Medicinal mushrooms offer a natural and sustainable solution for inflammation relief. Packed with antioxidants, adaptogens, and immunity-enhancing compounds, medicinal mushrooms help improve overall wellbeing without side effects associated with conventional medications.

Steeping functional mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi and Lion’s Mane in hot water will bring many health advantages. Steeping also offers many other health advantages – try Steep for Better Brain Function (STBBF).

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms, like many others, have long been recognized for their powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidant compounds in Chaga may provide protection from oxidative stress caused by free radicals causing cell damage from free radicals found in the environment – something which can lead to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A recent study demonstrated how extracts of Chaga significantly decreased hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage both among healthy volunteers and those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

Chaga contains polysaccharides that stimulate oxidative phosphorylation in cells, leading to more production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) for energy production in your body. Furthermore, antioxidants found in Chaga can protect mitochondria from dysfunction – something common among some cancer cells.

Betulinic acid and its precursor betulin are two of the key triterpenes found in chaga. Both may originate in birch tree bark that provides its source of nutrition; and both compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-gastritis, and immunomodulatory properties.

Lupeol, another triterpene found in chaga, has proven itself an invaluable component. Lupeol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Chaga can reduce inflammation through its ability to influence macrophage activity. Macrophages are immune system cells that respond rapidly to inflammation and infection. Lupeol reduces RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammatory responses by blocking production of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as blocking lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-kB.

Studies have demonstrated that chaga’s polysaccharides may help support pancreas function by improving its ability to process sugars. Chaga extracts have also been found to block alpha-glucosidase enzyme, which blocks carb absorption and helps control blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. Other medicinal mushrooms like Maitake and Stinging Nettle may provide similar anti-diabetic benefits.

Although much research has been conducted on the medicinal properties of chaga, more studies need to be completed before validated in large clinical trials. Also, since it grows on trees in nature and harvested for medicinal use, its concentration of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids will differ depending on where it was collected; to obtain maximum benefit it’s best to seek out chaga that was carefully collected from forests where this fungus will have the highest concentrations of these active ingredients.

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is an ancient mushroom widely considered an adaptogenic remedy for stress management, with anti-inflammatory and immune boosting benefits as well. Reishi has also been shown to boost immune function, helping treat chronic fatigue syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as well as boost immune function overall. Reishi contains several bioactive compounds including polysaccharides and triterpenes which inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

Reishi was traditionally consumed as a tea or capsule containing fruiting bodies, mycelia or spores; today however it can also be found as supplements and tinctures sold as powders, tablets or gummies.

Reishi has long been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects both in animals and people. One study demonstrated how Reishi increased natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell, in cancer patients. Meanwhile, another animal study demonstrated how Reishi decreased inflammation by increasing production of GM-CSF, an immunostimulatory molecule.

Research has demonstrated that Reishi can assist in mitigating the risks of inflammation disorders such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. Furthermore, Reishi may help strengthen immunity, slow aging processes and promote mental wellness – all while helping lower stress levels.

Reishi can have different results for every individual; some people may experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions when taking this supplement. Before making changes or adding supplements to your diet, consult a medical professional first.

If you’re curious to give Reishi a try, Four Sigmatic currently has two supplements on sale; hot cocoa mix and an elixir. Four Sigmatic sources its Reishi from southeast China where it boils the fungus for 12-24 hours before placing them into a spray dryer with pressurised hot air that removes any liquid content.

Four Sigmatic’s process resembles that used for processing shiitake mushrooms, yet is more laborious and time-consuming. Furthermore, as it’s not subject to FDA oversight it is vital that any product purporting to contain Reishi is thoroughly investigated prior to purchase.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Hericium genus that’s often used to create medicinal foods and supplements. While research on its effects in humans remains limited, animal studies indicate it can boost immune function, reduce infections through increasing intestinal immunity and promote nerve health by encouraging new nerve cell formation – potentially making this beneficial for multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s patients.

Lion’s mane has multiple neuroprotective properties and may also help improve mood by stimulating production of brain chemicals that act as messengers between the brain and nervous system, and regulate emotions such as anxiety or depression by decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone.

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, and may aid digestion as well as support gastrointestinal health. You can find this mushroom both as a capsule supplement as well as tea bags or powder. Upon first taking this substance, some individuals may experience stomach ache or headache; these symptoms should subside over time.

The nervous system serves as the body’s command center, sending and receiving signals throughout. Damage to either your brain or spinal cord can have lasting repercussions that affect every aspect of life including cognitive performance. A small study has demonstrated how Lion’s Mane may help lessen this damage by stimulating the growth and repair of new neurons.

Add high-quality Lion’s Mane powder or extract to your daily routine for improved mental clarity and cognitive function. Our favorite Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tincture can be quickly absorbed under the tongue for easy usage or added to herbal tea blends for maximum effectiveness.

Lion’s Mane should be safe for most individuals; however, some medications could interact with it and pregnant/breastfeeding women should avoid it. Furthermore, speaking to your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplements – particularly herbs and mushrooms – is strongly encouraged; they will offer tailored recommendations based on your unique health goals.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are an anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive mushroom commonly brewed into tea for health benefits, and have long been utilized by traditional medicine practitioners across Asia for millennia. Yun Zhi mushrooms in China and Kawaratake mushrooms in Japan are both widely recognized examples of such fungi.

Turkey tail mushrooms are an invaluable addition to any healthy diet, packed with beta-D-glucans and prebiotic properties that support gut health and promote beneficial bacteria.

Fungus is also rich in antioxidants that may protect against cancer and improve cardiovascular health, providing an effective immune-supporting supplement to those with compromised immunity to help balance their system and reduce inflammation.

Fungus can also boost athletic performance and fight fatigue caused by physical activity. Animal studies have demonstrated how polysaccharide peptide, commonly found in turkey tail, helps reduce fatigue markers while increasing endurance and improving performance.

Research also suggests that this fungus can enhance the body’s natural immune response and provide anti-cancer benefits, with some clinical trials using it alongside standard cancer therapies to boost immunity and enhance outcomes.

However, alternative therapies should not be seen as the sole solution to cancer or any other health conditions; you should consult with a healthcare provider before embarking on this treatment regimen.

To maximize the nutritional benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, look for products that have been ethically sourced and prepared without unnecessary heat or fillers. Also make sure that it’s properly packaged as heat can damage some nutrients in its source material.

To maximize turkey tail’s many health benefits, combine it with warming and supportive herbs like ginger and astragalus for an anti-inflammatory, immune boosting and energy enhancing blend that’s ideal for fighting inflammation, supporting immunity, improving energy levels and combatting inflammation. Add this blend into teas, smoothies or elixirs for maximum effects!