Harmonic Arts 5 Mushroom Cacao - 375g

CHAGA

Often referred to as the "king of medicinal mushrooms"...

What Is Chaga? 

Birch trees naturally contain betulin and betulinic acid, compounds that are absorbed by chaga as it grows on the tree. Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as chaga mushroom, is a black fungus that grows parasitically on birch trees. There are records going as far back as the 16th century for the use of chaga in Eastern European folk medicine and botanical medicine as a treatment for cell growths, ulcers, and some infections.

Chaga is rich in polysaccharides (particularly ß-glucan polysaccharides) as well as betulinic acid, and has a bitter flavour similar to coffee. It is an excellent source of superoxide dismutase (SOD – a powerful antioxidant) and is the mushroom with the highest antioxidant (ORAC) level known. For more information on ORAC, see our article on superfruits.

REISHI MUSHROOM

Otherwise known as Ganoderma Lucidum, Reishi mushrooms are a long time friend of the immune system... 

Reishi Mushroom can be beneficial for diabetics and those with high blood pressure. Reishi are a member of the fungi Kingdom and are one of the oldest mushrooms to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ganoderma has an affinity for the immune system, which is why it has been studied extensively in the treatment of cell growths. It has been shown to prevent angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which many cell growths use to form new harmful cells and keep the disease strong and growing.

Ganoderma is also used in cell growth treatment as a form of palliative care, improving quality of life by decreasing symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. In terms of immune disorders, it is also showing promise against HIV activity, slowly the progression to AIDS in some individuals. Ganoderma has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial action.

Reishi is both immune modulating and immune supportive, meaning it not only helps to strengthen the immune system when needed but in immune disorders in which it is dangerous to do so, it actually balances the immune system out. This prevents our immune system from over reaction and creating too much inflammation. Allergy is an example of a concern for which Reishi’s may be indicated due to its anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to balance out our innate immune response.

Reishi reduces cholesterol synthesis in the liver (which also benefits the heart) and has recently been looked at as a treatment for hepatitis, an inflammatory disease of the liver. It has been shown to protect against atherosclerosis, and reduce blood clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is part of an inflammatory cascade. It has also been shown to decrease blood pressure. Individuals with diabetes have found it helpful in decreasing blood sugar. Reishi is also an antioxidant and can be used to prevent free radical damage.

Reishi can be crushed and taken directly in capsules, or pieces of the mushroom can be steeped in hot water to make a tea. Recommended dose varies, depending on health concern, although anywhere from 2-6 g/day is considered safe. Some individuals have reported headaches, skin rash and dizziness. If you are on anti-hypoglycemic or medication to lower blood pressure, be cautious that these levels do not decrease too quickly or become too low while taking Ganoderma.

CORDYCEPS

Cordyceps has been shown to be beneficial for the optimal functioning of nearly every organ of our body... 

Cordyceps is a type of fungus that germinates in a living organism, most commonly in the caterpillar larvae. This entire caterpillar-fungi combination is hand collected for medicinal use in areas such as Tibet, China, Nepal and India, where it has been used for centuries.

As a well-known remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tibetan Medicine and Herbal Folk Medicine cordyceps has been shown to increase oxygen capacity, the amount of oxygen that can be carried by our red blood cell. This increases oxygen exchange in the lung, therefore increasing energy, endurance and stamina. It has also been used to support and strengthen the immune system as well as the cardiovascular system.

Cordyceps are known to have the ability to increase lung capacity which is why it has been used to treat wide range of respiratory ailments such as to reduce cough and phlegm, shortness of breath, bronchial discomfort, COPD, and asthma, as well as to treat common cold and flu. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, increasing libido and improving sexual function for both men and women. It also has a strong effect on the kidney and is therefore used to improve fatigue, tinnitus, low back pain, nocturia, and overall reduced kidney function. It also has demonstrated blood sugar regulation properties and can be used to improve blood glucose metabolism in diabetics.

More recently, Cordyceps is being studied as a cell growth therapy or adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation. Research is showing it has significant ability to both inhibit and even reverse tumour growth in some cases. It has also been said to have beneficial effects for both heart and liver function.

A few of the useful constituents found in cordyceps are sterols, polysaccharides, and nucleosides. Sterols are believed to help reduce cholesterol levels, risk of heart disease, and maybe have some anti-tumor properties. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of chains of sugar. It is known to stabilize blood pressure, have an effect of free radicals, and stimulate the immune system. Nucleosides are organic molecules that are transformed into building blocks of the genetic material DNA and RNA. They are sometimes used to treat cell growths.

The daily dosage of Cordyceps tends to be about 3-4 grams a day, but depending on the concern many TCM practitioners will go significantly higher. It is typically prepared as a tea or eaten whole by itself, or cooked in a variety of dishes. Cordyceps can be costly, and there are no reliable standards from which to compare different brands. The use of cultivated Cordyceps is the most cost effective, but make sure it comes from a reliable source.

It is considered non-toxic and safe with no contraindications for use. Individuals already using anti-diabetic medications need to be careful to avoid a hypoglycemic state. The combination of medication and Cordyceps together may be too strong they may need to readjust the dosage. The same warning should be given to individuals already taking an antiretroviral medication.