BUY MUSHROOM IN THE UK
With the benefits of medicinal mushrooms becoming more and more known in the Western world, many people are asking, ‘where can I buy reishi mushrooms?’
The majority of modern medicines originate in nature. Although some mushrooms have been used in therapies for thousands of years, we are still discovering new potential medicines in them. – Paul Stamets
The reishi mushroom has been celebrated in Asian societies for thousands of years and is commonly referred to as ‘the mushroom of immortality’. It’s Chinese name ‘lingzhi’ means ‘herb of spiritual potency’. It’s thought to be one of the most medicinal, well-known herbs in history. It’s always been thought to be superior in terms of what it can offer in potential health benefits.
In the second half of the 20th century, researchers began to study its medicinal properties and today, modern science and technology supports the health claims that allows this herb to be branded a ‘superfood’, proving its healing powers that people already knew thousands of years ago.
As the reishi mushroom continues to spread through the Western World, more people are becoming aware of what this magical mushroom could offer them, and it’s now cultivated commercially throughout the world.
There are many varieties of reishi. It has a bitter, woody taste. The reishi mushroom has 400 unique bioactive compounds, which have been reported in scientific studies to have a number of potential health benefits. This includes being anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, and anti-ulcer.
So, this mushroom has a whole host of potential benefits, but, you might be surprised to hear that reishi might not suit every single person.
As a Th1 stimulant, but if you’re already Th1 dominant such as in autoimmune conditions, then reishi might not benefit you at all.
There are several autoimmune conditions that are often associated with a dominance in Th1 cells, including multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome and psoriasis. For individuals with a dominance in Th1 cells, and autoimmune issues, reishi is not recommended because it might over-activate the immune system.
However, the potential benefits for people without any of these issues are endless!
Here are some of the ways reishi has the potential to benefit your health.
Reishi for Longevity The polysaccharides found in the reishi mushroom are believed to increase longevity. Polysaccharides are long-chain sugar molecules that gives the reishi mushroom its bitter taste. A study by Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry published in 2009, showed that the polysaccharides had a life span-promoting effect. This is due to their immune system strengthening and anti-tumor effects that potentially have long-term benefits for longevity when reishi is consumed every day.
May Shrink Cancer Cells When using an extract of the polysaccharides from reishi mushrooms on active cancer cells, studies showed that the body recruits specialised adaptive proteins that activate shrinkage of cancer cells. In some cases, the polysaccharides were shown to achieve apoptosis, a natural process of self-destruction in certain cells, supporting the natural inhibition and elimination of active cancer cells.
Reishi activates the body’s own immune cells to attack harmful cells. This action is called immuno-modulation. Therefore, studies have concluded that polysaccharides can be used as a powerful addition in the treatment of cancer cells. However, all treatments for cancer should be part of a plan with a Doctor and before adding anything to your supplement routine, you should consult with a doctor first for advice on whether it’s appropriate taking as part of your wider treatment.
Reishi Reduces Inflammation The reishi mushroom’s anti-inflammatory properties can relieve muscle aches and pains. reishi has been proven to reduce inflammation in a whole host of inflammatory conditions, according to a report by the American-Eurasian Journal of Botany.
The report stated: ‘studies showed that reishi extract significantly inhibited all four types of allergic reactions, including positive effects against asthma and contact dermatitis and effectively used in treating stiff necks, stiff shoulders, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the fine membrane lining the eye and eyelids), bronchitis, rheumatism and improving “competence” of the immune system without any significant side-effects.
Reishi Improves the Immune System Hundreds of biologically active molecules in reishi promote the immune system, the cardiovascular system and the brain. Ganoderma Lucidum Peptide, which is one of these compounds, is believed to be responsible for its antioxidant capacity. The immune system is given a boost due to the polysaccharides and triterpenes content, which target inflammation. Viruses, fungal and microbial infections are protected against with triterpenes. They have been shown to strengthen the lining of the digestive system by assisting with fighting off bad bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria.
Improved digestion leads to better absorption of nutrients from food. Gut health is thought to be the root of all illness, and it’s known that a healthy gut helps to build a strong immune system. The mushroom is believed to reduce the risk of and fight infections and viruses due to its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Lowering inflammation boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight off infection. Not only this, but reishi can help improve blood circulation, and this can help address pain and speed up the healing of the body.
Reishi for Allergies and Hayfever Reishi has steroid-like anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions. This gives it great potential in fighting off allergies and relieving symptoms.
Reishi for the Liver and detox The apoptogenic qualities of the reishi mushroom may help to improve liver function. A healthy liver supports the body in flushing out toxins and circulating healthy blood and nutrients.
Reishi for Heart Health Reishi has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels, which is a good thing for heart health. This is due to the triterpenes content. These also help prevent blood clotting and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and arteries. Because mushroommushrooms balance hormones, this can have the effect of improving heart health. A hormonal imbalance is often linked to high blood pressure, so the combination of boosting circulation, restoring hormonal balance, and reducing blood pressure, overall heart health can be improved. There has also been some research on the potential reishi has in helping to unclog arteries, as well as reducing chest pains and shortness of breath.
Growing mushrooms at home can seem like a daunting task. Everything has to be controlled. Proper temperature and humidity is necessary. Keeping all your tools and materials sterile is also very important. Why even bother growing your own? Fortunately for us there are a few low tech methods that will work for anyone, even those of us less in tune to all the little details.
There are 4 different ways to easily grow mushrooms in the tropics. You can inoculate different logs with mushroom spawn, grow them out of buckets using wood chips, plant them directly into a garden bed or use a slightly more specialized method called the BRF technique.
These mushroom growing methods can be done by anyone at home. No special tools or climate controls are necessary. In just a few short weeks, you can begin harvesting your own home grown mushrooms. Let’s dive into the various techniques so that you can start growing these tasty fungi in your own backyard.
Related: If you are looking to take your Mushroom growing to the next level, you’ll need a handy guide. I found 2 books that have helped me feel confident to grow my own, I am sure they’ll do the same for you.
Growing Mushrooms on Logs
Let’s begin with the simplest way of growing mushrooms. Growing mushrooms on logs is by far the easiest way that you can grow your own at home. All you need are some logs, inoculated wooden dowels, a drill and some wax. WHAT KIND OF WOOD TO USE
Different kinds of mushrooms require different kinds of wood to fruit on. There are numerous species of wood in the tropics that do a great job growing mushrooms. When in doubt, they mostly tend to be nitrogen fixing species, so if you are looking to experiment, start there.
Best Tree Species for Tropical Mushroom Cultivation
Oyster/Shiitake Mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
Ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia)
Koa (Acacia Koa)
Albizia(Falcataria moluccana)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis)
Gunpowder tree (Trema orientalis)
Ironwood, Albizia and the Gunpowder tree have all proven to be good substrates to grow Oyster and Shiitake Mushrooms. The mushrooms grown on Ironwood were preferred in taste tests.
Wild Chicken of the Woods mushrooms have been found on Koa and Eucalyptus trees. Mixed results have been shown when trying to produce chicken of the woods at home without localized strain of mycelium. If you are a beginner, start by growing Shiitake or Oyster mushrooms.
INOCULATING LOGS
It is important to choose your logs from trees that are healthy and not diseased. If the tree looks sick, find another.
The diameter of your log can vary. Just keep in mind that the larger the diameter, the longer it will take for the spores to colonize and there for mushrooms to fruit, but once they do, they will fruit for a really long time. Just keep in mind how you’re going to move your logs around, if they’re too big you might kill your back.
Ideal log size for cultivating mushrooms would be between 3 and 4 feet (up to 1.25m in length) and a diameter of 3 to 10 inches (8 to 25 cm.)
Once you have your logs, you can begin to inoculate them. It is important that you wait no longer than one month from the time you cut your logs to the time you inoculate them. By waiting longer, you risk the chance of your logs becoming colonized with another species of mushroom that can outcompete the one you are trying to grow.