In the pursuit of wellness, often we must turn to nature to find our best allies. At Entangled Biome, our central powerhouse is the organic hemp we locally source here in Oregon—but we frequently pair it with adaptogenic mushrooms. On today’s blog, we are foraging into the world of fungi for a closer look at some of our favorites.
A Time-Honored Tradition
Historically, mushrooms have been revered by ancient civilizations the world over, for both culinary and medicinal uses. In ancient Egypt, mushrooms were called “the sons of the gods” and were reserved for the Pharoah and his guests. Hippocrates in 450 BCE noted Amadou’s anti-inflammatory and cauterizing properties. Chinese alchemist Tao Hongjing described a number of medicinal mushrooms in the 5th century, some of which had been used for hundreds of years prior to his writings.
China and Japan both have a long-standing tradition of using a variety of adaptogenic mushrooms, as do many tribal cultures across the world. Western cultures have not incorporated fungi to nearly such an extent historically in food or medicine; some cultures have been and continue to be outrightedly mycophobic, convinced that mushrooms are by and large either toxic or trash.
But with a modern resurgence of homeopathy and plant-based wellness, we are seeing a shift towards adaptogenic mushrooms. Scientists, doctors, and craftsman alike are returning to the roots of folk medicine to examine the unique effects of fungi—and the results are astounding.
Reishi
One of the most respected adaptogenic mushrooms on the planet, Reishi is a staple of Eastern medicine. It is kidney shaped and prefers hot, humid environments.
Studies have shown that Reishi can help boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cell formation and fighting inflammation. It may also combat sleeplessness and improve mood. Thanks to its abundance of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, Reishi is an adaptogenic powerhouse.
Chaga
Chaga is a parasitic fungus that grows primarily on birch trees. It appears more like a lump of charred wood than a mushroom and thrives in cold climates.
Some of the compounds found in Chaga include B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, amino acids, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. With such nutrient-dense properties, Chaga can provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-viral benefits.
Cordyceps
Slender and elegant, Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is responsible for delivering energy to our muscles, which means Cordyceps can have a dramatic impact on muscle fatigue and recovery. Because it increases maximum oxygen intake, it may improve the efficacy of oxygen use overall as well as lung function specifically.
Turkey Tail
This lovely little mushroom is a personal favorite of the Entanged Biome family, with striped, fan-like lobes that grow in beautiful formations. Turkey Tail mushrooms are packed full of antioxidants, prebiotics, and polysaccharides. These properties can bolster the immune system, specifically by stimulating healthy gut bacteria.
Lion’s Mane
The most majestic of all adaptogenic mushrooms, Lion’s Mane is a white, shaggy fungus that is characterized as tasting something like lobster. It full of bioactive compounds that can effect a number of systems. Of particular note are the hericenones and erinacines found in Lion’s Mane, which can stimulate the growth of brain cells; as a result, Lion’s Mane can potentially combat memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s. Studies also show Lion’s Mane may stimulate nerve growth and thereby help speed the recovery of injuries to the nervous system. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help with mood disorders like chronic depression.
Co-Extraction with Adaptogenic Mushrooms
On our previous blog, we did a deep-dive into our Full Spectrum Hemp Oil (FSHO) extraction process. We also discussed our approach to co-extraction: Using the FSHO-rich organic cane wash that we have left after our in-house hemp extraction, we create specialty blends using adaptogenic mushrooms (as well as a variety of potent herbs).
Our bodies have inherent healing abilities, which we seek to trigger via co-extraction. By providing the body with the proper cues, our specialty blends of Full Spectrum Hemp Oil and adaptogenic mushrooms can empower your wellness in highly efficient, highly effective ways. As we’ve said before, we are selling results, not milligrams, which is why we want you to get the maximum benefit with only a few drops of our specialty tinctures.
Currently, we have several blends available that utilize adaptogenic mushrooms:
Energy + Immunity: Made with organic Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, this blend is designed to provide the energy you need to get through your day while also safeguarding your health.
Calm + Focus: With its effect on both mood and the nervous system, organic Lion’s Mane can help provide clarity. This particular blend is made with an extra dose of CBD-A to create a powerful sense of calm.
Throat Mist: Organic Lion’s Main, Cordyceps, and Chaga lend anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties to our CBD-rich Throat Mist. They can also stimulate your immune system and improve oxygen use.
More Adaptogenic Mushrooms Coming Soon
We will soon be releasing our Rest + Renew Tincture, specifically designed to help you say goodbye to sleepless nights and wake up refreshed. Additionally we are creating a number of exciting new delivery methods for our specialty blends, which means you can make adaptogenic mushrooms part of your routine at every step of your day.
To learn more about what adaptogenic mushrooms and Full Spectrum Hemp Oil can do for your wellness, follow us on Instagram.
