The Wonderful World of Medicinal Mushrooms: Fungi

They grow in the dirt and spread about trees with an appearance that usually turns off those they come in contact with. Fungus is not often looked to as the first line of treatment in medicine, however , become familiar with the different options and you may find a new remedy to seriously consider, such as the caterpillar fungus or the shitake mushroom.

Caterpillar Fungus

The caterpillar fungus is actually a parasite that thrives on the caterpillar (hence the name) of the oriental moth. When following traditional remedies, the dead larva was included, yet today, Westerners grow the fungus on grain. In the past, adding the fungus to dishes with duck made a tonic for energy. It was meant to increase its potency, which was then used to strengthen the lungs and kidneys.

The fungus is seen as a treatment for persistent coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and other diseases of the lungs. In China, the fungus is still added to duck soup (and sometimes chicken) to treat an unbalanced menstruation. The tonic also combats weakness and exhaustion. A recommended dosage is one gram of extract taken two times per day.

Shitake Mushroom

When it comes to the most commonly produced mushroom in the world, the shitake takes the #2 position, where research suggests that that the it is able to produce a rather effective tonic for the immune system. With strong anti-viral properties, the mushroom has been used to combat a host of conditions, including polio, the measles, mumps, and even herpes simplex.

Shitake is often added to cooking dishes to awaken the immune system. It has also proven to work against the common cold, influenza, and other viral infections that attack the body. Patients following a diet to treat cancer may also add shitake to their diet. Unlike other fungal selections, shitake possesses the power to battle against yeast infections. A recommended dosage for this mushroom when using as a treatment is 15 grams of dried mushroom taken on a daily basis.

Wild Mushrooms

The edible versions of wild mushrooms found covering the great outdoors can be used as a therapeutic approach towards curing medical concerns. A collection of Chinese medicine remedies have used wild mushrooms, such as wild porcini to treat aching bones, painful tendons, and throbbing legs. All of the treatment results are thought to take place because of the eight essential amino acids found in its composition. A wide-range of options is available for the choosing. However, chanterelles are great for those looking to boost their levels of vitamin A.

Morels are quite popular in China and are used to generate tonics for the digestive system. Rich in amino acids and B-vitamins, oyster mushrooms are thought to fight against tumors and shows promise in lowering cholesterol levels. The above-mentioned wild mushrooms create great seasonal tonics, known to fight colds and infections.

Additional fungi used in natural treatments, includes reishi (with a history as a significant ancient tonic) and tuckahoe (popular in Native American and Chinese medicine).