Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. They are known to have therapeutic properties and are often used as homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that uses small doses of substances to stimulate the body's natural healing response. While there are many varieties of mushrooms, only a small percentage are known to have medicinal properties. Some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms include reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, each with its own unique health benefits. For example, reishi is known for its calming properties, while lion's mane is believed to improve mental clarity and foster the production of nerve growth factor. Medicinal mushrooms are typically consumed in powder form and can be added to smoothies, coffee, or other dishes to boost their nutritional value and potential health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms | Help fight cancer, boost immunity, improve nutrition, act as antioxidants, and improve mental clarity |
| Types of medicinal mushrooms | Reishi, Lion's mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Agaricus |
| Agaricus | Remedy for twitches, jerks, tics, cramps, spasms, and even types of neurodegenerative disorders and convulsions |
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What You'll Learn
- Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years
- Mushrooms are known to have therapeutic properties and health benefits
- Mushrooms are used to create homeopathic medicines
- Agaricus is a homeopathic remedy for twitches, jerks, tics, and cramps
- Mushrooms are known to fight cancer and boost immunity
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years
Mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks used the amadou mushroom for its anti-inflammatory properties, and the Chinese have cultivated the shiitake mushroom since 1000 AD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has used mushrooms medicinally for an estimated 3,000 to 7,000 years. The oldest official list of medicinal substances in TCM, the Shennong Bencao Jing, dates from the 29th century BC and includes several mushroom species.
The most famous medicinal mushroom in the world is likely Ganoderma lucidum (reishi in Japanese, ling zhi in Chinese). It has been used for at least 2,000 years to treat cancer, viral and bacterial infections, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and ageing. Other types of medicinal mushrooms include lion's mane, which fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor and myelin, both crucial for brain health; chaga, which is an antioxidant powerhouse; and turkey tail, which contains a compound called polysaccharide-K that stimulates the immune system and is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan.
Shiitake mushrooms are particularly good for the heart, as they have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol in mice and inhibit cholesterol absorption and production in the liver. They also contain phytonutrients, which help prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation. Cordyceps mushrooms are beneficial for athletes or those who regularly work out, as they improve exercise performance and speed up post-workout muscle recovery.
Medicinal mushrooms are typically consumed as powders; they are not meant to be eaten raw or whole. They can be added to smoothies, stir-fries, coffee, or pre- or post-workout meals. While they offer a range of health benefits, they are not a cure-all, and more research is needed to verify their effects. It is important to consult a doctor before adding medicinal mushrooms to one's diet, especially when taking medications or during pregnancy.
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Mushrooms are known to have therapeutic properties and health benefits
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while some varieties are edible and savoury, others are deadly. They have been used to promote well-being and longevity since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine. They are also widely used as an adjuvant in the treatment of various types of cancer.
Mushrooms are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are rich in potassium, low in sodium, and loaded with heart-healthy compounds that help prevent plaque buildup on arterial walls. They are also a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, their most abundant carbohydrate, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They also contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system, such as selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and shiitake mushrooms, in particular, help to keep cholesterol levels low.
Research has shown that eating 1 to 2 cups of mushrooms each week may reduce the risk of cancer by up to 45%. They are a rich source of two powerful antioxidants, glutathione and ergothioneine, which help shield cells from damage and support immune function.
Some specific types of mushrooms have unique health benefits. For example, Lion's Mane mushrooms support healthy brain function and neuron generation, while Cordyceps mushrooms improve lung capacity and increase energy.
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Mushrooms are used to create homeopathic medicines
Another example of a medicinal mushroom is Lion's Mane, which is packed with antioxidants and strengthens the immune system. Lion's Mane is unique in that it fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin, which are crucial to brain health. Chaga mushrooms are also antioxidant powerhouses, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation. They have been found to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, and may help prevent or slow the growth of cancer.
Reishi mushrooms are another popular medicinal mushroom known for their calming properties, thanks to the compound triterpene. Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years and are often consumed as powders added to smoothies, coffee, or stir-fries. While the list of health benefits that medicinal mushrooms provide is lengthy, it is important to note that they are not a cure-all, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the human body.
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Agaricus is a homeopathic remedy for twitches, jerks, tics, and cramps
Mushrooms are used in homeopathic medicine. Agaricus Muscarius, also known as Agaricus, is a homeopathic remedy derived from a mushroom. It is a nerve remedy that is well-suited to persons who are very sensitive to cold and damp, the elderly with poor blood circulation, and alcoholics with headaches. Agaricus is particularly useful for treating nerve issues like twitches, jerks, tics, and cramps.
Agaricus is an excellent remedy for twitching, from simple twitching in the face, eyelids, and extremities, to severe cases of chorea. Chorea is a movement disorder causing abrupt, involuntary, unpredictable body movements. In cases of chorea, Agaricus can be used for jerking in a single muscle or several muscles together, causing a dancing-like position of the body. It is also effective in treating muscle twitches that occur during sleep.
Agaricus is also a remedy for tics, which are sudden semi-voluntary repetitive twitches or movements involving distinct muscle groups. Tics can be classified into two types: motor tics, which are movement-based, and phonic tics, which are associated with sound production. Agaricus is indicated for tics such as blinking of the eyes or twitching of the head. It is also useful for managing facial tics like grimacing and for treating eye twitching.
In addition to its nerve-related benefits, Agaricus is also effective in treating cramps. It can help manage cramps in the hands or feet and relieve numbness in the lower limbs. It is also useful for managing tearing, stitching, or pressing pain in the hip joint and knee joint pain. Agaricus is a valuable homeopathic remedy for various muscle and nerve-related issues, making it a versatile and beneficial treatment option.
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Mushrooms are known to fight cancer and boost immunity
Mushrooms are part of the fungus family and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. They are known to be rich in bioactive compounds, which are currently being studied for their potential to fight cancer and boost immunity.
While mushrooms cannot cure or prevent cancer, certain compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, are thought to strengthen the immune system and improve immune response in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Polysaccharide K (PSK), found in turkey tail mushrooms, is one such compound that has been studied for its ability to repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy and strengthen the immune system. PSK has been safely used as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the mid-1970s, particularly in Japan, with few side effects.
Maitake mushrooms, which are used in Japan and China to treat diabetes and hypertension, have also been studied for their potential benefits in cancer treatment. In one of the first clinical trials examining the impact of maitake mushroom extract, Dr. Deng's team found that the extract had a dual effect, acting as both an immune stimulator and an immune suppressor. Additionally, in an open-label trial in China, an over-the-counter product made from reishi mushrooms called Ganopoly was given to patients with advanced lung cancer alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients exhibited marked changes in immune responses, such as lymphocyte count and natural killer cell activity.
While research is ongoing and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any mushroom products as a treatment for cancer, mushrooms are being investigated for their potential to affect the immune system and slow or stop the growth of tumors or kill tumor cells.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are used in homeopathic medicine. For example, the Agaricus mushroom, also known as Fly Agaric, is a remedy for twitches, jerks, tics, cramps, spasms, and even types of neurodegenerative disorders and convulsions.
Mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. They are known to have therapeutic properties and are used to build immunity and assist the human body in adapting to various conditions.
Medicinal mushrooms are typically taken in powder form and are added to food or drinks. They are never meant to be eaten raw or whole.
