Chaga

Chaga is a nonpsychoactive woody mushroom found on birch trees that is commonly brewed as tea for use as a remedy for cancer, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes and chronic fatigue. Chaga contains polysaccharides with antioxidant properties as well as being proven antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal in its effects; additionally it acts as a natural source of melanin which helps protect against UV radiation damage while improving skin health.

Studies conducted using chaga extract found that it suppressed glycolysis in oral cancer cells, leading to reduced ATP levels and autophagy activation. Additionally, results demonstrated that it inhibited p-STAT3 activation which in turn led to cancer cell apoptosis through both the NF-kB and p38 MAPK pathways (Supplementary Fig S3).

Chaga has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress levels in lymphocytes from ulcerative colitis patients and healthy controls, and reduce oxidative damage in human fibroblasts. Furthermore, supplementation was discovered that could decrease this oxidative damage.

Another study suggested that chaga may offer protection from neurodegeneration by slowing aging processes in rats. This effect was likely facilitated by its melanin content, which acts as a free radical scavenger and protects against oxidative damage.

Chaga ranks high on the ORAC scale, which measures antioxidant power. Before taking this fungus, it’s wise to consult your healthcare practitioner first as its use may cause bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication to affect their bleeding. Chaga also contains oxalates which could potentially lead to kidney stones; these side effects are rare when taken moderately and in conjunction with other foods; furthermore it should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding periods.

Reishi

Reishi (ganoderma lucidum), also renowned as the mushroom of immortality, is revered in traditional Chinese medicine for its adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress. Reishi is also revered as mental health medicine due to its ability to reduce anxiety, reduce depression, and promote deep restorative sleep. With high concentrations of naturally sedative compounds which work with nervous systems to induce calmness, relaxation, and drowsiness; all characteristics important in creating optimal mental wellbeing.

Reishi contains beta-glucans, complex sugars that enhance immunity by activating white blood cells that target and destroy abnormal — including cancerous — cells. Reishi has also been found to support normal liver and kidney functions while potentially alleviating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia or asthma.

Reishi is an effective natural anti-inflammatory remedy, helping balance hormones and lower the risk of chronic diseases by improving blood circulation, decreasing oxidative stress and supporting healthy cell metabolism. According to studies, Reishi may even promote longevity by strengthening immunity by increasing natural killer cells that combat infections.

Studies indicate that Reishi can help treat chronic fatigue, a condition marked by persistently low energy levels despite sufficient rest. Furthermore, Reishi may help manage autoimmune disorders by activating natural killer cells that target tumors or damaged cells for elimination.

Reishi is considered generally safe when taken as a dietary supplement and used according to label instructions. For maximum safety, however, always consult with a health care provider prior to taking any supplement, herbal or otherwise, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication (reishi may interact with certain cancer treatments and be sure to inform them about all prescription or over-the-counter drugs you’re currently taking).

Maitake

Maitake mushroom supplements are widely recognised for their immune-enhancing benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes it to support and increase qi flow within the body – vital life force or vital force that sustains health and vitality – and reduce inflammation to help strengthen immunity systems.

Maitake contains beta glucans, which have the power to block germs and pathogens that may cause illness. Furthermore, maitake acts as an excellent natural blood sugar regulator reducing risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Studies indicate that maitake polysaccharide D-fraction has anti-tumour properties and may prevent cancer cells from proliferating, as well as working synergistically with interleukin-2 (IL-2) to boost immunity response and kill cancer cells.

Additionally, this functional food can help promote digestive health by helping to reduce inflammation and promote gut permeability. Furthermore, its adaptogenic qualities make it a wonderful solution for those dealing with chronic stress or low immunity as it helps normalise the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during times of stress while stabilising cortisol levels for body balancing purposes.

Maitake should not be taken if you have bleeding disorders or are on blood thinner medications. As this supplement can interfere with certain medications, consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to taking maitake if you are already on any. When selecting supplements from maitake mushroom strains it is essential that they contain fruiting bodies instead of just mycelium which have less medicinal value; some supplements on the market contain unnecessary fillers or colors which reduce effectiveness of extract.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail, also known as Trametes versicolor, is one of the most commonly used mushrooms in natural medicine. Its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate phlegm and provide digestive relief; you can eat raw, dried or make tea or tinctures out of this fungus; it has even been used as treatment for cancer, liver ailments, hepatitis B infection and urinary tract infections.

As an immune booster, turkey tail helps increase innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and other lymphocytes. Furthermore, turkey tail is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals to protect cells against damage. Research suggests that including turkey tail in one’s diet may even support normal insulin sensitivity in healthy people – making it an excellent addition for diabetic diets!

Studies indicate that turkey tail can help protect DNA from oxidative stress thanks to the high concentrations of phenolic compounds it contains, which have been found to provide protection from free radical damage on DNA by creating bonds resistant to their damaging effects.

Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of polysaccharide peptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-k, commonly referred to as Krestine, found in Turkey Tail for cellular health*. PSPs may help stimulate new hepatocyte growth which in turn helps decrease liver fat accumulation*. PSPs have also been found to reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy* and help stop cancer cell proliferation, potentially helping decrease obesity among overweight individuals*. PSPs also encourage fat cells to release fatty acids into circulation more easily – something which may reduce obesity in overweight individuals*. PSPs are known for helping maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood – taking supplements such as Turkey Tail extract can further aid this effort*.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is an adaptogenic herb used to support healthy immune function. It is used as a treatment for cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular conditions, increasing physical energy and longevity; available as capsules or tea supplements as well as being integrated into traditional Chinese medicine treatments for kidney, liver and lung issues. With more than 350 species – cordyceps sinensis being one of them – and some being farmed while others being harvested wild, Cordyceps genus includes over 350 different varieties that have medicinal value – some varieties are farmed while others harvested wild – its uses range far and wide.

Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, ergosterol and cordycepin which play an integral part in regulating adenosine receptors which play an integral part in many physiological processes like sleep, immunological response, respiratory and cardiovascular functioning and central nervous system activity. Cordyceps has demonstrated excellent antitumor activity as it has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cells such as breast cancer cells, melanoma cells, lymphoma cells as well as human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Li & Yang 2008a).

Cordyceps supplements increase oxygen flow to the brain while increasing antioxidants, leading to more efficient production of ATP and helping prevent free radical formation, which contributes to ageing. They may also assist in balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that play key roles in mood regulation and sleep-wake cycles.

Studies show that cordyceps can help lower blood pressure and inhibit arrhythmias – when your heart beats too fast or too slowly. Furthermore, cordyceps strengthens heart muscles and can reduce inflammation in lungs, liver, kidney and can even prevent infection by Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections.