Protects Against Dementia
Lion’s mane mushroom provides many health benefits, but there are two plant compounds (hericenones and erinacines) in particular that are neuroprotective. Experts say these plant compounds found in lion's mane can generate new brain cells and protect against ​​neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

More research involving humans is necessary to fully determine the potential of lion's mane for neurodegenerative diseases.

Relieves Symptoms of Depression
Experts have suggested lion’s mane mushroom nutrients could serve as a potential alternative treatment for people experiencing depression. One literature review of studies shows many of the studies regarding the use of lion’s mane for depression are conducted on mice, which makes comparison with human mental health challenging.

Quickens Nerve Cell Recovery
Lion's mane is said to have regenerative capabilities, meaning its nutrients can help promote faster nerve cell recovery after injury. Experts say lion's mane is actually one of the few medicinal mushrooms out of some 2,000 different types known for its impact on nerve cell growth and health. However, like much of lion's mane research, the information available on the mushroom's health effects is based on animal studies.

Protects Against Stomach Ulcers
Lion's mane has traditionally treated digestive diseases for thousands of years. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is taken specifically for gastrointestinal issues.Stomach ulcers can occur due to an overgrowth of a certain type of bacteria known as H. pylori. Stomach ulcers can also result from the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which damages the stomach's mucous layer.A 2019 study of mice suggests lion's mane extract can fight ulcers after three weeks of use.

Reduces Inflammation
Across studies, lion's mane consistently shows the potential to reduce inflammation that contributes to or results from chronic disease. One study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of lion's mane on mice with the digestive condition known as ulcerative colitis.Another study of mice suggests the anti-inflammatory effects of lion's mane extract are significant enough to combat liver inflammation from excessive alcohol consumption.

Supports the Immune System
Lion's mane supports the immune system by promoting better gut health. According to animal studies, it works by stimulating the intestinal immune system and regulating gut bacteria. A healthy intestine fights bacteria and other pathogens that may enter through the nose or mouth and cause infection. The other plant compounds in lion's mane, including a range of antioxidants, also promote a healthy immune system.

What are Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi is a type of polypore: a woody type of mushroom that grows from trees and whose underside is smooth and composed of thousands of tiny pores, rather than gills. Polypores are also called bracket mushrooms or shelf mushrooms because of the way they sprout horizontally from trees.

It may surprise you to know that the term “reishi mushroom” doesn’t actually refer to one specific type of fungi. Reishi (also known as Lingzhi in China and Korea and “mannetake” in Japan) is simply the common name for the scientific genus of mushroom, Ganoderma.

Historical Use of Reishi Mushroom
Documented references to reishi’s reputation as a health booster date back as far as 2,400 years, and depictions of it frequently appear in ancient Chinese and Japanese artwork. However, the mushroom has likely been in use as a medicinal herb for over 4,000 years across the Eastern hemisphere, including both Korean and Indian cultures.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Health
Using modern research techniques, scientists have determined that reishi mushroom benefits for supporting longevity and wellness are indeed abundant. This fungus contains over 400 different bioactive compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, nucleotides, sterols, steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, and trace elements (3).they contain hundreds of bioactive compounds, mainly in the form of polysaccharides and triterpenes, that assist the body in numerous ways.

Reishi Mushrooms are Adaptogens
The bioactive compounds in the reishi mushroom provide support to bodily systems that help them function at their best on a cellular level. It is one of the world’s most popular adaptogens because it helps the body and mind adapt fluidly to health stressors and maintain allostasis. Allostatis is the process of maintaining homeostasis through the adaptive change of the body’s internal environment to meet existing and anticipated demands.

While this fungus may not be able to grant “immortality” as believed in ancient times, modern research undertaken by scientists has confirmed a myriad of reishi mushroom benefits that can help contribute to a long and healthy life.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits at a Glance

Supporting restful sleep and a calm mind

Supporting lung and respiratory health

Promoting balanced blood sugar levels

Supporting the immune system

Supporting lower urinary tract

What are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine. This fungus is found on dead tree stumps and logs around the world and has a tremendous range of potential health benefits. Turkey tail is packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that may help boost immunity, support gut health, reduce inflammation, and enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments.

Proponents of turkey tail suggest that the mushroom may enhance cognitive functioning, reduce fatigue, improve athletic performance, and protect against age-related diseases. Turkey tail is generally safe to consume with few side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if turkey tail supplements are right for you. 

Active ingredient(s): Polysaccharides, antioxidants, beta-glucan, sterols, fatty acids, phenolic compounds2

Alternate name(s): Tramates versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, Yun Zhi, turkey tail fungus, cloud mushroom, and kawaratake

Legal status: Legal, available over the counter (OTC)

Suggested dose: Dosage depends on the reason for use

Safety considerations: Turkey tail mushroom is safe and generally well-tolerated, but it's not recommended for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other Benefits
In addition to the health benefits listed above, some people use turkey tail to support:

Bone health:
Animal model research found that turkey tail extract resulted in thicker, less porous bones and may protect against bone loss related to certain cancer treatments.

Cognitive function:
Turkey tail is rich in antioxidants, which may improve cognitive function (e.g., memory, problem-solving) and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Healthy aging:
The antioxidants and immune-boosting properties of turkey tail may help support health and protect against inflammation and age-related diseases.

Balanced blood sugar levels:
Studies using animal models show that turkey tail extracts may reduce blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, and prevent diabetes-related complications in people with type 2 diabetes.