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NATURAL REMEDY (^) * holistic strategies to help you feel better
Super Mushrooms
A guide to six medicinal mushrooms for physical and mental health
BY LISA TURNER
They’re cropping up everywhere—
from coff ee to chocolate—with claims
about their mystical properties. But
there’s nothing magic about medicinal
mushrooms. They’re backed by dozens
of studies that support their ability
to improve immune function, reduce
infl ammation, protect against cancer,
and more.
While all medicinal mushrooms
share similar compounds, each variety
has its own subtle diff erences and unique
benefi ts. New to ’shrooms? Here’s a
starter guide to the six most popular—
and best-researched—options.
1
Shiitakes
These
savory
’shrooms have
been used for
thousands of
years in Asian
culture in both
culinary and medicinal applications.
And since they’re familiar, versatile,
and delicious, shiitakes are a great way
to start your mushroom journey.
What they do. Lower cholesterol,
reduce blood pressure, protect
against atherosclerosis (narrow-
ing of the arteries), and
improve cardiovascular
health. Shiitakes also reduce
infl ammation, improve
immune response, inhibit
bacterial and viral infections,
and may protect against cancer.
What to look for. You’ll fi nd
fresh shiitakes in most health
food stores, or look for dried
shiitakes in larger grocery stores
or Asian markets. Shiitakes are also
available in powdered form, or as
supplements or tinctures. Ph
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How to use them. Shiitakes have a mild,
meaty taste that’s perfect for mushroom
recipes. To use fresh shiitakes, remove
the woody stems, chop the caps, and add
to sautéed greens, lentil soup, or roasted
root vegetables. Soak dried shiitakes in
warm water until softened, then drain
and use as you would fresh shiitakes.
2
Reishi
These
thick,
beefy mush-
rooms are
characterized
by their kidney-
shaped cap and
glossy reddish-orange color. Also
known as Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi,
or the “mushroom of immortality,”
they’ve been used in traditional Asian
medicine and cuisine for more than
2,000 years to treat liver disease, high
blood pressure, insomnia, and more.
What they do. Improve immune
function, protect against viral infections,
inhibit cancer cell growth and tumor
progression, and protect against a variety
of cancers, including breast, prostate,
and colorectal. Reishi mushrooms
may also ease anxiety and depression,
reduce stress, improve sleep, and
promote cognitive health.
What to look for. Whole reishi mushrooms
are hard to fi nd, and their tough, woody
texture make them diffi cult to cook
with. Look for them in Asian markets,
or buy them in powdered form or in
capsules or tinctures.
How to use them. Reishi mushrooms
are bitter, so they’re best used with
strong, pungent herbs and spices that
mask their fl avor. Simmer dried reishi
mushroom slices with garlic, ginger,
and onions, then strain for a healing
broth or soup base. Or stir a spoonful
of powdered reishi into a garlicky
mushroom-tomato sauce.
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