Introduction to Medicinal Mushrooms
Practitioners of both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese Kampo medicine have administered medicinal mushrooms for many centuries for a wide variety of health conditions.
Medicinal mushrooms have a rich history of use and an important place in historical Materia Medica and modern science is now validating many of these traditional uses.
There are seven well known medicinal mushroom species approved for medicinal use by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A brief overview of each of these follows:
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is unique among medicinal mushrooms in that it traditionally grows on an insect host. Cordyceps harvested in this way is still available, however there are now vegan friendly options that are cultivated without the need for an insect host. Traditionally used to tonify the lungs and improve energy and vitality.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is known as Ling Zhi (spirit mushroom or mushroom of spiritual potency) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In Japanese Kampo medicine it is known as Mannetake (10,000 year mushroom or mushroom of immortality). Traditionally used to replenish qi and ease the mind.
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible mushroom with medicinal benefits. Typically used as an adaptogen and to support immune health through its immunomodulatory effects.
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms and features prominently in Asian cuisine. It is used in some of the most popular medicinal mushroom products in the world due to its immune health benefits.
- Lumpy Bracket (Polyporus umbellatus) is known as Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally used as a diuretic and to remove damp, with modern use primarily for immune health.
- Fu Ling (Poria cocos) is traditionally used as a diuretic. It is an important component in many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations due to its ability to reinforce and balance the effects of other herbal ingredients.
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is one of the most extensively researched medicinal mushrooms. Traditionally used to regulate immune function, a use that has been validated by modern research.
About Aloha Medicinals
Aloha Medicinals is one of the world’s leading producers of organically certified medicinal mushrooms, with a state of the art biotechnology facility. Located in the United States it is certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is compliant with FDA Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.
Aloha Medicinals’ patented Full Spectrum MycoProducts™ are grown via a proprietary solid substrate fermentation process utilising only certified organic raw materials. The proprietary cultivation process, combined with careful strain selection, guarantees a consistent and reproducible product. In fact, each product in the Full Spectrum Mycoproduct™ range is guaranteed to contain minimum of 50% total polysaccharides and 15% 1,3-1,6 beta glucan.
All mushroom strains are genetically verified through DNA sequencing, combined with traditional macroscopic and microscopic identification techniques, and every batch undergoes extensive third-party quality testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. The full range of medicinal mushroom products not only meet, but exceed the strict quality requirements of Australia’s highly regulated complementary medicines market.
Aloha Medicinals’ Full Spectrum Mycoproducts™ are gluten free, vegan friendly, excipient, solvent and pesticide free, organically certified and DNA verified.
The product range consists of the following seven well known medicinal mushroom species:
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Lumpy Bracket (Polyporus umbellatus)
- Fu Ling (Poria cocos)
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Author: Aloha Medicinals
Website: www.alohamedicinals.com
Pathway International is the exclusive distributor for Aloha Medicinals in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information please contact us on
Phone: 02 9984 2700
E-mail: sales@pathway.net.au
Website: www.pathway.net.au
