Hello Shroom lovers and welcome to the 1st and long-awaited blogs by us.
To kick things off we had to start by introducing the centerpiece of Myshrooms, something that we are mad and passionate about, what gives our snacks their magic.
And that is if you didn’t guess already:
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
In this blog we share a little about their history and benefits, focusing on the main 4 that we use in our treats with the hope that you will understand why it is we started a whole business around these and hopefully get you on the shroom wave if you aren’t riding it yet.
Let’s dive straight in.
Humans have been using medicinal mushrooms for thousands of years to improve and maintain their health. Here at Myshrooms we are all about pairing this ancient tradition with a passion many of us share: snacking. We like to think that whilst you’re indulging you might as well support your mind-body-soul at the same time. That’s why we add these functional mushies into delicious plant-based choc bars and desserts so that you can experience the powerful benefits of these in your everyday life.
Egyptians, Chinese Emperors, shamans, and nobles around the world consumed and revered these mushrooms for their healing properties. The Egyptians called them “sons of the Gods” sent to Earth on lightning bolts to be eaten only by nobles and pharaohs.
Back then they were rare to find and that’s why the highest-ranking levels would reserve them for themselves and forbade the common people from consuming them.
In some places it was even considered a crime to have these. Luckily none of us will be going to jail and accessing them is a lot easier today.
So why were they and still are so praised? Why do we use these in our snacks and think you should look into taking these shrooms yourself?
With an infinity of reasons here are 3:
In today’s sea of autoimmune conditions, medicinal mushrooms are able to come in and exercise our immune systems, making them stronger and more adaptive. On top of that, the benefits accumulate over time allowing the body’s own intelligence and balance to be restored.
Different humans = different bodies & minds = different needs. The mushies are ready for this. Many of them are classed as adaptogens, meaning that they are able to go where they are needed and up or down-regulate our systems whilst also helping our bodies’ response to stress.
Our guts love them and so does our mental health. Within our guts, there are immune receptors that specifically recognize the beta-glucans in mushrooms. These stimulate and activate atrophied aspects of the immune system. The bacteria in our guts also love to munch on the healthy shroom fibers and polysaccharides. It’s like getting an upgrade for them, similar to how Super Mario grows stronger when he hits those shrooms out the boxes. The health of our minds heavily depends on the health and state of our guts. You’ve probably heard of the gut-brain connection, if you haven’t we definitely suggest you google it up. Like we just mentioned mushrooms support our guts and because of this and other properties, they have they’ve been known to help with anxiety and depression.
So really why wouldn’t we be adding them to our snacks, they are the perfect way to sneak in these potent medicines into our bodies and support our busy lives in this Western World.
Now let’s go into an overview of the ones we use and their main benefits
REISHI
A.K.A. Ganoderma Lucidum, the Mushroom of immortality, Mushroom of Spiritual Potency, Mushroom of eternal youth.
Emperors seeking immortality would take Reishi as a tonic. It has the longest record of medicinal use in the world (China and Japan) and is probably the most famous medicinal shroom in the world.
It contains:
polysaccharides that support the immune system
terpenoids that are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant
As an adaptogen it :
reduces stress,
regulates hormones
settles the spirit helping with anxiety and depression
It also:
stimulates better rest and regulates sleep cycles
supports the liver
helps our respiratory system
has shown great results for humans with seasonal allergies and mold problems
and helps regulate our metabolism and digestive system.
We use Reishi in our Mint, Orange, and Peanut Brownuffles and Cacao Truffles which are perfect for a chilled evening. We also have it available on its own here.
LION’S MANE
A.K.A. Hericium Erinaceus, Monkey Head Mushroom, Pom Pom Mushroom. We like to call it Brain Candy.
It was used in China for centuries and is an expert on biohacking and nootropic effects. More and more research shows its incredible properties for the brain. It should be no surprise, doesn’t it look like a brain?
It:
promotes neurological health. Because of its regenerative properties, it has been used for memory loss and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimers.
Contains Erinacines and hericenones that stimulate the release of nerve growth factor which is responsible for the growth, survival, and developmental plasticity of neurons.
Is a natural prebiotic that supports gut health by helping regenerate the microbiome, and reducing digestive problems like inflammation, reflux, bowel regularity, allergies, and food intolerances.
Monks would use it to focus whilst meditating, and for general wellbeing and strength. You can also find delicious recipes on the internet to use it culinarily.
We use it in our Raw Carrot cake, Berry Cream cake, and Orange Hemp balls. Perfect during the day for breakfast, snacking, dessert at lunchtime. You supercharge your home snacks and drinks with our extract powder too.
CHAGA
A.K.A. Inonotus obliquus, the gift from heaven, pearl from the North, immune-regulating diamond, the King of the Adaptogens.
Chaga has been used in Russia since the 16th century to treat intestinal, heart, and liver problems. It was also used as a folk remedy in Europe, Asia, and North America.
It contains:
betulinic acid, which boosts the immune system and has antiviral, antitumor, anticancer, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory effects
a crazy amount of melanin which is a powerful antioxidant that protects DNA and the skin.
The betulinic acid and melanin content are part of its ability in helping the body respond to damaged cells.
It:
is an anti-fungal that helps fight candida
balances blood sugar
Improves gut health
was used topically to treat wounds traditionally
Dual extracted Chaga is one of the highest sources of antioxidants in the world. You can get some here.
CORDYCEPS
A.K.A. Cordyceps Sinensis CS-4, the caterpillar mushroom, Tibetan treasure.
Cordyceps is part of the ancient medicine used by Himalayan healers and the first known record of its use goes all the way back to the Tang Dynasty in AD 620. People back then started using it as Yak headers of ancient Tibet and Nepal noticed that the Yaks that grazed in areas where it grew became more strong and virile.
It:
improves athletic and bedroom performance as it boosts oxygen uptake and flow and increases ATP. Because of this, it is an incredible tonic for the respiratory system, helping with breathing issues like asthma and bronchitis.
has anti-inflammatory properties that improve blood flow, heart health and modulate cholesterol levels
Wild cordyceps grow out of the mummified body of an insect, typically caterpillars. It’s super rare and is found at roughly 12,000 ft above sea level. Also, crazily expensive, selling at $10-$50k per kg which is why almost every cordyceps product out there including ours are from a cultivated strain which is still highly effective and 100% vegan.
We use Cordyceps along with Maca and Ashwagandha for epic energy support in our famous chocolate bars. We also have it available on its own here
Thank you for reading the 1st to many of our blogs! If it’s the first time you hear about mushrooms in this way we hope it tickled your shroom curiosity and if you found it interesting get shrooming and please share it around.
Mush love,
Shroom out
Ayelen