Ahhh, winter rains. Life awakens in the forest. The trees drink deep and spread their green needled arms wide to taste the mists. Fed by the moisture, licorice ferns spring forth from the crevices of rocks and the roots of oaks. We can hear the happy burble of seasonal creeks running once again. Gleaming emerald mosses carpet the trunks of the bay laurels. And miraculously, almost overnight, mushrooms pop forth from the earth. The lollipop reds of russulas, creamy orange chanterelles, turkey tails with cloud patterned bands like a Japanese painting, ghostly white amanitas glowing against the dark backdrop of the forest. Waking early after a long rainy night, I don my mud boots and rush off to the woods, excited as a kid on christmas morning, to enjoy these very special gifts of the rains.'
Please Note~ Wild mushrooms can be poisonous~ do not harvest or consume wild mushrooms unless you are directly under the supervision of a trained professional
Mushrooms are distinct from other plant life, a separate conciousness, and are classified in their own kingdom- kingdom fungi, a rollicking tribe of forest rebels who some say came originally not from the earth, but from the stars. Wherever they came from in the begininng, scientists tell us that mushrooms may be more related to insects than green photosynthesizing plants.
The ecological roles of mushrooms tell us something of their medcine- they act as tranformers and transmuters, metamorphosing decaying matter into new life, rejuvenating brain and body and transforming conciousness. They offer us new ideas, new ways of seeing and perceving, and innovative ways of doing. Mushrooms have a unique survival strategy and niche in the forest, thus they offer us a fresh look, a creative portal into the possibilities of life.
Mushrooms are also communicators, connecting the entire forest in hidden underground networks, they are the original information superhighway. These underground mycellial networks spread for miles as they share thoughts and even feelings from tree to tree. And of course, their appearance is uncannily similiar to that of neurons in the human brain.
Many medicinal mushrooms are staunch immune system allies which can prevent infections (including cancer) and bolster immune activity. Others can enhance energy, lower bad cholesterol and support the heart, repair damage done by toxic chemicals, balance blood sugar levels and mood, promote the growth of new neural pathways and more! Read on to learn about a few of the key species and how to use them:
Reishi/Ling Zhi is known as spirit mushroom in Chinese and has a thousands of year history of use in Asia to promote long life, calm the spirit and fortify the heart. Ancient lore describes reishi as “food for immortality”. Yet, many people are unaware that we have our own native Reishis (Ganoderma orgense and others) growing right here in North America! In addition to their other benefits, Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi have long been prized for their immunostimulating, strengthening and regulating properties. Reishi posseses an intelligence that can speak directly to the immune system, upregulating or downregulating its activity as necessary. It is also coming forward as a strong support to prevent cancer. On top of all that, it also safeguards the health and function of the Liver.
Oyster Mushrooms - also called the “mushroom flower of heaven”…say no more! Consuming these tasty mushrooms regularly can lower bad cholesterol in the body and protect the lining of the blood vessels. From a Taoist perspective, we can understand part of the medicine of oysters as balancing the waters of the body. They transform what is known as “dampness”, lowering inflammation, healing rashes and skin irritation, reducing edema, swelling and excess weight. Oysters are also hypoglycemic, they can promote healthy blood sugar levels.
Shiitake- Not just a culinary delight, shiitake mushrooms are an immune powerhouse, with strong anti-viral properties. They work best consumed a few times per week as prevention. Shiitake mushrooms also rejuvenate the liver and protect it from chemical damage.
Turkey Tails/Yun Zhi- Known as “cloud mushrooms” for their beautiful striped bands that do indeed resemble clouds. Turkey tails boost Spleen qi and give energy levels a gentle lift while also bolstering the Wei qi, the protective field of energy that surrounds the body and keeps pathogens and unwanted influences out. Modern science backs this up- Turkey Tails are a powerful immune activator that can prevent many kinds of infections. In addition, Turkey Tails offer significant protection from cancer- they help to conserve our DNA and protect it from damage as it replicates.
Poria/Fu Ling- A beautiful mushroom that thrives on the roots of pine trees. Poria can increase energy and digestive function, while also calming the spirit and promoting sound sleep. Like many of our mushrooms, poria thrives in a damp climate and thus has the intelligence with how to deal with excess water or “dampness” in the body. It is a mild diuretic which can flush the urinary passages and leach out unhealthy water retention. It can even be used to treat hormonal bloating and swelling, along with other herbs.
Cordyceps- These fungi are a true energy powerhouse. They directly increase activity of our mitochondria (our cellular energy production centers). Cordyceps literally raises our vibration, creating more energy by causing our mitochondria to vibrate at a faster rate. Cordyceps also enhance oxygen utilization, making it a wonderful tonic for athletes or folks at high altitude. It can also strengthen the respiratory system and benefit those suffering from asthma and long viral illness. In ancient Tibetan medicine, Cordyceps is revered for its ability to winter under the snow in the high mountains, which connects it with the hidden origin of life. It then emerges in spring to share its stong life force with us. Please note, Cordyceps is now endangered in the wild, only cultivated Cordyceps should be used.
Lions Mane- This special mushroom has gained much fame recently for its ability to support memory, cognitive function, and support nerve repair and neuronal regeneration. The mycellium, rather than the fruiting body, has the most medicine here. In Taoist medicine, Lions Mane mushrooms are prized as a fortifying tonic that strengthens all 5 of the vital yin organs- Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Liver, and Kidneys.
I hope you have enjoyed this introduction to some of our medicinal mushroom allies. Of course, there is so much more that could be shared, but that might best be done by communing with the mushrooms themselves. Enjoy the rains, enjoy the fungi and stay happy and healthy!
Please Note~ Wild mushrooms can be poisonous~ do not harvest or consume wild mushrooms unless you are directly under the supervision of a trained professional
The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness. Copyright 2024 by Dr. Athene Eisenhardt, L.Ac, DAIM