5 Immune Boosting Medicinal Mushrooms To Prevent Sickness

By Peter Orpen, Co-Owner, Teelixir

As we transition into the colder, more Yin-oriented season of the year (winter), it's crucial that we bundle up, maintain our body warmth, and share more warmth and affection with those around us! Winter has arrived, providing an ideal period for us to decelerate our pace and rejuvenate ourselves.

Winter holds immense potential for recuperation and renewal. Certainly, it's not an ideal time to succumb to illness or start calling in sick, a situation we're all too familiar with!



How to boost immune system

So, how can we sidestep this predicament?

Remember, our bodies are primed for wellness and restoration, not for disease. Winter, with its natural elements, can place an additional burden on our physical systems, making it vital for us to pay extra attention to self-care. Consuming wellbeing-supporting foods, such as a mix of medicinal mushrooms, can help ward off exhaustion and fend off the seemingly ever-present cold during this season.

Our aim is to flourish in vitality, health, and happiness during this season just as we would during any other. So, what steps can we take to reach our objectives without falling prey to illness or experiencing burnout?

Believe it or not, it's entirely possible to prosper during the winter season, fueled by optimal energy, robust strength, enhanced mental agility, and experiencing unprecedented levels of health.

Supporting Wellbeing | The Power of Mushrooms

Emphasizing immune health, particularly in colder months, is crucial for maintaining our overall well-being, vitality, and stamina.

A leading food source that may help support immune health and general wellbeing is the nutrient-rich, superfood mushrooms.

These incredible fungi have been a part of the human diet and medicinal practices for millennia. They are thought to support general wellbeing and have been traditionally used for a variety of purposes. Moreover, they are a source of compounds that are the subject of ongoing research.

Why are Mushrooms Exceptional?

Interestingly, humans share a closer relationship with mushrooms than with any other kingdom.

In the wild, mushrooms are exposed to the same pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that we face. They have evolved robust defenses against these invaders, which are the subject of ongoing research.

Remarkably, there is evidence suggesting that humans may have co-evolved with the fungi kingdom.

Our bodies have immune cell receptors that may interact with polysaccharide compounds found in fungi, which are the subject of ongoing research.

The Nutritive Potential of Mushrooms

While mushrooms contain numerous compounds and nutrients that are beneficial to human health, polysaccharides (long-chain sugars) and triterpenes are the most researched. These compounds are the cornerstone of mushroom nutrition.

These compounds are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting immune function.

Organic mushroom lattes are a source of compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Understanding the Immune System

The immune system comprises various cell types including Lymphocytes, Macrophages, T-Cells, Natural Killer Cells (NK), Neutrophils, and Cytokines.

These cells are dispersed throughout your body, extending across all essential systems, where they play a role in defending against invading pathogens, viruses, and bacteria.

This defensive action is thought to support general wellbeing.

Mushrooms, our natural allies, are a source of compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into immune cell activity. They are traditionally used to support general wellbeing.

5 immune foods

5 Mushrooms Supporting Your Wellbeing

Esteemed fungus researcher, Paul Stamets, states that there are approximately 140,000 recognised types of fungi that form mushrooms. However, we only have a comprehensive understanding of about 10% of these species. Within this fraction, a mere 100 or so species are currently being investigated for their health-enhancing properties.

This leaves a vast expanse of untapped potential yet to be explored in the world of mushrooms. The prospect of discovering remarkable health benefits hidden within these species is certainly exhilarating!

While we anticipate more discoveries, let's take a look at the top 5 mushrooms which can support your wellbeing system.

Chaga Mushroom

Teelixir certified organic wild Chaga mushroom extract powder

Teelixir's certified organic Chaga mushroom extract powder is sourced from the wild.

Chaga mushrooms are brimming with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, making them a multifaceted natural pharmacy.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated Chaga's traditional uses in supporting general wellbeing. The most potent and active elements of Chaga are derived from the birch tree bark on which it grows in the wild.

The derivatives of betulinic acid and melano-glucan complexes in Chaga have demonstrated extensive traditional uses. Current laboratory studies highlight its potential immune-supporting capabilities.

Chaga is classified as an adaptogen and has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. Some people find it helpful for maintaining healthy immune function.

Chaga is rich in polysaccharides, including beta 1,3 glucans, which are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

The beta-glucans in Chaga are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Chaga is one of the world's richest sources of antioxidants. It also boasts the highest concentration of melanin found in any known food. Melanin is the subject of ongoing research into its potential role in supporting antioxidant activity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a crucial enzyme that serves as a potent antioxidant and is the subject of ongoing research into its potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

It's high time we incorporate Chaga, the superfood of superfoods, into our diets.

Note: To harness Chaga's full spectrum of active compounds, it must be wild-harvested from its preferred host, the birch tree. Traditional extraction methods were hot-water based, but it's now known that the triterpenoid betulinic acid derivatives are more alcohol-soluble.

Hence, to fully benefit from Chaga's compounds, it's recommended to use a dual-extraction process involving both water and alcohol. The alcohol extraction yields the adaptogenic terpenes, while hot water extracts the immune-modulating polysaccharides.

Reishi Mushroom

Teelixir Organic red Reishi mushroom extract powder

The Reishi mushroom, renowned globally for its extensive research, is a potent natural remedy packed with an abundance of health benefits. It has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and may help maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Reishi has been traditionally used to support the body's natural defenses, potentially helping maintain a healthy balance.

Reishi has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. It contains beta-1,3-D-glucan, a polysaccharide that is the subject of ongoing research into its potential role in supporting immune health.

Reishi mushroom's polysaccharide content is the subject of ongoing research into its potential role in immune system support.

Reishi contains various compounds, including Canthaxanthin, that are the subject of ongoing research. The Japanese government officially recognises Reishi for its traditional uses.

Furthermore, Reishi has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and cardiovascular health, and may help maintain healthy blood pressure. It has also been traditionally used for its potential anti-allergenic properties and to support liver health. It's also considered a stress-relieving herb! Undoubtedly, Reishi is a mushroom that many incorporate into their routine for its potential benefits.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Teelixir Cordyceps sinensis Mushroom Certified Organic

Switching gears to Cordyceps Mushroom, also known as Teelixir Cordyceps sinensis Mushroom, it's celebrated for its usage in promoting longevity. Revered in Eastern traditions, it's recognised as an excellent tonic for enhancing physical strength and boosting sexual energy, vitality, and cognitive stamina.

Cordyceps has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. It's rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting immune health.

Cordyceps is a source of antioxidant compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing. It contains various compounds that may interact with cellular processes.

Cordyceps contains compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting immune health.

Cordyceps has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and is the subject of ongoing research.

Cordyceps has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and is considered a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Teelixir Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom extract powder

Known for its unique, cascading, tooth-like spines, the Lion’s Mane mushroom stands out from the usual stem-and-cap structure of most fungi. It has earned the moniker of the "intellectual mushroom" due to its powerful health benefits.

Lion's Mane has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. Some people find it helpful for maintaining healthy cognitive function.

Lion’s Mane is a source of various compounds, including antioxidants and beta-glucans, that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Lion’s Mane contains compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting brain health and general wellbeing.

Maitake Mushroom

Teelixir Organic Maitake mushroom extract powder

Moving on to another mushroom extract – Maitake, also known as the "dancing mushroom," it is a potent adaptogen and a renowned culinary mushroom. Maitake is considered one of the most effective wellbeing-supporting mushrooms. It is rich in polysaccharides, including the unique D-fraction and MD-fraction.

Maitake contains polysaccharides that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Maitake contains beta-1,3-D-glucan, a polysaccharide that is the subject of ongoing research into its potential role in supporting immune health.

Maitake has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and is considered a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Concluding Mushrooms | Effective Wellbeing Support

These five types of mushroom supplements are a source of compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

These mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods that have been traditionally used to support general wellbeing.

Mushrooms have been traditionally used to support general wellbeing and may offer various potential benefits.

Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods that have been traditionally used to support general wellbeing.

Different types of mushrooms are a source of compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Consuming a variety of mushroom species may support general wellbeing, similar to maintaining a diverse and balanced diet.

I strongly recommend that you start incorporating these foods, traditionally used to support general wellbeing, into your daily meals. Teelixir offers an extensive selection of superior quality, wild, and organically sourced medicinal mushroom extracts and blends.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use.