Brain Boosting Medicinal Mushrooms

The practice of using mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been used for many centuries.  Interestingly, many types of these mushrooms have cognitive boosting properties that help protect one against a multitude of ailments.  The possible medicinal benefit of mushrooms may serve as alternative treatments for fighting things like Alzheimer’s, cancer, depression, anxiety, and has shown promise in influencing the brain’s circadian rhythm.

Three types of mushrooms in particular have the ability to help increase brain function: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. See below for a more detailed description of the healing properties of these three mushrooms and for tips on how to properly prepare them for consumption.

Lion’s Mane – Hericium Erinaceus

Widespread knowledge of the medicinal value of Lion’s Mane mushrooms are unprecedented.  This mushroom has shown profound results in treating leukemia cells, shrinking the size of colon tumors, and has also shown tremendous success in causing cell death for treating gastric cancer.  However, its ability to enhance brain function may have a revolutionary impact on treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Published research on Lion’s Mane has indicated a possibility of neurogenesis or, in laymen terms, the growth of small tentacles from neurons that add to the connectivity or cognitive function in the brain.  This could possibly mean the ability to someday halt or even reverse degenerative cells in the brain for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

How to Cook Lion’s Mane

For those looking to consume Lion’s Mane mushrooms for their medicinal value, follow closely to these directions:

• Place mushrooms in sauté pan on low heat
• Add butter and your choice of spices
• Cook for extended period of time to burn off water
• When mushroom turns to a golden brown color it’s done

If you would like to learn more about Lion’s Mane, you can find some great information and some additional recipes from The Story of The Lion’s Mane Mushroom & Recipe Book

Reishi – Lingzhi

The Reishi probably has the most prolific medicinal value of any genus of mushrooms.  Its antioxidant properties have been known to offer immune boosting abilities. This could help to fight off the common cold and flu as well as more dire immune-related conditions.  The Reishi’s powerful antioxidant potential could also offer greater cancer protection.  It also has the ability to fight free radicals in the body, which assists with aging and brain function.

As we age, our brain function naturally declines. Reishi helps to strengthen focus and memory through its anti-inflammatory properties. This increases our neuroprotective ability to boost brain function and could possibly lead to reducing the risk of neurological disorders.

For those interested in the incredible healing powers of Reishi mushrooms, check out: Healing With Reishi Mushroom

How to Consume Reishi Mushrooms

Most people would not eat Reishi like other traditional medicinal mushrooms.  Cooking them in a pan with butter or oils would not help with the bitterness of this mushroom.  For those adamant on eating the Reishi orally, stick to using only the tips of the cap.

The typical method of consuming the Reishi is either in extract form or in powder form. In extract form, Reishi may be placed under the tongue using droplets, which remain in the mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.  In powder form, Reishi may be made into drink form or added to soups. It may also be added to meals by sprinkling on using a salt or pepper shaker.  There are also Reishi coffee substitutes available in the marketplace.

Cordyceps Mushroom

The Cordyceps mushroom has a range of potential health applications, and while they don’t specifically cover increased brain function, they link to secondary benefits which enhance cognitive function.

The Cordyceps helps to safely manage blood sugar levels in the body, which is huge for diabetics. It also has been noted to support healthy heart and kidney function. Many claim Cordyceps improves libido and sexual function and has also been used to combat battle fatigue for soldiers in the field.

How to Ingest Cordyceps

The most popular method of ingesting Cordyceps mushrooms for their medicinal properties is through purchasing them as a supplement or an extract. The most potent supplement on the market has a triple digit price due to the rarity of sourcing this mushroom.

There are a variety of less potent Cordyceps supplements on the market at a more reasonable price tag. Most direct users to take one tablet per day but be sure to follow the specific instruction on each bottle. However, there is a powerful extract blend supplement that you can purchase which has a bunch of these medicinal mushrooms jam packed within.

You can check it out here: Power Potion: A Blend of 8 Extracts

Conclusion

The Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps are the three top types of medicinal mushrooms one should take for increasing overall health and brain function. The multitude of health benefits offered by these mushrooms will lead one to live a healthier lifestyle. For anyone looking for more information about this topic, check out Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide

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