Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has utilized various mushroom extracts to cure and treat a number of health issues. Even modern Western medicine has recognized the power of medical mushrooms, using the fungus to create one of the world’s greatest scientific breakthroughs, penicillin.
Some of the most beneficial types of mushroom include:
- Chaga
- Lion’s Mane
- Cordyceps
- Reishi
Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) is known as the “King of Mushrooms” due to its amazing immune boosting benefits. Chaga is typically grown on birch trees and thrives in the Eastern Siberian climate.
The use of Chaga mushrooms traces all the way back to the 17th Century as a homemade remedy for fighting infection, colds and viruses.
The benefits of medicinal Chaga use include:
- Healthy immune system support
- Easing arthritic pain
- Support for gastrointestinal health
- Improved blood pressure
- The ability to break down LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood
- A powerful antioxidant
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane can be found growing in hardwood forests across the globe. This type of mushroom has been studied for years for its neuroprotective capabilities. The hericium and erinaceus found in this mushroom have shown to induce nerve growth factors (NGF) synthesis in nerve cells. Lion’s mane is a nootropic, meaning it possesses cognitive benefits and has also been linked to:
- Improved mood
- Decreased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Enhanced memory
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Aiding in digestion and relief from stomach ulcers
- One of the highest natural antioxidants
- Promoting a healthy immune system
Lion’s mane is a perfect supplement for those wanting to improve the focus in their professional career. It is also a beneficial addition to the diets of the elderly and those wanting to function cognitively at an optimal level.
Cordyceps
The cordyceps mushroom is normally found in the high altitudes of the Tibetan mountains and its cultivation requires expert precision and care.
This mushroom has been used in Asian medicine for over 1,000 years to promote vitality, energy and recovery. Evidence suggests that the use of cordyceps in athletic activities promotes oxygen uptake and provides support for the immune system.
This mushroom has also been linked to benefits like:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Energy production
- Anti-inflammatory response
- Improved respiratory health
- Balanced cholesterol
- Antioxidant abilities
- Reduced muscle soreness
The amazing energy production ability of the cordyceps mushroom comes from a compound called cordycepin. Cordycepin boosts the efficiency of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) turning into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body. ATP’s role is to transport chemical energy to the areas of the body that need it. The increased efficiency of ATP production helps boost performance and is extremely beneficial for those perusing an active lifestyle.
As cordyceps is an adaptogen, and not a stimulant, it does not induce spikes or sudden crashes in energy levels.
Reishi
While Chaga is the “King of Mushrooms”, Reishi has claimed the title as the “Queen of Mushrooms.” This is due to Reishi’s ability to promote a state of calm in both the mind and body. This mushroom works as an adaptogen in the body allowing the system to ‘adapt’ in challenging situations. What this means is that you are able to relax under pressure or produce energy when reserves are low.
Medical use of reishi provides the following benefits:
- Pain relief
- Antimicrobial function
- Antioxidants
- Blood pressure regulation
- Reduces the effect of caffeine and other stimulants on the nervous system
- Treatment for insomnia
- Treatment for the symptoms of chronic fatigue
Compounds found in reishi, known as triterpenes, aid in balancing the endocrine system. When these levels are balanced the body can secrete the right hormones at the right time and ensure you get the high-quality sleep you so desperately need.
Fruiting bodies
The fruiting body of the mushroom is what pops out from the ground, or tree, after the mycelium (the root) has found adequate nourishments from the environment.
Much like the apple from the tree, the fruiting body is the most nutritionally beneficial and easily digested element of the mushroom.
Only the fruiting bodies of the mushrooms have been used in the Four Sigmatic Coffee and Elixir powders, as all of the goodness is concentrated into this area. Its use in the Coffee and Elixir powders ensures you are receiving the absolute highest quality with each sip.
High Quality Dual Extraction
To draw out all of essential goodness from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom a high-quality dual extraction process has been utilized.
The dual extraction process used to create each powder product involves a combination of hot water and alcohol to get the most out of each mushroom. Both extraction methods have been used to concentrate and provide the best digestible versions of beta-glucans, polysaccharides and other beneficial compounds.
First, the mushrooms go through two stages of hot water extraction to preserve and prevent the disintegration of the valuable medicinal compounds. Next, the mushrooms are subjected to the final alcohol stage of extraction.
Both hot water and alcohol extractions draw out the fat soluble and water soluble elements, making them more bioavailable. Something that simply eating the mushroom cannot provide.
After the process is complete, the extraction is then spray dried with hot pressurized air to remove any left over moisture, resulting in a 100% pure power.
Cultivation
To ensure the mushrooms are as natural as possible they have been either sourced from their natural habitat or cultivated in the Four Sigmatic mushroom farm. The farm mimics the exact growing conditions of the mushrooms so that they are of the highest quality and as authentic as possible.
Conclusion
As all four types of Mushroom Coffees and Mushroom Elixirs provide you with their own unique benefits relating to energy, immune system support, relaxation and brainpower, they work perfectly in combination with each other throughout various periods of the day.
