Functional Mushrooms & Mike's Mushroom Mix

Functional mushrooms have been a staple in medical lineages around the world for centuries. Otzi, the Ice Man, who walked this earth nearly 5,300 years ago was discovered carrying a pouch that contained Amadou and Birch Polypore mushrooms to help him survive the harsh climate of the Alps in Northern Italy.(1) 4,000 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monks drank Lion’s Mane tea to boost brain power and achieve a higher level of focus throughout their meditations. About 2500 years ago, the Greek physician, Hippocrates, considered the “Father of Medicine”, concluded that Amadou mushrooms had potent anti-inflammatory properties and were essential in cauterizing wounds. (2) The first peoples of North America were also known to use mushrooms to heal wounds, with the most popular being Puffballs. (3)

Despite the fact that mushrooms have been used in various cultures around the world, only recently has western society and culture begun to discover what our ancestors knew long ago – the healing powers that functional mushrooms hold. (3)

From anti-inflammatory properties to improving cognition and memory, mushrooms are making waves in the health and wellness world. For our Co-Founder Mike, functional mushrooms were an absolute game-changer when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). After years of research and experimentation, Mike’s memory and cognition improved, his energy stabilized, and he felt that he was able to reclaim his life back. Eager to share his findings with the world, Spore Life Sciences was created, and so was our signature blend; Mike’s Mushroom Mix.

Our Mike’s Mushroom Mix combines the power of ten potent functional mushrooms into one product that works to support your overall health and wellness, aiming to help maintain balance and harmony in your body. Let’s take a look at each of the ingredients to better understand how they work together.

Agarikon:

In 65 CE Europe, the Greek physician, Pedanius Dioscordis, described Agarikon as the “Elixir of Long Life” (4). Dioscordis wrote about the positive effects that Agarikon had on treating people with respiratory illnesses and what was known then as ‘consumption’, which we now call tuberculosis. Agarikon’s primary use is as an antimicrobial agent, with potential antiviral and antibacterial properties that attack the host bacteria of numerous diseases and conditions. (5)

Antrodia:

Although rare in the wild, Antrodia has been used for centuries by the indigenous Taiwanese to treat various liver diseases. Antrodia can support liver and heart health, and also contains a wide variety of immune-boosting components. (6)

Chaga:

Growing on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere, Chaga is chalked full of antioxidants that have been found to help reduce inflammation in the body. Chaga has been used for centuries to support longevity, immunity, and overall health. (7)

Cordyceps:

Cordyceps have been long used in traditional Chinese medicine, as they are rich in antioxidants and are known to help reduce inflammation. There are 400 species of Cordyceps, most of which are native to Bhutan, China, Korea, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Cordyceps are also a powerhouse for energy production, immune function, and organ health. (8)

King Trumpets:

Loaded with antioxidants, King Trumpets are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6. They contain an important amino acid called ergothioneine which works to cleanse vulnerable areas of the body like the liver and kidneys, making King Trumpets a fantastic mushroom for your immune system and total body health. (9)

Lion’s Mane:

Lion’s Mane is a potent cognitive enhancer that contains a plethora of beneficial compounds to improve working memory, mental clarity, and overall brain health. Studies have also shown Lion’s Mane to be effective at protecting against dementia, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and helping repair nerve damage. Learn more about this amazing Nootropic HERE. (10)

Maitake:

Loaded with beneficial polysaccharides, triterpenes, and bioactive chemicals, Maitake is an impressive adaptogen that provides superb immune-boosting power and a natural dose of energy. Maitake was once so highly valued in Japan that it was known as the ‘Dancing Mushroom’ because commoners would dance for joy when they found it in the wild. (11)

Reishi:

Known as the “Queen of Mushrooms” or “Mushroom of Immortality”, Reishi is a powerful adaptogen with a rich antioxidant profile. Its history dates back at least 2,000 years, where Chinese healers used it to treat a wide range of health conditions. Reishi can enhance immune function and is a potent stress-reliever, flooding the body and mind with tranquility. (12)

Shiitake:

With a history dating back over 100 million years, Shiitake mushrooms have long been a staple of Asian cuisines. Shiitake is anti-inflammatory and packed with nutrients to strengthen your immune system, support heart health, and control blood sugar levels. It’s also unique to the world of fungi because it contains all eight essential amino acids. (13)

Turkey Tail:

Turkey Tail has a long, valued history and is one of the most researched functional mushrooms for its immune-boosting properties, anti-cancer potential, and support for a healthy gut microbiome. It contains high concentrations of protein-bound polysaccharides, which work to activate and inhibit specific immune cells and decrease inflammation throughout the body. (14)

Now that we’ve broken down each of the ten Functional Mushrooms that you will find in our Mike’s Mushroom Mix, it’s easy to see why this blend is so perfect when it comes to supporting your overall health and wellness. From immune support to liver function, Mike’s Mushroom Mix has your back.

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Functional Mushrooms & Mike’s Mushroom Mix