As we inevitably get older, starting around mid-40s there is an increased occurrence of cancers, cognitive decline and overall health challenges, along with a rise in hormonal imbalances that we unfortunately face in today’s world. Personally, after many years of using varying blends of ‘medicinal’ mushrooms for various health challenges of my own, we are now happy to make it available to all our patients & customers here at Touch Tuina!

The Master Mushroom Tonic is a blend of medicinal (non-psychoactive) & nootropic mushrooms, used to reverse age related immune system decline and impede cancer cell growth, cutting risk of infection, improving brain cognition and performance and keeping your cells healthy and functioning to their optimal potential.

Each of the mushrooms below has unique health benefits due to their rich nutritional profiles and bioactive compounds. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of consuming each mushroom individually:

1. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their savoury taste and potent health benefits.

Key Benefits include:

• Immune Support: Shiitake contains beta-glucans, particularly lentinan, which enhance immune the function by stimulating white blood cells. This can help the body fight infections and reduce inflammation.
• Heart Health: Shiitake is rich in compounds like eritadenine and sterols that help lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health by reducing arterial plaque buildup.
• Antioxidant Properties: The mushroom is packed with antioxidants like selenium and polysaccharides, which help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Antiviral and Antimicrobial Effects: Shiitake has been found to possess antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can protect the body against various infections.
• Bone Health: Shiitake is one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D, especially if it has been sun-exposed, supporting bone density and overall skeletal health.

2. Tremella (Tremella fuciformis)

Tremella, also known as the “snow fungus” or “white jelly mushroom,” is particularly prized for its skin-enhancing and hydrating properties.

Key Benefits include:

• Skin Health and Hydration: Tremella is known for its powerful hydrating properties due to its high concentration of polysaccharides, which can help retain moisture in the skin, in a similar way to hyaluronic acid. It helps promote a youthful complexion by enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
• Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects: Tremella has strong antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in aging and many chronic diseases.
• Immune Modulation: Like many medicinal mushrooms, Tremella boosts the immune system by stimulating macrophages and natural killer cells, helping the body defend against pathogens.
• Brain Health: Tremella may improve cognitive function and memory, as its antioxidants help protect brain cells from damage and support overall neurological health.
• Liver Health: Studies suggest that Tremella can help protect the liver from damage and improve liver function by reducing oxidative stress.

3. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey Tail is one of the most well-researched medicinal mushrooms, primarily for its immune-enhancing and anticancer properties.

Key Benefits include:

• Immune System Support: Turkey Tail contains potent polysaccharides, especially polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which enhance immune functions by stimulating T-cells, macrophages and natural killer cells. It’s often used as an adjunct in cancer therapy to boost the immune system and improve outcomes.
• Anticancer Properties: Turkey Tail has been studied extensively for its potential to inhibit tumour growth and enhance the effects of chemotherapy. It may help prolong survival in cancer patients by boosting immune activity and reducing inflammation.
• Gut Health: Turkey Tail is a prebiotic, meaning it helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, immunity and mental well-being.
• Antioxidant Support: The mushroom is rich in antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall health.
• Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties: Turkey Tail has demonstrated antiviral effects, particularly against viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex. It also supports the body in combating bacterial infections.

4. Auricularia (Auricularia auricula-judae)

Also known as “wood ear” or “black fungus,” Auricularia mushrooms have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their numerous health benefits.

Key Benefits include:

• Cardiovascular Health: Auricularia mushrooms contain compounds that may reduce cholesterol levels and prevent blood clotting by thinning the blood, which supports cardiovascular health and may help prevent heart disease and strokes.
• Blood Health: These mushrooms are known for their ability to improve circulation and may help reduce the risk of blood clots due to their anticoagulant properties, similar to a natural blood thinner.
• Gut Health and Digestion: Auricularia is high in fibre, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. It also helps to regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation.
• Immune Boosting: Like other medicinal mushrooms, Auricularia supports immune function by enhancing the activity of immune cells, helping the body resist infections.
• Skin Health: The polysaccharides in Auricularia have moisturising properties and may contribute to skin hydration and anti-aging effects.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Auricularia may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis or other chronic inflammatory diseases.

6. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps is known for its energizing properties and is often used to improve physical performance and endurance.

Key Benefits include:

• Energy and Stamina: Cordyceps is well known for boosting energy levels and enhancing stamina, making it popular among athletes. It improves the body’s use of oxygen and increases cellular energy production (ATP).
• Respiratory Health: Cordyceps improves lung function and helps to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and chronic cough.
• Immune Support: Cordyceps has immune-modulating properties, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections while also reducing inflammation.
• Anti-Aging: The antioxidant properties of Cordyceps help to slow down the aging process by reducing cellular damage.
• Sexual Health and Libido: Cordyceps is known for enhancing libido and sexual function, particularly in men, by increasing blood flow and supporting the endocrine system.

7. Agaricus Blazei (Agaricus subrufescens)

Also known as “Himematsutake” or “Royal Sun Agaricus,” this mushroom is prized for its immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties.

Key Benefits:

• Immune System Boost: Agaricus Blazei is rich in beta-glucans that stimulate immune function, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases, including cancer.
• Anticancer Properties: The mushroom has been studied for its potential to reduce the growth of tumours and improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. It is believed to boost immune responses and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Agaricus Blazei may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
• Liver Health: This mushroom helps detoxify the liver and improve overall liver function, protecting it from damage caused by toxins and infections.

8. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is a distinctive, white, shaggy mushroom known for its remarkable benefits for brain health and cognitive function.

Key Benefits:

• Brain Health and Cognitive Function: Lion’s Mane stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports the growth, maintenance and repair of neurons. This makes it beneficial for improving memory, focus and overall cognitive function.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by supporting brain plasticity and reducing inflammation in the brain.
• Mood and Mental Health: Lion’s Mane can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by supporting brain health and reducing inflammation in the nervous system.
• Digestive Health: Lion’s Mane supports the gut by promoting the health of the mucosal lining and reducing inflammation, which can improve digestion and protect against ulcers.

9. Poria Cocos (Wolfiporia extensa)

Poria Cocos is a medicinal fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often for its benefits to the digestive and nervous systems.

Key Benefits include:

• Calming and Stress Relief: Poria Cocos is known for its calming effects, making it useful for reducing anxiety, nervousness and insomnia. It is often used to promote relaxation and support sleep.
• Digestive Support: Poria helps improve digestion by reducing bloating, relieving water retention and supporting healthy stomach and spleen function. It can help treat gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and diarrhoea.
• Immune Support: Poria Cocos supports the immune system by boosting the body’s defences against infections and helping to modulate immune responses.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Poria Cocos has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation throughout the body, promoting overall well-being.

Conclusion:

Each of these mushrooms brings distinct health benefits:

• Shiitake is excellent for immune support, heart health and antioxidant protection.
• Tremella is renowned for skin hydration, anti-aging, brain and immune support.
• Turkey Tail is a powerful immune booster with strong anticancer and gut health benefits.
• Auricularia supports cardiovascular health, improves circulation and aids digestion.
• Reishi: Immune support, stress relief and cardiovascular health.
• Cordyceps: Boosts energy, improves respiratory health and supports sexual vitality.
• Agaricus Blazei: Immune boosting, anticancer properties and blood sugar regulation.
• Lion’s Mane: Enhances brain health, cognitive function and mental well-being.
• Poria Cocos: Calming effects, digestive support and immune modulation.

Incorporating these mushrooms into your diet can support overall well-being and help manage specific health conditions, particularly those related to immunity, inflammation and aging, and can provide powerful support for mental and physical health.

(A daily serving blends well in coffee, hot chocolate or nourishing soups)

For more information contact us at the clinic!