Immune-Modulating Mushrooms

Immune-modulating herbs can help bump your immune system up a notch or two. Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane are three of my favorite mushrooms for helping to heal the body.

Reishi

Reishi (ganoderma lucidum) is a mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to boost the immune system and to fight off certain viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, such as Avian and Swine flu. It also inhibits histamine, which helps to reduce inflammatory conditions. 

Reishi is known to help with conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, insomnia, and heart and liver disease. It also works against the Herpes Simplex Virus, when used in the form of a tincture (an extract). 

Cordyceps

If you've watched the series, The Last of Us, cordyceps will probably freak you out but cordyceps contains anti-inflammatory and protective of nerve cells. Because of its antioxidant properties, it's anti-aging and improves memory and learning. Cordyceps lowers bad LDL cholesterol (good for heart health), supports thyroid and liver health, and improves insulin sensitivity. It also supports the adrenals by reducing cortisol fatigue. However, a few studies do show that cordyceps can cause a fungul infection in the throats of humans.

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane is immune-modulating and neuroprotective and helps repair myelin sheaths. It also protects the stomach lining against bacterial and fungal infections. Lion's mane also raises collagen levels, increases blood oxygen, and reduces lactic acid buildup and muscle fatigue. Reishi and lion's mane can help reduce Vertigo and Tinnitus.

NOTE: You can take mushroom extracts by the dropperful 1-2 times daily. Nicole's Apothecary is one of my favorite online sites for learning more about the benefits of mushrooms and purchasing extracts. I'm not an affiliate, but I respect her knowledge. Nicole has used her mushroom extracts to overcome MS. However, mushroom tinctures may slow the blood's ability to clot and reduce sugar levels, so don't take mushroom extracts before surgery. Also, ask your doctor before using mushroom extracts if you have blood-clotting issues or Diabetes.