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- sea salt
- ¼ cup raw cacao powder
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Method:
Firstly, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Turn off the heat.
Mix in the maca, cayenne pepper, cordyceps, and a pinch of salt.
After that has been thoroughly absorbed, add the maple syrup, chocolate chips, and another pinch of salt.
Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth, then place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until slightly firm.
Next, in a dish, combine chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
Spoon one tablespoon of the chocolate mixture into each truffle using a small scoop. One by one, dip the truffles into the cocoa powder mixture. Gently shake or toss the truffles in the mixture to coat.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
3. Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga, the king of mushrooms, is a powerful immune booster with anti-cancer properties, similar to Reishi. It supports the immune system by regulating cytokine production in the body. Cytokines are the chemical messengers of the immune system. They are proteins that play an important role in the stimulation of white blood cells. White blood cells serve as the immune system’s first line of defence against a variety of illnesses, including the common cold.
This potent medicinal mushroom is one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants, which protect the body from foreign bodies and toxins.
How to cook with Chaga Mushrooms
Recipe: Chaga Choconut Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 100 ml almond milk
- Half frozen banana
- 1 tsp chaga powder
- 1 tsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
- pinch of cinnamon
Method:
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. Add more almond milk or ice if the mixture is too thick.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom which strengthens the immune system, stimulates digestion and improves brain function.
Lion’s mane mushrooms may enhance the immune system. This is done partly by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidation, due to its high antioxidant properties.
In addition, Lion’s mane encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Therefore, boosting your overall health and wellbeing.
How to cook with Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Recipe: Mushroom Hot Chocolate with Reishi and Lion’s Mane
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tsp lion’s mane mushroom powder
- ½ tsp reishi mushroom powder
- cinnamon stick (optional)
- honey
Method:
In a pot, combine the milk, cacao or cocoa powder, mushroom powders, and cinnamon stick.
Heat the mixture over medium low heat for 5-8 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. To combine, whisk everything together as it heats.
Remove the cinnamon stick with care, then pour the mushroom hot chocolate into a mug. Add honey or maple syrup.
The flavour of medicinal mushrooms is very subtle and barely discernible. They do, however, add a pleasant earthiness to the recipes.
Each mushroom is distinct and offers distinct health benefits. Consider them as immune system sidekicks or mini-vaccines against stress, inflammation, and cancer.