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Decoding Mushrooms: Uncovering the Mystery of Forest Fungi

Published on August 30, 2019


On first reference, you might only think of mushrooms as the Button or Portobello mushrooms that you can buy at the grocery store to make for dinner. Did you know that not only are there many other types of mushrooms, but that they have qualities that can support your overall well-being, too?*

In nature, mushrooms and plants work together in order to thrive. Plants grow and reproduce better when sharing space with mushrooms because the fungi provide essential soil nutrients. In return, fungi benefit by receiving carbon from plants. At Gaia Herbs, we harness the collaborative relationship between mushrooms and plants to create supplements that support your overall well-being and vitality.*

History of Mushrooms

Dating back over 5,000 years, mushrooms have traditionally been used as food, medicine, and in spiritual practices across the world.1 One kind of mushroom called Cordyceps has been described in ancient Chinese medical books, and is also found in Tibetan medicine.

Sourcing Mushrooms at Gaia Herbs

Gaia Herbs sources only naturally grown, quality-tested mushrooms from the North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts (also known as Nammex). For over 40 years, Nammex has been an industry leader in mushroom analysis and research and is a premier supplier of organically certified mushroom extracts. At Gaia Herbs, we use only mushroom fruiting body extracts, with no added fillers or starches, for concentrated potency. Fruiting bodies contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been studied for supporting immune health and overall wellness.*

Mushrooms We Love at Gaia Herbs

Cordyceps

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cordyceps were so highly valued that they were exclusively available to the emperor’s family in ancient China. Today, Cordyceps are used to support healthy stamina and physical energy levels.* As an adaptogen, Cordyceps support liver health as well as overall well-being.*

Shiitake

A fragrant and delicious edible mushroom, Shiitake is now the second most popular cultivated mushroom in the world. It has a rich history of use in the kitchen and in herbalism. Shiitake supports immune and cardiovascular health.*

Chaga

For hundreds of years, Chaga has been wild-crafted and utilized by the people of northern Europe and Russia, and is often consumed as a tea. Chaga offers antioxidant support and is considered to be a tonic mushroom to support overall wellness.*

Maitake

Maitake has long been highly valued in Japan and Traditional Chinese Medicine and was even used as currency. Maitake, often referred to as Hen of the Woods, supports immune health and overall well-being.*

Lion's Mane

Lion’s Mane has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years. Lion’s Mane provides nourishment for the brain, supporting cognitive health.* It may also support recall.*

Reishi

Historically called the mushroom of immortality, Reishi has been revered in China for thousands of years. Reishi is considered a tonic for Qi, or vital energy.* Modern uses of Reishi include supporting a healthy response to stress, energy levels, and overall wellness.*

Turkey Tail

In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American herbalism, Turkey Tail has long been used to support immune health.* Turkey Tail is the most widely researched mushroom, and numerous strains have been investigated, analyzed, and chosen for their production of beta-glucans. This mushroom helps to support immune health.*

Nourish Your Body with Mushrooms & Herbs

Our new Mushrooms & Herbs powders are USDA Certified Organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, which makes them ideal for many dietary lifestyles and preferences. Without added fillers, sweeteners, or flavors, these powders are a perfect addition to your daily routine. The natural synergy of plants can also be found in our complete line of Mushrooms & Herbs supplements, which includes a variety of capsule products.

References
1 Winkler D. Present and historic relevance of Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis). An ancient myco-medicinal in Tibet. Fungi. 2008; 1:6–7. [Google Scholar]