Learn more about Fungi, medicinal mushrooms, chaga mushrooms, reishi mushrooms, lion’s mane, mushroom chocolates and mushroom capsules.
In addition to the wide variety of cannabis products on the market today, many consumers are looking for that next step in their holistic healthcare regiments. Could mushrooms be the answer? We think that answer is yes!
The use of medicinal mushrooms dates back thousands of years. Many of these fungi have been used for pain relief, immune support, digestion aid and potential effects against cancer and other chronic ailments. But, not all mushrooms are created equal. Before you decide if medicinal mushrooms are right for you, keep reading to learn more about some of the different types of medicinal mushrooms.
Medicinal vs. Psychedelic Mushrooms
When we think of mushrooms, many of us think of psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms are still very hard to obtain in the U.S due to their legality. Although, there has been increased interest and research into the effects of microdosing psilocybin for anxiety, depression and PTSD. And with the success of shows like Fantastic Fungi and Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia, people’s minds are starting to change. In 2019, Denver even voted to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms.
While these can be beneficial for many consumers, medicinal mushrooms are in a different category. Medicinal mushrooms refer to many different species that each have their own specific benefits and are non-hallucinogenic. Because medicinal mushrooms aren’t considered controlled substances, they are mostly readily available in most states.
Common Medicinal Mushrooms
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms have been used in eastern medicine for thousands of years. Their primary benefit is immune system support. Studies have shown that reishi mushrooms help increase activity in white blood cells, a critical part of the immune system. This activity may also be effective on certain types of cancer, but research is limited. Reishi can also potentially help with depression, chronic fatigue and heart health.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms typically aid in lowering bad cholesterol due to their antioxidant properties. As a result, Chaga mushrooms may also be beneficial for those with cardiovascular issues. Like Reishi mushrooms, Chaga can also boost the immune system and may help lower blood sugar.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain compounds that may stimulate the growth of brain cells, which improves cognitive function and memory. Animal studies have shown that it may be beneficial for those suffering from dementia. Other studies have shown that lion’s mane may also help speed up recovery time for nervous system injuries, but research is still very limited.
Turkey Tails
Turkey Tail mushrooms have also been used for medicinal purposes for many years, and are considered one of the world’s first superfoods due to their long list of potential health benefits. Evidence and research suggests that they may assist with immune support, liver function, gut health and stress relief to name a few. They’re also safe for your pets, too.
Medicinal Mushrooms and Cannabis
There are also products hitting the market that combine medicinal mushrooms with cannabis. For example, the Shruumz micro dose chocolate bars from Prophet Premium have become a greet option for those who want the medicinal benefits of reishi, Chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms with a small dose of HHC.
These provide a light, euphoric buzz while helping boost your immune system and aid with stress relief. Be on the lookout for these chocolate bars hitting our shelves soon. Other medicinal mushroom products can be taken in the form of tea, powder and capsules. Or, if you fancy yourself a mushroom forager, most of these mushrooms can be found in the wild.
While research into the benefits of medicinal mushrooms is limited in the western world, past use of these fungi show that they may help with a wide variety of ailments. If you have questions about medicinal mushrooms or want to try them out, be on the lookout for new products hitting our store. Or, give us a call if there’s a product you’d like to see us carry.
