Sarah Brown
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years, both as food and medicine. They are increasingly popular for their sustainability, health benefits, and nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are believed to provide immune balance, stamina, and support for brain health. In TCM, the balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept. Snow ear mushrooms (Bai Mu Er) are considered neutral in nature and do not affect the balance in the body. They are prescribed for coughing, fatigue, and bloody sputum. Reishi mushrooms, on the other hand, are believed to be more yin in nature, regulating and harmonizing the body's vital force or qi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Yin |
| Uses | Food and medicine |
| Health Benefits | Provide immune balance, stamina, support brain health, improve digestion, improve lung function, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, improve cognition and memory, restore damaged nerves |
| Examples | Reishi, Lion's Mane, Snow ear, Chaga, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Fu Ling, Zhu Ling, Poria, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes versicolor, Lignosus rhinoceros, Fomitopsis fomentarius |
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What You'll Learn
Reishi mushrooms are yin
Mushrooms have become increasingly popular for their sustainability, health, and nutritional benefits. They are also used for their medicinal properties, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept. While "Yang" ingredients have a warming energy, "Yin" ingredients are considered "cooling" and are believed to have a regulating and harmonizing effect on the body's vital force or Qi.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ling Zhi or Ganoderma lucidum, are considered to be Yin in nature. They have been used in folk medicine for centuries, especially in ancient Chinese culture, where they are regarded as a symbol of immortality. Reishi is also believed to calm the Shen, which refers to the spirit and the connection between the body, mind, and soul.
The cooling and nutritive properties of Reishi mushrooms make them an ideal partner for stronger, more "Yang" herbs. This combination creates a balanced and synergistic approach to supplementation. Reishi is also known to have immune-boosting properties, including high levels of beta-glucans, which are one of the most powerful immune system boosters. Additionally, Reishi can help stimulate nerve growth and boost memory and cognitive function.
Reishi mushrooms are available in various forms, including capsules, teas, powders, and liquid extracts, making them versatile and easy to incorporate into one's daily routine. They are considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress in a unique and gentle yet powerful way. Overall, Reishi mushrooms are valued for their ability to provide long-term support for overall well-being and vitality.
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Medicinal mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used as medicine in the Far East for over 2,000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mushrooms are believed to help balance Yin and Yang energies in the body. For example, the Reishi mushroom is considered cooling and nutritive, and thus more yin in nature, while Astragalus is associated with yang due to its warming energy.
Snow ear mushrooms, or Bai Mu Er, are considered neutral in nature and do not affect the balance between Yin and Yang in the body. They are prescribed to target the stomach, kidney, and lung and are used to treat coughing, fatigue, and bloody sputum.
Mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as boiled, fried, roasted, soups, tinctures, teas, and dietary supplements. They are also used in skincare products and as a food substitute at a ratio of 1:1 according to the USDA. The growing interest in mycotherapy calls for more clinical trials and research into the safety and efficacy of medicinal mushrooms.
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Mushrooms in TCM
Mushrooms have been a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries, contributing to holistic healing practices. They are believed to have potent anticancer properties and are used to treat various ailments. In TCM, the concept of Yin and Yang is essential, and eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to a Yang excess, while consuming too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can result in a Yin excess.
One notable mushroom in TCM is Reishi, also known as Ling Zhi (Ganoderma). It is considered a potent Qi tonic, calming the Shen, nourishing the Heart, and benefiting the Blood and Lungs. Reishi has been traditionally used to treat coughing and respiratory issues such as wheezing. Its cooling and nutritive properties are generally believed to be more Yin in nature, bringing regulation and harmony to the body's vital force.
Another type of mushroom used in TCM is Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos), which is said to promote urination, remove dampness, and strengthen the Spleen, which is considered the main digestive organ in TCM. Additionally, the Zhu Ling or Polyporus (Sclerotium Polyporus Umbellatus) mushroom is known for its ability to support kidney function and maintain potassium-sodium levels.
Snow ear mushrooms, or Bai Mu Er, are also used in TCM. They are classified as tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency and are believed to either nourish the Kidneys and Liver or moisten the Lungs and Stomach. Bai Mu Er is considered neutral in nature, meaning it doesn't affect the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. It has a sweet taste, which, according to the 'Five Phases' theory in TCM, slows down acute reactions and detoxifies the body while replenishing Qi and Blood.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is another medicinal mushroom used in TCM. Traditionally, it was used to improve digestion, while modern research focuses on its potential to enhance cognition, memory, and nerve restoration. Chaga, a type of mushroom with anti-tumor and immuno-modulatory effects, is also used in TCM to support digestive health and regulate inflammation.
In summary, mushrooms play a significant role in TCM, offering a range of health benefits and contributing to a holistic approach to wellness. The balance of Yin and Yang is crucial when incorporating mushrooms into TCM practices to maintain homeostasis within the body.
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Mushrooms and herbs
Mushrooms have been used in the Far East for over 2,000 years, both as food and medicine. They are increasingly popular for their sustainability, health, and nutritional benefits. They are often used in combination with herbs in herbal formulations to enhance their intended action.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mushrooms are believed to support Yin-Yang balance or homeostasis in the body. For example, the Reishi mushroom is considered cooling and nutritive, and thus has a more yin nature, resulting in a regulating and harmonizing effect on the body's vital force or qi. Conversely, Astragalus is associated with yang due to its warming energy, which helps strengthen the body's qi.
Bai Mu Er, or Snow Ear mushrooms, are also used in TCM to address Yin Deficiency, which can manifest as coughing, fatigue, and bloody sputum. They are considered neutral in nature, meaning they do not affect the balance between yin and yang in the body. Instead, they target the stomach, kidneys, and lungs, and have a tonic effect by replenishing qi and blood.
Mushrooms also contain chemical compounds like peptides, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, which support the immune system and increase the resilience of our bodies and minds. For example, Lion's Mane and Ginkgo together have a nerve cell-supporting effect greater than the sum of their parts.
When it comes to cooking, mushrooms and herbs are a classic combination. A simple way to prepare them is to sauté the mushrooms with herbs, butter, and olive oil, and garnish with soy sauce for an earthy, savory dish. This can be served as a side or paired with steak, mashed potatoes, or toast with soft cheese.
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Mushrooms in food and drink
Mushrooms have been used in the Far East as food and medicine for over 2,000 years. They are now increasingly popular in the West, both as functional foods and as health supplements. Mushrooms are also being added to drinks, such as coffee, and to skincare products.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mushrooms are believed to support the immune system and promote Yin-Yang balance or homeostasis. The concept of balance between Yin and Yang is key to TCM, and foods are believed to have either "Hot" (Yang) or "Cold" (Yin) energies, which can cause imbalances in the body if consumed in excess. For example, eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to a Yang excess in the body. Mushrooms such as reishi are considered cooling and nutritive and are therefore believed to be more yin in nature, regulating the body's vital force or qi. Conversely, astragalus is associated with the yang spectrum, having a warming energy that helps to strengthen the body's vital energy or qi.
Some mushrooms are believed to have anticancer properties, including the ability to suppress tumours and modulate immunity and inflammation, which are crucial for cancer progression. For example, research has demonstrated the anti-tumour and cholesterol-lowering effects of Tremella, a type of mushroom used in TCM to nourish the skin and lung yin. Chaga is another mushroom known for its anti-tumour and immuno-modulatory effects, as well as its antioxidant activity and ability to support digestive health.
Different types of mushrooms are used in TCM to target specific organs and meridians. For instance, Bai Mu Er (Snow ear mushrooms) are believed to target the stomach, kidneys, and lungs, and are prescribed for conditions such as coughing, fatigue, and bloody sputum. Lion's Mane is used to improve digestion and modern research has also suggested that it may improve cognition and memory and restore damaged nerves. Cordyceps is used to improve lung function and sexual function, and is believed to be a Kidney Yang and Essence tonic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yin and Yang are energies that refer to the capacity of foods to generate sensations in the human body. They can be cold, hot, warm, cool, or neutral.
No, different mushrooms are believed to have different effects on the body. For example, Reishi mushrooms are believed to be Yin, while Astragalus is considered Yang.
Yin mushrooms are believed to have a regulating and harmonizing effect on the body's vital force or Qi. They are also used to treat coughing, fatigue, and bloody sputum.
Yang mushrooms are believed to strengthen the body's vital energy or Qi. They are also used to promote urination and strengthen the spleen and kidneys.
