For thousands of years, ancient cultures have been using mushrooms to heal. Modern medicine has even turned to these fantastic fungi, with 40% of Western medicines using mushrooms’ properties which build immunity and treat ailments in their recipes. These medicines with mushroom components are used to treat a range of illnesses and health conditions. Whether it is to treat arthritis, lower cholesterol or protect the liver, mushrooms seem to offer an endless amount of healing powers. We explore the myriad of ways that mushrooms can serve as food-as-medicine. Mushrooms’ endless healing powers greatly impact the immune system and can be a useful resource for health and wellness. 

Here are five ways that mushrooms have been proven to heal the body.

Diabetes For help with diabetes and weight loss, maitakes are the best mushrooms around. They motivate digestion and balancing glucose levels so that the body can produce more insulin on its own. 

 

Muscle Recovery Cordyceps mushrooms are regularly used in pre or post-workout formulas to promote energy and also stimulate the libido. They lead to improved blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, which motivates muscle function, especially for athletes or those who exercise regularly. This mushroom also reduces soreness and speeds up the muscle recovery process after exerting the body.

Liver Health

Shiitake mushrooms support liver and skin health. These have been commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine practices and are recommended to be consumed in powder form. They promote skin recovery, blood flow and reduce cholesterol in the liver. 

 

Cancer Growth Prevention or Slowdown Filled with antioxidants, Turkey Tail mushrooms have been known to boost immunity, which could impact cancer growth in the body. Ingesting this type of mushroom has been commonly prescribed to people with cancer or leukemia in Japan and is associated with higher survival rates and more chemotherapy tolerance.

 

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Reishi has been deemed the “queen of mushrooms” as it promotes mind and body balance. It lowers the cortisol hormone associated with anxiety and helps with leveling hormones to be more mentally resilient. Reishi is also associated with improved sleep, which motivates better mental and body functioning. 

 

With these various healing properties, mushrooms may be the right treatment for you. Use them safely and appropriately, considering dosage recommendations. Give your body a break by healing it with natural, organic fungi.