Mushrooms (toadstools) belong to the phylum Basidiomycota family. They are fungi (fungus) and any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds.
There is much debate about how many types of mushrooms are in the world because of their wild nature. While many are edible, care must be taken when ingesting wild mushrooms because some are toxic and even deadly, and some have hallucinogenic qualities.
Mushrooms play an essential part in nature, helping to recycle the forest and converting plant material into the soil. They grow wild on moist, rich soil or the bark of trees. What we call a mushroom is the spore-bearing fruit body of the fungus. It is usually grown above ground except in the case of the exotic truffle, “the diamond of the kitchen,” which produces an underground fruiting body. The designation toadstools is generally understood as poisonous to humans.
Most mushrooms sold in supermarkets have been commercially grown on mushroom farms. They are considered safe because they are grown in a controlled, sterilized environment and include white, brown, portobello, crimini, shitake, maitake, and enoki. Commercially grown mushrooms are very low in calories and fat, with small amounts of protein and higher carbohydrates. They contain all vitamins B, C, and D, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, selenium, and copper.
Yogic and Ayurvedic texts contain little information on fungi. Ayurveda classifies them as tamasic (which creates heaviness and dullness). They spoil quickly and are hard to digest, mainly when the agni (the digestive fire) is low. Too much can also create ama (toxins) and allergic reactions.
Mushrooms have the energetics of being sweet and astringent in taste, are heating in nature, and are more balancing for the Pitta and Kapha dosha and can bring imbalance to Vata in excess. Their earthiness can create groundedness and calm the nervous system, but too much makes your consciousness sleepy.
Although not used extensively in Ayurveda, their usage is increasing because of their proven medicinal qualities and widespread use in Chinese medicine.
Below are some of the revered medicinal mushrooms used in cooking and herbal medicine:
Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) boasts an incredibly high ORAC value (the ability to act as an antioxidant). It has potent immune-boosting properties, benefits the respiratory, nervous, and adrenal systems, is an anti-cancer and antiviral, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps Militaris) grows at high altitudes under harsh conditions, giving it many heroic properties. It enhances physical performance and stamina via oxygen utilization and mitochondrial pathways. It also contains compounds that are potent antioxidants and benefit brain function.
Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is super delicious and increases the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) and BDNF (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor). They are famous for their unique nerve-healing properties, are used for dementia and post-stroke, and improve cognition, memory, and emotional balance.
Oysters (Pleurotus spp.) are considered more food than medicine, but they offer general mushroom benefits, are rich in protein and fiber, and contain natural statins that reduce cholesterol.
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) promotes longevity and has anti-tumor effects. It activates immunity and benefits blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. It also showed brain-boosting benefits.
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) is one of the most revered mushrooms because of its adaptogenic qualities, calming the heart, acting as a lung tonic, and promoting longevity. Additionally, they are anti-inflammatories and immune modulators that help with asthma, allergies, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is not only delicious but promotes longevity and is rich in polysaccharides; it is considered to have anti-cancer properties, supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, stimulating the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor) is a powerful immune tonic. It is an immunostimulant and has anti-cancer properties. It is high in antioxidants that support gut health by suppressing harmful bacteria.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is also known as hen of the woods mushrooms. They benefit immunity, liver toxicity, and the cardiovascular system while lowering blood sugar, and they are anticarcinogens.
Sacred 7 Mushroom Powder
Sacred 7 -mushroom powder is made from Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail. All of which are cherished for their adaptogenic and immune-boosting properties. These mushrooms promote longevity, increase brain power, and are highly nutritious. This product is made with 100% of the whole fruit bodies of the mushrooms without any additives or starchy fillers, optimizing the bioavailability of compounds that yield nutrient-dense mushroom powders with fantastic micro and macronutrient profiles, including protein and antioxidants.
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