What are the best known medicinal mushrooms?

Our ancestors have always used plants and mushrooms as natural remedies against any ailment and it is precisely for this reason that they have been defined as "medicines". As we have already said in the previous article, medicinal mushrooms are called in this way because they have many beneficial properties for humans and this also promotes their use in mycotherapy.

But what are the best known and most studied medicinal mushrooms? We certainly cannot fail to mention Shiitake Mushrooms, an ingredient with a central role in all IoBoscoVivo products due to their countless beneficial effects for both humans and the environment ( https://ioboscovivo.com/shop/ ).

Since we have already dedicated an entire article to shiitake mushrooms, in this article we will talk about other medicinal mushrooms by presenting the identity cards of these special mushrooms:

Name: Agaricus Blazei

Properties: they can be defined as "mushrooms for the immune system", as they are mushrooms capable of strengthening the immune defenses and helping the body protect itself from certain bacteria, particularly in the urinary tract and respiratory tract. If taken consistently it can help improve the appearance and tone of the skin, and has immunomodulating effects, therefore acting as a valid ally even in case of allergies.

Curiosity: it is native to Brazil where it is called C ogumelo do sol (mushroom of the sun) or Cogumelo de Deus (mushroom of God).

Name: Auricularia (Auricula Judae)

Properties: This mushroom strengthens psycho-emotional functions and helps counteract stress and anxiety. They recommend it for the health of the cardiovascular system because it helps in peripheral venous insufficiency, acting as a blood thinner.

Curiosity: In China it is called Mù Er "wooden ear", in Japan Kikurage "tree jellyfish" and in Vietnam " Cat's ear fungus " or "cat's ear".

Name: Coprinus Comatus

Properties: its peculiarity is that it improves metabolism and reduces glucose levels thanks to the presence of colloidal vanadium, a very rare mineral that acts as an excellent hypoglycemic. It heals the intestinal bacterial flora by acting as a prebiotic (nourishes lactic ferments), necessary for the proper functioning of the intestine and its immune response.

Curiosity: it contains vitamin C rarely found in mushrooms

 

Name: Cordyceps Sinensis and militaris

Properties: This mushroom has an invigorating effect, increases general body energy and is also able to promote the activity of the immune system and improve the health of the male and female sexual apparatus.

Curiosity: it is also called " Tibet Gold "

Name: Hericium Erinaceum

Properties: Mushroom rich in molecules called Erinacins which aid digestion and favor its use against gastric problems and pathologies. It acts at the nervous system level and is very important for psycho-physical well-being.

Curiosity: In China it is called Shishigashira , which means "lion's head".

Name: Grifola Frondosa (Maitake)

Properties: its immunostimulant activity is due to a β-glucan, grifolan. This mushroom is useful in favoring the use of fats in energy metabolism and consequently keeps the desire for sweet and/or carbohydrate-rich foods under control.

According to some studies, it supports the activity of the pancreas, assists the production of insulin and reduces blood sugar, increasing the use of the glucose present in the blood by the cells.

Curiosity: Maitake means "dancing mushroom", because it is said to make those who found it dance with joy: in China, during the Middle Ages, it had the same value as silver. It is also called “Barbisin” because its shape resembles a beard.

Name: Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi)

Properties: increases vital energy and immune defenses by fighting viruses and bacteria, also delays aging and has always been considered an elixir of long life. It is considered an immunostimulating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic remedy. It also has a hypocholesterolemic and blood pressure regulating action which makes it a food of choice for the protection of the cardiovascular system.

This mushroom has a very bitter taste and for this reason it is usually consumed in the form of powder, in aqueous decoctions, in alcoholic extracts or in capsules so as to benefit from its strong pharmacological properties.

Curiosity: the name means immortality mushroom, symbolizing well-being and luck.

Obviously the world of medicinal mushrooms is very broad and these are just some of the best known mushrooms whose properties are known.

It should also be underlined that medicinal mushrooms do not work miracles, but if introduced daily as part of a healthy and balanced diet, they can bring various benefits to our body.