Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Eastern Medicine for thousands of years but has really become popular as of late and with good reason. Mushrooms have been traditionally used to support immune function, increase stress resilience, improve mental clarity and more. Red Reishi has been known as the “mushroom of immortality”. I certainly can’t promise immortality for everyone, but it does make one wonder what it does, to be called that!
Chill Now by Eversio Wellness contains Red Reishi. It has been dubbed “meditation in a bottle” for its apparent systemic calming effect which may help with anxiety and sleep. In traditional Chinese medicine the body relaxes and recovers during the night to balance the endocrine system. The terpenes may help to prevent physical ageing and protect cellular DNA from oxidative damage.
Defend Now contains Turkey Tail and its claim to fame is its anti-cancer and antiviral properties. Interestingly, mushrooms share roughly 85% of the same RNA and 50% of DNA as humans. A mushroom expert told me that it works by preventing the replication of mRNA and DNA which ultimately affect the replication of cancer cells and viral cells. I’ve personally been taking this all throughout the pandemic. There are more than 400 clinical studies in Japan showing its benefits on the immune system.
Energize Now contains Cordyceps and was traditionally used as a tonic to restore and revitalize symptoms like fatigue, exhaustion, and chronic stress. Studies have shown increases in ATP (main energy source in our cells), improved lung function, and enhanced blood flow. Athletes are using this to boost energy, improve stamina, increase endurance and respiratory function. Research also shows increased libido in women and improved sperm health in men.
Focus Now contains Lion’s Mane and is the mushroom most associated with brain health because it contains compounds that induce nerve growth factor synthesis which may protect existing neurons and stimulate new neuron growth in rats. In humans, a double-blind placebo-controlled study showed significant improvements in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The improvements got worse after stopping so it may be best taking it longer term.
If you are thinking that they all sound good, then you might want to consider getting a blend of mushrooms like Awaken Blend which has Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane or Balance Blend which has Red Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and Maitake. Shiitake with lentinan and Maitake with D-fraction have immunomodulating properties and high amounts of beta glucans for immune support.
To learn more about the power of mushrooms come listen to naturopath, Dr. Shannon Dragasevich and Brandi Garden, at their upcoming Mushrooms 101 Seminar. Wednesday 6 p.m. at November 23, 2022 at Cloverdale Pharmasave. Please call to preregister (604-576-2888). Seminar discounts will apply.
Lyle Sunada is a compounding pharmacist and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner specializing in hormone balancing and alternative medicine at Cloverdale Pharmasave. Everything mentioned in the article is available In-Store.
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