Today we are going to take a closer look at what mycotherapy is, in which cases to use it, how to choose the right supplement, and which mushrooms to use depending on the conditions.
What is mycotherapy or therapeutic mushroom use?
Mycotherapy consists of all mushrooms that have a confirmed and recognized therapeutic effect.
In the East, and particularly in China, mushrooms possessing curative properties have been highly valued and used for millennia to treat various illnesses. Starting in the 1960s, traditional Chinese medicine began to attract significant interest in the West, which spurred research into the field of therapeutic mushrooms in Europe.
China is considered the cradle of mycotherapy as well as the study of mushrooms in general. The Chinese pharmacopoeia uses up to 270 different mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.
In what forms should mushrooms be used in naturopathy?
In dietary supplements, mycotherapy is developed from certified organic mushroom powder. It can be presented in the form of powder or encapsulated carpophores, preferably using vegetable capsules. It is possible to open the capsule and consume the contents with yogurts, vegetable creams, or soups. There are also ampoules, which are generally more weakly dosed than capsules but often less expensive as well.
Please note, we recommend avoiding tablets since their production uses high temperatures that can affect the active ingredients. There are preparations composed of a single mushroom or several working in synergy to strengthen effectiveness.
Currently, modern techniques allow us to develop extracts with the ability to recover water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds, to which it is possible to add a fraction of the entire ultra-micronized mushroom (ground to a very small size, while causing rupture of cell membranes for the release of the molecules present inside). In this way, we can concentrate the active ingredients into capsules containing between 200 and 500 mg of extract, which is equivalent to consuming several liters of decoction.
How to choose the right mycotherapy dietary supplement?
To be effective and of high quality, a mycotherapy dietary supplement must meet 5 criteria:
1-The mushroom cultivation must be of organic quality.
2-The preparation must be prepared with care before the drying, milling, and storage process.
3-The extraction must be of high quality to avoid any potential contamination and by controlling the processes that can affect the stability of the molecules.
4-Analyses must be present on the packaging, thus guaranteeing the level of active ingredients (standardized title or extract).
5-Excipients or other substances must also be mentioned on the label.
This is where we come in; our job is to know how to recognize a good, well-thought-out, and well-developed dietary supplement in order to offer you the best.
That is why we have chosen the Hifas da Terra laboratory with its MicoSalud range, as well as the Vit’all+ laboratory.
What are the active ingredients contained in mushrooms?
The most frequent molecules present in almost all medicinal mushrooms are:
-Beta-glucans
-Glycoproteins and proteoglycans
-Triterpenes
-Sterols
-Lectins
-Lectins
-Enzymes
Active ingredients and their absorption
Beta-glucans are the most important bioactive molecules contained in medicinal mushrooms; they help regulate the immune system and are essential for the proper normal development of vital functions.
As they are resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach, they are able to reach the intestine without undergoing changes. Nevertheless, their high molecular weight and rigid structures hinder their absorption. In order to improve the bioavailability of beta-glucans as well as other active ingredients, taking substances that help their solubilization is highly recommended.
At the intestinal level, the combination of bicarbonate and vitamin C causes a process of reverse osmosis, which implies a major release of water and, consequently, an increase in the absorption of active ingredients.
It is therefore essential to combine the intake of medicinal mushrooms with vitamin C in the form of levorotatory L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C + Bicarbonate).
6 mushrooms frequently used in naturopathy and their benefits.
Maitake:
Scientific name: grifola frondosa
The Japanese name “Maitake” literally means “dancing mushroom,” which could be due to its shape. Indeed, in the wild, the Maitake forms a massive and aggregated fruiting body that can reach a size of 20 to 60 cm and weigh up to 10 kg. Its overlapping gray-brown caps create a fan-shaped mosaic like traditional Japanese dances. Furthermore, this mushroom has always been appreciated for its good taste and beneficial effects; mushroom gatherers were said to have done a dance of joy when they found a beautiful specimen. This could also be the origin of the name.
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Activation of the immune system
-Antitumor
-Immunoregulatory
-Antiviral
-Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
-Antifibrotic
-Hypoglycemic
-Hypotensive
-Weight control
For which conditions?
Hypertriglyceridemia, tumor recurrences, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, obesity, immunological deficit, viral infections, hepatitis B, hypertension, cancer.
Shiitake
Scientific name: Lentinula edodes
The most well-known medicinal mushroom
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a mushroom prized both for its gustatory qualities and for its use as a medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In France, you can also find it under the names: oak lentinus, Chinese mushroom, or black mushroom. This mushroom is fragrant (explained by its undergrowth scent).
Moreover, "Shii-Take" literally means "oak mushroom," in reference to the tree on which we most often find it in nature. This arboreal mushroom is a typical primary decomposer whose substrate is its carbon source.
It is among the most cultivated mushrooms along with the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Thus, Shiitake is the second most consumed edible mushroom in the world.
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Activation of the immune system
-Antitumor
-Hypotensive
-Hepatoprotective
-Antifibrotic
-Hypoglycemic
-Hypotensive
-Action against sexual impotence and low libido, increased fertility
-Hormone regulator
-Eliminates bacteria causing dental plaque and tooth decay
For which conditions?
Helicobacter pylori, gingivitis, cavities, candidiasis, eczema, gout, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic acidosis, neoplasia, low libido, cancer
Reishi:
Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum
The mushroom of immortality
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) or shiny Ganoderma is one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In Asia, it is a symbol of longevity and good luck. Moreover, it is also known as Ling Zhi in China or Youngzhi in Japan.
In some regions of the world, the preparation of "Ling Zhi" was and still is considered to have curative properties for the body and mind. Reishi indeed contains certain bioactive components that could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or even cancer. As a mushroom with adaptogenic properties, TCM credits it with immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties...
Reishi is rich in nutrients and contains more than 200 bioactive molecules, including ergosterols, polysaccharides (like beta-glucans), and triterpenes.
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Strengthening of the immune system
-Anti-inflammatory
-Immunoregulatory
-Antiallergic
-Antiviral
-Antifibrotic
-Improvement of blood oxygenation
-Hepatoprotective
-Anti-senility
-Adaptogenic, relaxing, and stabilizer of the nervous system
For which conditions?
Photosensitivity, symptoms of aging, anxiety, exhaustion and fatigue, menopause, thyroid disorders, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunological deficit, hepatitis A and B, chronic inflammation, cancer
Cordyceps
Scientific name: cordyceps sinensis
The Chinese caterpillar mushroom, more commonly called Cordyceps, lives as a parasite in the caterpillars of various small species of moths, initially continuing to develop inside the host after infestation. In the final stage of its development, the mushroom takes control of the caterpillar, which then buries itself in the soil and dies. The fruiting body of the Cordyceps then emerges from the former host.
The fruiting body of the Cordyceps can reach 15 cm in length and resembles a club. The size of the fruiting body, which then also contains the spores for reproduction, depends on the nature of the host caterpillar.
Producers of the latter are therefore forced to use a bioreactor to multiply them.
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Increase in general vitality
-Activation of the immune system
-Immunoregulatory
-Antitumor
-Renal protector
-Antifibrotic
-Cardiotonic
-Stimulates respiratory functions
-Hepatoprotective
-Anti-senility
-Antidepressant
-Improves resistance to fatigue
For which conditions?
Age-related symptoms, sterility, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, convalescence, body aches, renal failure, hepatitis C, cancer, lymphomas, bladder cancer, kidney cancer
Agaricus:
Scientific name: agaricus subrufescens peck or agaricus blazei murrill
Agaricus blazei Murrill was named in 1947 after the American taxonomist Dr. Murrill, although this is not the oldest scientific name for the mushroom. In fact, Agaricus subrufescens is correct but rarely used. The mushroom had been known in Brazil for some time, as the indigenous populations of certain regions place great value on it, and researchers became aware of this discreet mushroom very early on.
As a secondary decomposer, the Sun Mushroom is often found on manure or compost heaps and has a cream to brown color. This medicinal mushroom belongs to the Agaricus family of mushrooms and is often considered the American cousin of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). However, the two mushrooms differ from each other in their composition and indications.
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Immunoregulatory
-Antitumor
-Renal protector
-Antifibrotic
-Cardiotonic
-Stimulates respiratory functions
-Hepatoprotective
-Hypotensive
-Antiallergic and antihistamine
-Antioxidant
-Bactericidal
-Chelating
For which conditions?
Liver dysfunction, solid tumors, mutagenic lesions, allergies, thyroid disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus, candidiasis, cancer treatments.
Hericium or Lion's Mane
Scientific name: hericium erinaceus
An atypical medicinal mushroom
In France, we commonly find this medicinal mushroom under the name "Crinière de lion" (Lion’s mane in English). In the course of your research, you may also find it under other common names such as "hydne hérisson" (hedgehog mushroom) or simply "champignon barbu" (bearded mushroom).
In Latin, "erinaceus" literally means "hedgehog"; this etymology is reflected in common English names such as "Hedgehog Mushroom." In Japan, H. erinaceus is known as Yamabushitake; "Yamabushi" literally means "mountain priest." In China, it is even more original since this mushroom bears a name that means "monkey's head"…
Demonstrated therapeutic actions:
-Regenerates intestinal mucosa
-Stimulates neuronal renewal
-Immunomodulatory
-Powerful antioxidant
For which conditions?
Digestive conditions, leaky gut syndrome, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, gastric ulcer, cognitive deficiency, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, senile dementia, anemia, cancer.
Precautions:
Consult your doctor or therapist:
-If you are taking medication, especially anticoagulants
-In case of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
-Before administering mushroom-based dietary supplements to children under 6 years old, consult your doctor or therapist
-It is recommended to stop taking mushroom extracts a few days before a surgical operation or dental extractions
-Do not take if you are allergic to mushrooms.
Product sheets for all therapeutic mushroom-based products.
For more information, do not hesitate to post your questions in the comments or by phone.
The Pleine Forme Team
sources: -https://hifasdaterra.fr/projets-de-recherches/#human
-12 medicinal mushrooms by Juan c. Mirre Gavalda and Catalina Fernandez de Ana Portela
Comments (6)
Bonjour,
Depuis une vingtaine d’année ma thyroïde ne fonctionne plus bien, j’ai donc pris du Levothyrox pendant environ 6 ans jusqu’à ce qu’en 2010 un médecin homéopathe (maintenant à la retraite) me fasse le remplacer par 20 gouttes de Thyroidea 8Dh de chez Boiron ou Weleda. Cela a très bien fonctionné mais à ce jour mon TSH est de 8,360mUI/l et la ferritine est à 607ug/l. Je souhaiterais trouver un traitement en médecine douce pour ces 2 problèmes.
A l’avance je vous remercie pour votre réponse.
Cordialement
Bonjour Me Lejeune votre cas semble assez particulier pour pouvoir répondre sans entretien préalable, je vous écrits en privé
Je voudrais savoir que prendre pour perdre du ventre et des hanches après une opération loupée par un chirurgien en 2016 ventre très gonflé merci de votre repose j’ai une plaque dans le ventre
Bonsoir, quels champignons pourrais guérir d’une sclérose en plaques svp
Bonjour n’hésitez pas à nous joindre au 02 47 20 49 17
Le quel des champignons pouraient aider a guerir du stphylocoque dore
Ou a le rendre mouins dangereux