6 Mushrooms that Support Immune Health

For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms, also called functional mushrooms, have been used in Eastern medicine to help improve immune health. They have recently gained popularity in the modern world and are now used in many day-to-day immune boosting supplements. These weird looking fungi have a long list of benefits, such as being an antioxidant powerhouse, a brain booster, and even a gut cleanser. However, there are still stereotypes behind these weird looking organisms. 

The term “magic mushrooms” has been used for fungi that have hallucinogenic properties. Not all mushrooms are classified as hallucinogens, but all mushrooms do magic for the body. It’s time to dive deep into the fungi kingdom and break the stereotype behind mushrooms. As weird as their appearances can be, their properties are so unique and can do wonders on the human body. 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

If you want to protect your brain, take Lion’s Mane!

What appears to be a feathery pom-pom is actually a mushroom that is one of the most potent nootropics. This funny looking fungi is the brain’s best friend and has both culinary and medicinal applications.

Not only are these mushrooms rich in vitamins, but they also contain essential minerals such as potassium, zinc, and manganese. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are widely known to promote the production of bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG). When balanced, NFGs are crucial for brain health, as they prevent neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or multiple sclerosis.

This mushroom contains compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells and protects them from any neurological damage. In addition, studies have shown that Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help with cognition, memory, and concentration. 

Reishi

Some Reishi a day keeps the anxiety away.

Reishi is nature’s chill-pill – think of it as an all-organic anxiety relief. It consists of compounds, known as Triterpenes, that provide Reishi with its calming properties. This mood-boosting compound helps reduce anxiety, ease depression and promote better sleep. So, if you are someone who suffers from poor sleep, anxiety, depression, or lack of focus, this mushroom is for you!

Reishi is also known for its immune-boosting properties. It has been seen, primarily in those who are ill, that this mushroom enhances immune function to help fight infection. Reishi mushroom has also been studied for its role in preventing cancer. It contains cancer-fighting properties that increase the activity of white blood cells in the body, which help fight cancer and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Although this mushroom can be eaten fresh, it’s commonly taken as a powder or extract. 

Chaga

To not look old, take Chaga like you’re told.

Chaga mushrooms are super unique bark-like mushrooms that blend perfectly with the trees they tend to grow on. Although they look old and wrinkly, they are perfect for slowing down the aging process. They are an antioxidant powerhouse that help fight inflammation and free radicals; two factors that when reduced, help slow the aging process. These antioxidants help eliminate oxidative stress present in the skin, ultimately preventing the onset of wrinkles.

Wrinkles are the skin’s way of showing you that you’ve lived. There’s nothing wrong with having wrinkles! But, if you feel like your skin isn’t keeping the way it used to, try to introduce Chaga mushrooms into your diet to look and feel youthful again. 

Turkey Tail

If your body is feeling frail, take some Turkey Tail.

Many of you have been, or know someone who has been affected by cancer. Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that rapidly spread to other parts of the body. When the body is exposed to cancer cells, the immune system deteriorates, hence the reason Turkey Tail mushrooms are a popular natural remedy for those battling cancer.

Turkey Tail mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and protein-bound carbohydrates, known as polysaccharides, that help boost the immune system. These properties strengthen immune response by suppressing inflammation and controlling specific immune cells.

Due to these mushrooms’ immune boosting properties, Turkey Tail is commonly used alongside traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, as a natural way to fight certain types of cancers. The components of Turkey Tail mushroom suppress the growth of certain cancers, like breast cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation.

Mother Nature’s gifts are our greatest medicines. Please consult your doctor first if you are going through cancer treatments and are thinking of adding Turkey Tail to your diet.  

Shiitake

Isn’t it neat that there’s a mushroom that resembles meat?

The shiitake mushroom is one of the most common fungus used in culinary experiences, especially in China, Korea, and Brazil. To foodies, they are known for their chewy texture, which is why vegans and vegetarians use these mushrooms as substitutes for meat.

These tasty fungi are also known for their wide range of health benefits. Shiitake have the highest amount of natural copper, which helps support blood vessels, bone growth and immune support.

Similar to Turkey Tail mushrooms, Shiitake have Polysaccharides that help the immune system by boosting the production of white blood cells that aid in fighting off microbes. Consuming these mushrooms also reduces cholesterol level, which ultimately improves heart health. 

Maitake

One last thing: don’t forget the king. 

They say save the best for last, right?

Maitake is a mushroom that grows in clusters on aging trees and has been used in Japan and China for centuries for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Only recently, within the last 20 years, it has gained popularity in North America as more research continues to unearth.

Maitake have earned the name as the “king of the mushrooms”, as they can grow to over 50 pounds. They pretty much do it all! From regulating blood sugar, to reducing cholesterol levels, to promoting fertility, to restoring the balance of the body – they are a powerhouse in the fungi kingdom.

These medicinal mushrooms contain a naturally produced carbohydrate, known as beta glucan, that helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve immune response. Beta glucans are also helpful in targeting and destroying tumorous cells and cysts, which help in individuals who have infertility issues, like polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Maitake mushrooms are classified as adaptogens, which are a unique class of foods that help balance, restore and protect the body. They help keep the body in a homeostasis and are perfect regulators.  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to the world of mushrooms or have introduced them into your diet for quite some time, it’s always good to educate yourself to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. These incredible organisms can do incredible things for the body. 

It’s time to take control of your immune system and fuel your body with the right nutrients it needs to increase longevity and health. You can do so with TRIIBE Organics. Our Mushroom Complex is jam-packed with all 5 of these mushrooms: Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Shiitake and Maitake. We also carry Lion's Mane Mushroom. Get the best of all worlds in the form of capsules. From increasing brain function, to reducing anxiety, to minimizing wrinkles, and even to preventing dis-eases, TRIIBE’s Mushroom products are made for you. 

The magic of mushrooms leaves us in awe every time, with Mother Nature, center stage, as the magician herself.