We continuously seek ways to strengthen our immune systems to maintain our health. While we may have heard of various supplements and foods that can help, one natural remedy has been used for centuries – mushrooms.
Not only are they delicious and versatile, but mushrooms also contain beneficial compounds that contribute to our overall well-being, including adaptogens.
These natural substances can help our bodies respond to stress and support our immune health. If you’re looking for a tasty way to incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms into your routine, be sure to check out this recipe, which can also enhance your sleep.
THREE KINDS OF ADAPTOGENIC MUSHROOMS GIVE YOU THE NATURAL SUPPORT YOUR BODY NEEDS.

01. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom, also known as the “king of mushrooms,” “medicine of kings,” and the “elixir of eternal life.”
It has a woody and bitter taste but is rich in beneficial compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, which offer a variety of health benefits.
Reishi’s adaptogenic properties can help balance the body and cope with stress. Its beta-glucans can also increase immune cell activity and improve overall immunity.
Additionally, Reishi contains compounds like canthaxanthin and beta-1,3-D glucan, which can slow down tumor growth and reinforce the immune system.
Reishi is also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, making it an effective promoter of good health.
Discover More Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is a supplement with a wide range of health benefits and is highly versatile. It is renowned for its ability to protect against radiation, making it an excellent option for people undergoing chemotherapy. It can also help relieve symptoms such as hair loss, nausea, fever, infections, and headaches.
Reishi is also great for weight loss as it helps cleanse the liver and reduces edema and bloating. Similarly, it’s helpful for cardiovascular health because it dilates the coronary artery, improves circulation to cardiac muscles, increases blood flow, and can correct arrhythmia. Additionally, it reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lowers blood pressure, and limits plaque on arterial walls, decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reishi contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it essential for those suffering from numerous autoimmune disorders such as colitis, Chron’s disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, COPD, and Epstein-Barr virus. It contains antiviral agents that combat viruses such as herpes, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, colds, and the flu.
Furthermore, it’s a natural antihistamine and helps combat allergies, sinus issues, and chronic muscle aches. One study found it’s as powerful as five milligrams of hydrocortisone. Reishi contains polysaccharides that stabilize blood sugar levels, which is excellent for those struggling with diabetes, ulcers, hypertension, and strokes.
02. Chaga Mushroom
Chaga Mushroom, also known as the Inonotus obliquus mushroom, is a well-known traditional remedy used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Russia.
This dark and woody mushroom (not technically a mushroom but rather pre-mushroom growth) grows on birch trees. It is abundant in beta-glucans, melanin, and polysaccharides that have been shown to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Not only that but Chaga is also packed with powerful antioxidant properties that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage—making it an excellent choice for overall health and wellness.
Moreover, Chaga is rich in ergosterol, a precursor to Vitamin D., Which is essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system.

Discover More Health Benefits of Chaga Mushroom
Chaga, a potent medicinal mushroom, is coveted for its powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable supplement for optimal health. This wonder mushroom contains Vitamins A, C, B, D, and E, manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Moreover, its beta-glucans can boost the immune system, relieving autoimmune disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and more. HIV patients, in particular, can benefit from its symptom-reducing properties and suppression of secondary diseases.
Chaga is also incredibly effective in reducing inflammation – a boon for those with arthritis, IBS, cystitis, and many other disorders. It also contains SOD, which promotes the breakdown of free radicals and can be highly effective in treating neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
But that’s not all – Chaga’s high levels of betulinic acid make it an essential anti-cancer food. Studies show that it can kill cancer cells on contact, particularly those in colon, stomach, endometrial, lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

03. Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars in the high-altitude regions of Tibet and China.
Rich in cordycepin and other compounds that help reduce inflammation, enhance energy, and boost the immune system.
Cordyceps is known to improve the production of cytokines. Which are proteins that help regulate the immune system and fight off infections.
It is also thought to enhance oxygen uptake and utilization in cells, which can help improve overall energy and endurance.
Discover More Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps, an edible fungus traditionally consumed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has various beneficial compounds. Such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, and pentostatin. Studies have shown that these compounds provide health benefits such as anti-fatigue actions, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects.
Additionally, Cordyceps exhibits selective cytotoxic activity against several different kinds of tumor cells while not affecting normal healthy cells. These anti-tumor actions include inhibiting ribonucleic acid (RNA), inducing apoptosis, and immunopotentiation. Cancer cells also express adenosine A3 receptors that cordycepin binds to, inhibiting their invasiveness and reducing the size of tumors.
Compounds in cordyceps also improve kidney function by stimulating renal blood flow, promoting the regeneration of renal tubules, as well as inhibiting mesangial cell proliferation. Cordyceps extract protects against renal failure, supports the regeneration of the functional unit of the kidneys (the nephron), and prevents chronic renal fatigue.
Lastly, beta-glucans in cordyceps aid in reducing the size of tumors, stimulate lymphatic function, cleanse the body of toxins, and nourish cells.
IMMUNITY MUSHROOMS
These top three adaptogenic mushrooms – Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps – offer numerous health benefits, including immune-boosting properties. Incorporating these mushrooms into your diet can help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
However, it’s important to note that while these mushrooms are generally safe, they may interact with certain medications. So it’s always best to consult a skilled professional before adding new supplements to your diet.
Check out the article below for more wellbeing tips and advice.
Five Immune Boosting Supplements + Ingredients To Avoid
References:
THIS POST COMPRISES ADVANCED INFORMATION FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND LEADING HEALTH EXPERT ANTHONY WILLIAM. Further citations below
Nakamura, K., Shinozuka, K., Yoshikawa, N. (2015). Anticancer and antimetastatic effects of Cordycepin, an Active Component of Cordyceps Sinensis. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. Volume 127, Issue 1, page 53–56.
CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Science(CEMPS)/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
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