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Supporting Immunity with Functional Mushrooms

Supporting Immunity with Functional Mushrooms

Elizabeth Ferns |

Functional mushrooms are rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds like selenium, antioxidants, beta-glucans, and terpenes. These anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial compounds are what make functional mushrooms incredibly effective at supporting immunity.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.

 

What the Research Says

Chaga

Packed with antioxidants that act as a defense system, Chaga works both preventatively and restoratively to build optimal immune health. The polysaccharides and beta-glucans within chaga work to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help ward off infection and viruses (1).

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms produce valuable polysaccharides that have been shown to enhance immune function in those who are immuno-suppressed or immuno-deficient (2). The compound cordycepin is known to inhibit the replication of cancer and tumor cells, slowing their growth while keeping white blood cell counts high, even during radiation (3).

Lion’s Mane

This functional mushroom is mostly known for its ability to support nerve growth and cognitive function, but it can have a profound impact on the immune system as well. Bioactive compounds in lion’s mane have shown antibiotic, anti-carcinogenic (4), and immunomodulating properties (5).

Reishi

Reishi has been used for thousands of years within traditional healing systems to fortify immune function. This mushroom works both preventatively and as a restorative tonic in a wide variety of ailments. Reishi gently modulates the immune system over time, helping to boost the body’s natural defenses (6).

Turkey Tail

This mushroom can support the body's recovery from low immune function and autoimmune conditions. Turkey tail extracts have been shown to regenerate white blood cells and stimulate the activity and creation of T-cells, macrophages and natural killer cells (7). The bioactive compounds within turkey tail are anti-pathogenic and anti-viral for a variety of harmful organisms (8).

 

How to Add Immune-Boosting Mushrooms to Your Routine

Mushroom Powders

Add our water-soluble Concentrated Mushroom Powders to coffee, tea, smoothies, or your favourite recipe. These ethically sourced powders feature organic fruiting body mushrooms with potent extract ratios.

Mushroom Capsules

Looking to add mushrooms to your current supplement routine? Our Mushroom Capsules offer a convenient way to enjoy our best-selling Mushroom Powders. These vegan, gluten-free capsules are also easy to take with you on the go when travelling.

Mushroom Tinctures

Our Mushroom Tinctures are formulated by Clinical Herbalists with organic fruiting body mushroom extracts, organic cane alcohol, and natural spring water. They’re highly bioavailable, and easy to drop into coffee, tea, juice, or mocktails.

Tincture Blends

For preventative wellness, our Immune Depth Tincture Blend contains reishi alongside other herbs that fortify the immune system.

To combat symptoms, our Vira-Support Tincture Blend is packed with turkey tail and other anti-viral herbs to ward off infection.

To support detoxification and immunity, Bio-Shield Tincture Blend features both reishi and turkey tail alongside other antioxidant-rich herbs.

Artisan Tea

Our Chaga Tea is packed with 100% fruiting body chaga, providing a functional boost to the immune system.

 

Curious to learn more about the power of functional mushrooms? Visit our Mushrooms 101 Blog for guides on each of the world’s top 5 mushrooms, how to choose which one is right for you, and more. 

Article References

1. Seo, Hye-Kyung, and Seung-Cheol Lee. “Antioxidant Activity of Subcritical Water Extracts from Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus Obliquus).” Separation Science and Technology, vol. 45, no. 2, 21 Jan. 2010, pp. 198–203., doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390903423899.

2. Holliday, J. C., & Cleaver, M. P. (2008). Medicinal Value of the Caterpillar Fungi Species of the Genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A Review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 10(3), 219–234. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v10.i3.30

3. Wang, S.-Y., & Shiao, M.-S. (2000). Pharmacological Functions of Chinese Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps sinensis and Related Species. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 8(4), 248–257

4. Friedman, M. (n.d.). Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(32), 7108–7123. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914

5. He, X., Wang, X., Fang, J., Chang, Y., Ning, N., Guo, H., Huang, L., Huang, X., & Zhao, Z. (2017). Structures, biological activities, and industrial applications of the polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) mushroom: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 97, 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.040

6. Gao, Y., Zhou, S., Jiang, W., Huang, M., & Dai, X. (2003). Effects of Ganopoly®(A Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients. Immunological Investigations , 32 (3), 201–215. doi: 10.1081/imm-120022979

7. Pfeiffer, Marijke. “The Effectiveness of Coriolus Versicolor Supplementation on HIV+ Patients and the Impact on CD4 Count and Viral Load.” Lecture presented at the III International Symposium on Mushroom Nutrition, March 10, 2001.

8. Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2020.