Adaptogenic remedies: Reishi, Chaga and mushroom coffee
Take a look at the genetic components of mushrooms and you might be surprised how many significant similarities there are between them and us. Combine this revelation with the growing adaptogen market and it suddenly makes a whole lot of sense why mushrooms are widely considered a cure-all adaptogen.
From strengthening your immune system to increasing mental clarity, mushrooms aren’t to be dismissed. In fact, public figure Tim Ferris has waxed lyrical about Chaga extract for years, crediting it with ‘lighting you up like a Christmas tree’.
Interested? We turned to Lillian, the Founder of Natures Antidote, to learn the difference between medicinal mushrooms and why we should be consuming them.
REISHI
WHAT
Reishi, often called the Mushroom Queen, is a powerful adaptogen that has been used in Traditional Eastern Medicine for thousands of years.
Hostile to simpler mushrooms, Reishi is top of the mushroom food chain and can help the body and mind to function in a more harmonious way also whilst enhancing its ability to heal and repair.
WHY
In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that the ancient wisdom surrounding Reishi has been correct all along. Lillian believes there are several benefits of integrating Reishi into your diet including stress relief, liver healing properties, supporting the natural detox process of the liver, enhancing the nervous system, improving the immune system and acting as an anti-inflammatory.
HOW
Available in powder form, Lillian recommends adding a teaspoon of the extract to a smoothie or coffee and, due to its stress relieving and liver cleansing effects, is best taken in the afternoon or before bed.
CHAGA
WHAT
If Reishi is the Mushroom Queen, then Chaga is the King and grows on living birch trees in the northern hemisphere.
WHY
Thanks to its high concentration of betulinic acid, Chaga is known for improving mental and physical performance. And, with one of the highest levels of antioxidants in any known food, Chaga is said to have an extraordinary effect on the immune system. This combined with it’s high levels of melanin, Lillian says make it a true “beauty food” that can “reverse the signs of aging”.
HOW
Brew a tea with Chaga extract or add it to a smoothie, dressing or potion.
HOW TO MAKE MEDICINAL MUSHROOM COFFEE
Delicious, nourishing and filled with antioxidants, melanin, B-Vitamins and adaptogenic powers.
INGREDIENTS
0.5 litres of boiling water
2 teaspoons of Chaga Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons of Reishi Extract
1 teaspoon of natural sweetener (maple syrup, stevia or agave syrup)
DIRECTIONS
Add medicinal mushroom extracts to boiling water and brew on medium heat for approximately 10 mins
Add the sweetener and enjoy
