For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used for numerous health benefits. Medicinal mushrooms (of many different varieties) are well studied but not often well understood. Host Defense Mushrooms aims to bridge the gap between medicinal fungi and humans. They make well-formulated and studied products that benefit your body's systems. We know you'll love Host Defense Mushrooms and their trailblazing story.

The Magical World of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the most unique and fascinating organisms on the planet. They have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and are now being studied for their wide range of benefits to human health. Mushrooms are a type of fungus that is found in various parts of the world, including soil, dung, decaying wood, and leaf litter.

Meet Legendary Mycologist Paul Stamets

Host Defense Mushrooms was founded by world-renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. Paul Stamets believes that funghi (mushrooms) not only contribute to environmental ecosystems but to human health as well. He has dedicated his life to studying the world of mushrooms and has been involved in research involving using mushrooms for water filtration, ecological rehabilitation (including bee health), and, of course, their use in supplements for both human and planetary health.

Paul Stamets' 40+ years of research into the power and potential of mushrooms has led to the invention of Host Defense's line of supplements. Some of these supplements include chaga, lion's mane, and turkey tail, as well as many formulas that blend multiple mushrooms for additional health benefits.

It's All About the Mycelium

While many mushroom companies extol the virtues of beta glucans, a type of fibre found in mushrooms, Host Defense has focused on mycelium research and incorporates it into all of their products.

The mycelium is composed of root-like structures found growing below the ground. The mycelium is the part of the mushroom that's responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the soil but it also happens to be where most of the benefits lie. The mycelium is made up of tiny filaments called hyphae (pronounced "hi-fah"), which are responsible for breaking down cellulose into its component parts—glucose, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Known as the "wood wide web," the mycelium is under the ground (and your feet) whenever you step on the earth. It is estimated that 90% of plants rely on the mycelium for nourishment.

All Host Defense Mushrooms products make use of the valuable mycelium in addition to their fruiting bodies. Why the mycelium? Research has shown that the combination of constituents (meaning both the mycelium and fruiting bodies) creates the most benefit.

Host Defense Mushroom Products

Host Defense grows its mycelium on organic brown rice. In this process, the mycelium essentially ferments the brown rice, creating an entirely new substance with unique health benefits. A peer-reviewed study demonstrated that this new myceliated rice showed immune health benefits and that the benefits of mushrooms come from their wide range of constituents.

Host Defense Mushrooms is proud of its innovative products. All of their products are certified organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

At National Nutrition, we carry a wide range of innovative products from Host Defense Mushrooms that can be used to support respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune health. Allow us to introduce you to some of our top sellers:

  • Lion’s Mane: Host Defence Lion's Mane is beneficial for the brain, which is why it's often referred to as a "smart mushroom." It’s one of the most potent natural nootropics on the market today. The active ingredients in Lion's Mane promote nerve growth factor (NGF), which has been shown to help improve cognitive function and boost memory. Host Defense's Lion's Mane is created using organic mushroom mycelium grown in the United States. Mushroom mycelium is packed with polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids, and other myco-nutrients. Each serving contains 1 g of mushroom mycelium to soothe your nervous system and help you focus.
  • Turkey Tail: Host Defense Turkey Tail is one of the most-studied and best-documented beneficial mushroom species in scientific research and has a wide spectrum of beneficial properties. It's best known for supporting immunomodulation and an engaged and balanced immune response via the gut. Turkey tail contains enzymes and prebiotics, which makes it especially beneficial for gut health. A healthy gut can, in turn, support a healthy immune system. In fact, one study funded by the National Institutes of Health found Host Defense Turkey Tail to be immunologically active.
  • MyCommunity: If you are looking for immune support, MyCommunity is the most comprehensive immune support product in the lineup. It is made with a blend of 17 potent mushrooms, with each carefully selected for its distinctive benefits to the immune system. All mushrooms in this formula are made with U.S.-grown organic mushrooms, including the mycelium and fruitbodies (these are the parts of the mushroom that live above ground and are also loaded with a spectrum of different health compounds). Plus, there is some evidence from third-party, peer-reviewed research that MyCommunity could help support an immune response in healthy individuals.
  • Stamets-7: Specially formulated by Paul Stamets, Stamets7 is made with U.S.-grown organic mushroom mycelium, which is packed with a full spectrum of health compounds, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids, and other nutrients. This blend includes 7 different mushrooms—cordyceps, reishi, maitake, lion's mane, chaga, mesime, and royal sun clazei—commonly used to support overall immune function.

If you would like to learn more about Host Defense mushrooms and get inspired by the incredible world of funghi, stop by our store or call to speak with one of our qualified educators.