What initially attracted you to medicinal mushrooms?
Mushrooms have a long history of being used therapeutically across the globe for thousands of years. But nowhere has it been more closely studied than in China. It only made sense that my interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine would lead me to these fascinating fungi. As herbs, they are considered extremely safe and can be taken for long periods of time without side effects. They are one of the most exciting areas of natural medicine. I was fascinated both by the opportunity to introduce something almost completely unexplored in the US and the chance to use mushrooms to address health conditions unique to Western populations.
Why use medicinal mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a rich source of powerful therapeutic compounds. Proteins found within these fungi have proven effective in fighting infection and chronic disease. Clinical trials in animals have shown an increase in survival time in a range of cancers. Mushroom polysaccharides can have a significant impact on the immune system, activating T-cells and promoting maximum immune system capabilities. Triterpenes in some mushrooms have unique properties including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, hypotensive and sedative actions. Sterol found in some mushrooms are anti-tumor, anti-aging and anti-angiogenic.
Why is Health Concerns a leader in medicinal mushrooms?
Health Concerns was one of the first companies in the US to introduce Ganoderma (ling zhi; reishi) to the West. Ninety percent of the research done with this species involves ganoderma lucidum, which is the red variety. We’re proud to offer a pure water extract of the wild-crafted red ganoderma. Today we are one of the first companies to use water extractions of whole mushrooms when most of what is sold today is non-traditional mycelium products that have not been validated by research.
In addition to pioneering the use of ganoderma, we also introduced mushroom blends. For example, red ganoderma is found in Power Mushrooms, CordySeng and many other formulas. We are the first practitioner-based company to offer clinically validated enoki mushroom extract (found in our effective weight management formula Leantain GT and among the first to provide turkey tail (found in Coriolus PS).
What are the indications of some of your mushroom blends?
Power Mushrooms is used to ensure proper immune function. Beyond being used in immune deficient states, Power Mushrooms can also be successfully included in protocols for autoimmune conditions including Multiple Sclerosis as it is balanced with important synergists. CordySeng contains ganoderma, astragalus and cordyceps (dong chong xia cao) which is used to support lung and kidney function. Leantain GT contains enoki mushroom extract, which has been shown to help shed weight and abdominal obesity in multiple clinical trials and finally coriolus, the ingredient in Coriolus PS, has been shown in over 400 studies to improve the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.