medicinal mushrooms

Mushrooms have been valued as medicine since the dawn of human history. Venerated in many cultures throughout the world, mushrooms an are integral component of any healthy ecosystem. Appropriately, mushrooms are some of our most potent herbs for promoting a healthy immune system. The last few decades have seen extensive scientific scrutiny of the fungal kingdom, and various species exhibit great promise for deterring a host of diseases. Medicinal mushrooms may possess the solutions to many maladies plaguing modern man. Science has found a multitude of beneficent active compounds, with the greatest focus on immunopotentiating complex sugar molecules known as polysacharrides, unique to each species. Studies have revealed that consuming several medicinal mushroom species together has more pronounced immune enhancement than a single species taken alone.

We offer imported, whole dried mushrooms, powdered mushrooms and optimized mycelium biomass powders—organically grown here in California. The mycelium powders are from specially selected medicinal strains grown on organic brown rice to the start of mushroom formation, so the end product contains the broadest, highest concentrations of active medicinal constituents. Drying and powdering assures easy digestion and high bioavailability. They consistently test as high as 15–20% for beta glucan polysaccharides. We also have a few select species grown on the organic Peruvian Purple Corn, which provides the added bonus of antioxidant anthocyanins and an actual increase in the active components of the fungus!

Please note: The mushroom mycelium powders have a mild malty, chocolate-like aroma and flavor due to the caramelization of the polysaccharides during the drying process. This is normal, we have not sent you cacao powder by mistake!

MEDICINAL MUSHROOM SAMPLERS
Sampler kits of our organically grown medicinal mushroom mycelium biomass powders. Studies have revealed that consuming several medicinal mushroom species together has more pronounced immune enhancement than a single species taken alone. Samplers contain 25 grams of each mushroom powder.

Sampler 1: Cordyceps, Himematsutake, Lion’s Mane, Maitake and Poria
Sampler 2: Reishi, Shiitake, Tremella, Turkey Tail and Zhu Ling
Sampler 3: Cordyceps, Maitake and Reishi—all grown on Peruvian Purple Corn

Each Sampler is $22 and has a 4 oz value for shipping

CHAGA MUSHROOM Inonotus obliquus    NEW!!
Dark polypore that grows circumpolar, primarily on birch trees. Highly regarded in Russia and Eastern Europe, traditionallly used as a tonic tea and for digestive problems, tuberculosis, blood purification and various cancers. Externally it was used as a healing and antiinflammatory poultice. Modern research has demonstrated significant antitumor and antiviral properties, blood sugar regulating and immunomodulating actions. It has also been shown to be a very potent antioxidant. Contains a spectrum of beneficial polysaccharides and a high concentration of betulin derived from its host tree. The best preparation is made by simmering 2–3 grams (about 1 tsp) per cup for 10–15 minutes. This produces a dark full bodied tea which some are finding to be and excellent tonifying coffee alternative. We have a limited supply of this fungus freshly wildcrafted in northern Ontario.

Wildcrafted Canadian Chaga Mushroom pieces $14/ 4oz or $40/lb
On backorder

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM Cordyceps sinensis
A rare fungus that parasitizes moth larvae. Greatly revered in Tibet, called Dong Chong Xia Cao ("winter worm, summer grass"). Himalayan people compete with yaks to harvest the fungus because they value it as a tonic for reproductive health and potency. Himalayan sherpas collect Cordyceps just before the yaks begin their springtime climb high into the steep ravines to eat the "summer grass" prior to migrating back down the mountain for mating. One of the most prized herbs in all of Chinese medicine. Modern studies show Cordyceps to be something of a panacea: strongly antioxidant, antiviral and bacterial, anticancer, moderates blood pressure and blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, protects and tonifies the liver, kidney, heart and nervous system. Clinical studies confirm its ability to improve sexual "performance." During the 1993 Olympics, the Chinese women’s track team broke the world record by an astounding time, investigations revealed they were using Cordyceps. Shows promise in treating depression and has traditional use curing opium addiction. We find it to be an energizing cognitive stimulant, producing an altered, enhanced state. We offer dried powdered mycelium organically grown on brown rice or Purple Corn (not larvae!). 1–2 teaspoons of powder a day recommended, mixed in food, capsules or tea. 

Organically grown, powdered Cordyceps mushroom mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb

Organically grown, powdered Cordyceps mycelium on Purple Corn $18/100 grams; $54/lb

HIMEMATSUTAKE MUSHROOM Agaricus brasiliensis (=A. blazei )
Agaricus brasiliensis comes from an area near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Extensive experiments by researchers at the National Cancer Institute and in Tokyo demonstrated this mushroom to be very promising as an immunostimulant. It contains high levels of a unique beta glucan polysaccharide, evidently the compound responsible for the rapid anticancer and antiviral activity found in their tests. In addition to this anticancer effect through induction of cytokines, Himematsutake is shown to reduce blood pressure, modulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol and aid in reversing the effects of arteriosclerosis. 1–3 teaspoons (2–6 grams) of powder a day.

Organically grown, powdered Himematsutake mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM Hericium erinaceus
An unusual looking mushroom, forms white balls covered in small tentacle like growths. Native to stumps and logs of temperate forests throughout the northern hemisphere. Typically used in Chinese medicine for digestive ailments. Native Americans used the dried powdered mushroom for wound healing. A seafood like flavor and texture make it a choice culinary fungus. The focus of recent studies, Lion’s Mane contains a number of polysaccharides with antitumor properties, other compounds and fatty acids that stimulate the immune system. A group of compounds named erinacines have been discovered that may stimulate the regrowth of neurons, regenerating nerve tissue in the brain. This makes the fungus an auspicious candidate for cognitive enhancement and the treatment of the neurological degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s and senility. 1–3 teaspoons (2–6 grams) a day recommended.

Organically grown, powdered Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb

MAITAKE MUSHROOM Grifola frondosa
Maitake mushrooms are regarded as among the most potent immunostimulating medicinals, an adaptogen similar to Shiitake and Reishi. This delicious polypore is prescribed in Japan to lower blood pressure, for breast cancer, to protect the liver, and aid in weight reduction. Maitake appears to be surfacing as one of the most promising natural healing aids with antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor and antidiabetic properties. It has also been found beneficial for lung disease, candida, and high cholesterol. The polysaccharide contained in the fungus is resistant to degradation by stomach acids and enzymes, making oral ingestion highly effective. We have Maitake grown on brown rice or Purple Corn. 1–3 teaspoons (2–6 grams) a day.

Organically grown, powdered Maitake mushroom mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb
Organically grown, powdered Maitake mycelium on Purple Corn $18/100 grams or $54/lb

PORIA MUSHROOMS Wolfiporia cocos (=Poria cocos ) "Fu-Ling"
This fungus produces underground mycelial "tubers" of concentrated tissue, called sclerotia, associated with fir tree roots. In Chinese medicine it is one of the most widely used and highly respected herbs as well as a popular food. The superb yin tonic. It is said that it "restores and refreshes the body and mind, and when used regularly will prolong life." It possesses significant amounts of lecithin, polysaccharides and tetracyclic triterpenes with documented immunostimulant, antitumor, and antiviral properties. Used for forgetfulness and to calm the spirit. Mildly sedative, relaxing to the mind; these anxiety relieving effects are credited with lengthening life as much as anything. Poria also was reported to be popular among Imperial concubines. A typical dose is 6–15 grams, with a neutral taste it mixes well with many foods like soups, warm cereals or smoothies.

Chinese Poria sclerotia slices $10/8 oz or $17/lb
Organically grown, powdered Poria mushroom mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb

REISHI MUSHROOM Ganoderma lucidum "Ling Zhi"
Since ancient times Oriental medicine has classified healing plants, but there have only been a handful considered as the Superior Medicines. Reishi mushroom (or Ling Zhi= "spirit plant") is top among these rare and prized medicinals which are said to give long life, assist all healing processes, are suited for all people and combine with other medicines. Reishi is reputed to "keep the body light and young and to lengthen life." It contains a large number of beneficial polysaccharides and triterpenes as well as alkaloids, steroids, lipids, oleic acid, adenosine, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Current clinical studies reveal this impressive mushroom to be a highly effective therapy for nearly all major disease states and to confer "nonspecific immunity" through longterm regular use. Just a few of the disorders Reishi has proven itself beneficial for include allergies, cancer, liver disease, Alzheimer's, heart disease, AIDS, radiation exposure, external wound healing and chronic bronchitis. Consider the fact that the compounds this organism produces enable it to assimilate the tough lignans of dead hardwood. Reishi is also suitable for calming anxiety and promoting sound sleep. One-quarter ounce is generally cut up or powdered and simmered into a tea, consumed over a day or two. The dried mushrooms are seen in shrines as objects of veneration and the strange lacquered-like beauty of the woody bodies is certainly suited for display. We have several arrangements in our home as sculptural altarpieces. We offer dried whole mushrooms and powdered mushrooms as well as potent powdered mycelium grown on brown rice or Purple Corn.

Organically grown, Chinese whole red Reishi mushroom $17/8 oz or $29/lb
Chinese whole red Reishi mushroom $15/8 oz or $24/lb
Chinese red Reishi mushroom powder $16/8 oz or $26/lb
Whole, Chinese black Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma sinense ) $18/8 oz or $30/lb
Highly ornamental, shiny black mushrooms on long stems.

Organically grown, powdered red Reishi mushroom mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb
Organically grown, powdered red Reishi mycelium on Purple Corn $18/100 grams, $54/lb

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM Lentinula edodes
One of the most popular edible mushrooms and well studied, potent medicinals. The vanguard of medicinal mushrooms. Renowned in the Orient for thousands of years. A powerful adaptogen and immunomodulator. Studies have clearly demonstrated Shiitake to be cholesterol reducing, antibacterial, antiviral, anticandida, a kidney and liver tonic. The primary polysaccharide, lentinan, is the third most widely prescribed anticancer drug in the world and is regarded hopeful for HIV. Shiitake is nutritionally rich and considered an exceptional all around tonic, regular consumption is said to increase libido. We offer optimized mycelium from a specially selected medicinally superior strain.

Chinese Zhu Ling sclerotia slices - inquire for pricing
Organically grown, powdered Zhu Ling mycelium $14/100 grams or $38/lb

BOOKS

MYCELIUM RUNNING:
How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World
by Paul Stamets
Much anticipated, this book is a manual for ecological revitalization utilizing fungi. Stamets unveils new methods for growing mushrooms and implanting mushroom colonies into the environment to fortify healthy ecosystems and restore damaged and polluted areas. He makes clear the benefits of integrating the cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms into home gardening, permaculture applications, ecoforestry, bioremediation, and more. Also covers mushroom nutrition, medicinal properties, log culture, and natural culture, using easy to apply techniques. 28 species of beneficial fungi are fully described. Over 350 color photographs. Highly recommended!

 Softcover, color photographs, 352 pages $35 (2 lbs)

MYCOMEDICINALS:
An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms    
by Paul Stamets
A great little book covering the lore, healing properties, and current scientific knowledge of all the major medicinal mushrooms. Covers Chaga, Cordyceps, Himematsutake, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Oyster, Reishi, Shiitake, Zhu Ling, and several others.

  Softcover, color illustrations, 96 pages $9.95 (8 ounces)