Species |
Origin/Habitat |
Folklore |
Applications |
Maitake
(Grifola frondosa)
- Dancing mushroom
- Hen of the Woods
- Sheep’s head
- King of mushrooms
|
- Europe, Japan, Asia, east coast of North America
- Base of oak trees, other decomposing hardwoods
|
During feudal times local lords paid tribute to the shogun by presenting him with Maitake mushrooms. Lords offered mushrooms’ weight in silver as a reward to finder. |
- Powerful immunomodulator, protects liver
- Spleen, stomach ailments, hemorrhoids,
nervous disorders, liver inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, high blood sugar, prostate support, bladder support
- More effective with some disease conditions than others.
|
Shiitake
(Lentinula edodes)
- Forest mushroom
- Black Forest mushroom
- Fragrant mushroom
- Oak mushroom
|
- Japan, China, Korea, East Asia
- Decomposing hardwood trees
- Regions with low incidence of disease in Japan were in shiitake regions.
|
Used to appease potentially threatening tribes. Used as an aphrodisiac. Woodcutters found that the stress of an axe striking a log accelerated proliferation, as spores have more openings in which to germinate. Dubbed the “soak and strike” method of cultivation. |
- Powerful immunomodulator. Drug called Lentinan, an extract from shiitake.
- Leads to increased survival times, reduces effects of traditional therapies for significant disease conditions, increases comfort
- Liver inflammation, viral infection, tooth decay, Candida albicans, colds, flu’s, dampens appetite
- Controls bacteria and streptococcus, increases lymphocytes
|
Red Reishi
(Ganoderma lucidum)
- Spirit plant, Shiny, Brilliant
- Ten thousand year mushroom
- Phantom mushroom
- Mushroom of Immortality
|
- Dense, humid coastal provinces of China, Japan
- Decomposing chestnut, oak and other broad-leaf trees
|
Taoist priests in first century included Reishi in magic potions that granted longevity, eternal youth, immortality. “One of the most important elixirs…”, said Professor Hikino of University of Tohoku, Japan. |
- Powerful immunomodulator. Tonic herb, adaptogen, longevity mushroom.
- Analgesic, allergies, expectorant, regulates blood against clots, chronic fatigue syndrome blood sugar regulation, liver inflammation, breathing problems, ulcers, insomnia, joint pain
- Skin conditions, viral infection, cold sores, Epstein-Barr, influenza, mononucleosis
|
Coriolus Versicolor
- Turkey Tails
- Hard woody fungus
|
- Grows in cluster formations in woodlands all over the world
- Prefers pine trees
|
Ancient Taosit priests revered the mushroom believing it had the staying power of pine tree, which never loses its foliage. |
- Powerful immunomodulator
- Used to improve lung health, lung infections, liver inflammation.
|
Cordyceps sinensis
- Caterpillar fungus, Club-head fungus, Deer fungus
- Winter worm
- Summer Grass
|
- Tibet, Nepal, Himalayas, China, above tree line
- Grows in body of caterpillar
|
Tonic food. Dates back to Tang dynasty, a national medicinal treasure, precious and sacred tonic. |
- Powerful immunomodulator
- Increases energy, vitality, fertility
- Excellent adrenal support, increases red blood cells, nourishes yin energy, lung and kidney function
- Liver, kidney, cardiovascular function including arrhythmia, high cholesterol, respiratory function (bronchitis, asthma), viral infection, liver inflammation, cirrhosis, kidney transplants, blood sugar regulation
|
Agaricus blazei murill (ABM)
- Mushroom of God, Sun mushroom,
- Mushroom of Life, Royal Sun agaricus
- Gee Song Rong, Almond-flavored Portobello
|
- Small mountain in Brazil called Piedade, SE of Sao Paulo. Also in SE USA
|
A relative newcomer, a very strong contender. |
- Powerful immunomodulator, increases NK cells.
- Increases interferon and interleukins, abates metastases, balances high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol
- Anti-inflammatory properties, assists with allergies
- Enzymatic properties, digestive aid, for elevated liver enzymes/bile salts
|
