All mushroom descriptions written by Ash Ritter of Black Sage Botanicals

Lions’ Mane Mushroom

Recently coined as a "smart mushroom", Lion's Mane (Hericium) is a noteworthy player in the quest for improved brain function!! (...both the brain in the head, and the brain in the gut, to be specific!) Besides being a delicious culinary mushroom, Lion's Mane is antimicrobial, immune stimulating, supportive in GI tract issues, and most famously, excels at preserving & expanding cognition. Studies show Lion's Mane can regenerate myelin (nerve endings) and reduce amyloid plaques, thereby allowing for better neurotransmission. Simply stated, in cases of neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, alzheimers, and the general desire to bolster cognitive, and all-around nerve health, we absolutely suggest working this very special 'shroom into your protocol !!

REISHI MUSHROOM

Known as ling zhi, or "mushroom of immortality' in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi mushroom and it's Gandoderma relatives around the world are true regal beings of medicinal fungi. With well over 2,000 years of documented usage, we find, as mushrooms of all types are more widely accepted in the western 'whirled', modern clinical data is now affirming the know-how of

long-standing wisdom around Reishi.

While this superstar deserves a full book on it's depth and nuance, Reishi is a choice tonic for immune support, heart health, mood balancing, and much more...

Generally speaking, mushrooms have a complex array of chemistry, and depending on how you prepare them, you will coax out a specific chemical constituent, and thus, effect! If you were at my Cooking with Medicinal Mushrooms class once upon a time, you may remember this rant! (Sidenote- more medicinal mushroom classes coming! Sign up for my email list here... ) Anywho... I love inviting people to make a long and slow decoction of dried reishi slices (or powder) for priming the immune system, especially through the winter season. It's a tad bitter to those not used to herbaceous flavors, but toss in some sweet-tasting astragalus root for a great herbal base to a winter soup!! (Just strain the bits first before adding your veggies...)

Perhaps even more notable in my experience, Reishi ranks highly as a botanical agent to calm the spirit and heart (physical + emotional), and bring a more even-keeled nature to those who have experienced long-term adrenal burnout, or overall frazzled-edge deficiencies. While its not an outright sedative, I have noticed a marked cumulative effect in both myself and clients with long term use. A month later, and people share, "...you know, in retrospect, I was less reactive these past few weeks!.."

Cordyceps

Behold, by far one of my favorite tonics for the lungs...

If you've seen the extraterrestrial cordyceps scene in David Attenborough's BBC Earth tv-series, fear not!!! These strangely wonderful medicinal mushrooms have been (and still are) highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine ways, and thanks to ambassadors like Paul Stamets, have made their way across the globe as a premier agent for improving respiratory health and overall stamina. These mighty mini mushrooms relax and dilate the bronchial pathways, and help minimize excess mucus. For these reasons, and more, I love formulating with cordyceps for folks who have pre existing respiratory conditions (like asthma), or those who want to bolster their lung health for the coming winter months.

Cordyceps also boosts red blood cell production, giving more oomph to our overall fortitude and general immune abilities. In larger doses, they have a fun cognitive ripple that I like to call, the "unicorn-horn" effect... I always feel a little more acutely aware when I enjoy Cordyceps, and like to double dose the tincture before any event that requires extra clear and coherent thought.