There are a lot of misconceptions out there about medicinal mushrooms. With holistic health and wellness on the rise in Western culture, people are becoming increasingly aware of what medicinal mushrooms are and the benefits that they offer. However, many are still unfamiliar with the topic or hold some false impressions about these mushrooms.
Let’s debunk some of the common myths about medicinal mushrooms!
Myth #1: Medicinal Mushroom Use Is a New Trend
Truth: Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for thousands of years [1]. Western culture may have caught on fairly recently, and some within it will even refer to the recent interest in medicinal mushrooms as a “trend” - but it is much more than that. These mushrooms have been used for their functional benefits for many centuries, and from the looks of it, they aren’t going anywhere.
Myth #2: Medicinal Mushrooms Are Psychedelics
Truth: Medicinal mushrooms are not psychedelics. Though there is evidence that controlled dosages of psychedelic mushrooms could be effective in treating depression and anxiety, they are not currently classified as medicinal mushrooms [2]. Medicinal mushrooms do not cause an altered state of reality, but they can affect the mind in other positive ways. For example:
- Lion’s mane has been shown to significantly improve cognitive functioning, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression [3].
- Reishi mushroom has been connected to improved feelings of wellbeing and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression [4].
- Maitake mushroom has been found to have significant anti-depressant effects on mice [5].
Myth #3: There Is No Proof That Medicinal Mushrooms Are Actually Effective
Truth: There are many studies that have found medicinal mushrooms to have significant therapeutic effects - and the body of research continues to grow [6] . Though more extensive human research is needed to better understand the effect that medicinal mushrooms have on us, the research that exists so far is very encouraging.
There are several types of medicinal mushrooms, and they offer a range of research-backed potential health benefits. They are all known to have significant levels of antioxidants, which reduce inflammation in the body [7]. Chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a range of illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases [8].
Incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your diet may not only help to prevent such conditions from developing, but these mushrooms may even have the potential to effectively treat existing conditions. For example, research has shown that some medicinal mushrooms promote cell apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth [9].
Myth #4: Medicinal Mushrooms Are Unsafe
Truth: Medical mushrooms are generally considered to be very safe to use. Of course, as with any substance, different people may react to them differently, and a very small minority of people have allergies to mushrooms in general. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, medicinal mushroom usage is considered very safe.
There are special cases in which medicinal mushroom use would not be recommended. People who take insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications shouldn’t consume too much chaga and reishi due to the fact that these mushrooms also lower blood sugar.
Myth #5: Medicinal Mushrooms Are Best Consumed In Powder Form
Truth: It’s true that you’ll see a lot of modern medicinal mushroom products using mushrooms in powdered form. This does not mean, however, that this is the best method. In fact, medicinal mushrooms have traditionally been used in their pure and whole forms. At Tamim Teas, we stay true to this ancient tradition by using only pure and whole mushrooms to make our teas.
Powdered mushroom ingredients often come from questionable sources and may not be organic and pure. We recommend enjoying medicinal mushrooms that are grown organically, sourced from trusted local farms, and left in their natural forms. Strictly adhering to these guidelines is what sets Tamim Teas apart from other products within the medicinal mushroom space.
THESE ARE THE BEST WAYS REAP THE BENEFITS OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Myth #6: Medicinal Mushroom Products Taste Yucky
Truth: Some medicinal mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, have an enjoyable taste (mildly sweet in tea) and are easily consumed in both food and drink form. Others, such as reishi and chaga, can have a more earthy taste and have no culinary tradition; rather, they are almost exclusively used to make tea. When you pair these mushrooms with the right blends of herbs and spices, the resulting product can be absolutely delicious.
Don’t believe us? Then you need to try Tamim Teas! 😉 People who are initially wary of drinking mushroom tea are pleased to find that they really enjoy the taste of our teas, and do not find that they taste “mushroomy”.
Experience The Benefits Of Medicinal Mushrooms For Yourself!
Hopefully this has cleared up any doubts you may have had about medicinal mushrooms - or motivated you to give them a try if you’re just beginning to learn about them! If you’d like more information, check out our Research page to learn more about medicinal mushrooms and why we love them so *mush*! 🍄
