Lion's Mane
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) are an edible gourmet mushroom native to North America, Europe and Asia. They are commonly cultivated indoors on hard woods for commercial use. They are very distinguishable by their long dangling spines that look like the mane of a lion. You can find them fresh at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store and go well in many culinary dishes, but to get the full medicinal benefits it is recommended to consume Lion’s Mane as an extract. This super mushroom or “smart mushroom” as it’s been called contains hericenones and erinacines which are known to increase nerve growth factor promoting neurogenesis which improves focus, memory and cognition.
However, Lion’s Mane also increases energy levels and combats fatigue. Aides in heart health giving you the courage of a lion, and is a prebiotic supporting gut health. It has been said that Lion’s Mane is also great for mental health. It also regulates blood pressure, reduces blood sugar, and protects kidney, liver and lung health. Lion’s Mane even has the potential to slow biological aging! With this Magic Mushroom becoming recognized as an essential health product and widely studied it’s very exciting to see the potential of it’s untapped benefits. Check out these articles for more information.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are adaptogenic mushrooms, meaning that they can help the body adapt to stress and regulate your overall mood. They can be found growing in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe from August to November. They are easily spotted by their orange colored, worm shaped fruiting bodies. Now, they are commonly cultivated indoors all over the world and processed into extracts for their medicinal compounds. The extracts are commonly used to boost energy and immune system levels, as well as enhance exercise performance, however this awesome fungi has many other benefits. For example, they can be used as an anti-inflammatory, they carry anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, they can assist with kidney function, and may help manage diabetes. In addition, they have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support heart health and improve sex drive!
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) is an adaptogenic edible mushroom, however, it is not commonly found in culinary applications because of its very bitter taste, so it is best used as an extract. This mushroom is native to East Asia, but can be found in other parts of the world (this one was photographed in New York State). It usually has a reddish brown color and can be found growing on hard woods or wood chips on the forest floor. This miracle mushroom has been used in medicinal practices for thousands of years. In Japan it is called the 10,000 year mushroom. In Korea it is known as the Mushroom of Immortality. Reishi is traditionally linked to longevity, overall health and well being, recuperation, wisdom, happiness, sexual function and royalty. This ancient wonder also carries antioxidant, immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Most importantly this all in one mushroom aides in improving sleep and restlessness. There are clinical studies using Reishi for treatment with insomnia.
Chaga
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is grows on birch, adler, beech and poplar trees. It has a distinct burnt charcoal look. This mushroom has many traditional and medicinal applications. Chaga is high in beta-glucans. Studies have revealed that Chaga protects liver tissue from some liver diseases. Today it is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agriculture industries. This fantastic fungi holds antitumor and cancer fighting capabilities, it also has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and super antioxidant properties, as well as, boosts the immune system and lowers cholesterol. Chaga mushrooms contain proteins that prevent blood clotting. This mushroom has unlimited capabilities, but there is a lack of understanding of its bioactives and mycochemical composition. As mushrooms become more popular it will be exciting to see what science finds out about the Chaga mushroom.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a multicolor polypore mushroom found through out the world growing on trees(this one was photographed in Costa Rica). They are named for their feather or fan like fruiting bodies which resemble a turkey’s tail feathers. This mushroom has many medicinal benefits and is best used as an extract. It is known for it’s immune boosting and prebiotic properties. The prebiotic and antibacterial properties support gut health and regulate the microbiome fighting unwanted pathogens. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharides. Evidence suggests that PSP may have the ability to stimulate and fortify the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments.
Other studies indicate Turkey Tail may combat HPV and improve athletic performance.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that is found in parts of Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It is commonly used to regulate stress and anxiety, however, It can enhance brain function and the nervous system to improve focus and memory. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine it is used to treat various diseases, including reducing cancer risk, by improving the cell-mediated immunity and specifically used as a nervine tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine it is also used to increase energy and reduce inflammation and pain. This herb carries antioxidant properties helping protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Ashwagandha boosts fertility in women and testosterone in men. This magic herb can also promote sexual health! Take a look at this article which highlights the many uses and applications for Ashwagandha.
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a Nootropic supplement that helps get much needed acetylcholine past the blood brain barrier to repair and strengthen neurons, which in turn promotes learning and memory. It assists with overall brain health and aging of the brain. This amazing supplement directly affects the part of the brain relating to emotions, motivation, anxiety and depression. Alpha-GPC can increase natural dopamine release from neurons. This is a widely used supplement that has been in many studies around the world. One study shows cognitive improvement in post stroke patients and patients with Alzemiers. Another study indicates improved sleep and vision. A study conducted on athletes showed increased endurance and growth hormone secretion. It also prevents exercise induced loss in choline levels.
B Vitamins
A Vitamin B complex consists of 8 water soluble vitamins that need to be replaced in your body daily. They are commonly found in greens and other vegetables, animal proteins, and dairy products, however, they are often taken as a supplement to boost energy levels.
These vitamins help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, ranging from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and transporting oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body. B vitamin deficiencies have been considered as etiological factors in the development of various neurologic disorders and a broad spectrum of pathological states. Any B vitamin deficiency can negatively affect mitochondrial metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids through the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.
Tart Cherry
Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) – The tart cherry is closely related to the sweet cherry, but grows a bit smaller with twiggy branches, shorter stalks and the fruit is far more acidic. The fruits are vibrant red to almost blackish in color. It is native to most of Europe, West Asia and North Africa.
Tart Cherries are high in certain antioxidants that may help suppress genes involved in cancer growth. They are high in vitamins A and C and minerals (Iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese). These cherries also contain several chemicals, one being Anthocyanins, which have positive health effects on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Tart cherry may help reduce peripheral neuropathy, a type of pain caused by nerve damage. Two other chemicals that are present are, Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) which is a hormone produced by the brain, it was discovered in the pineal gland, in 1958 and Tryptophan (a protein that helps the body produce melatonin). Melatonin plays a role in managing our sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm, two important factors in having a good night’s sleep. The other chemicals act as antioxidants that reduce inflammation in swelling joints and reduce muscle soreness, improving your athletic performance.
Tart cherries are also known to promote brain health, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, aid in weight loss, reduce symptoms of gout, and strengthen the immune system.
Elderberry
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), elder or elderflower is a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family. The flowers are white, the berries start green and turn a dark purple or black when ripe. The berries must first be cooked to become edible, uncooked berries are toxic. This plant can be seen as a shrub or small tree. Elderberry is native to warmer parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.
Elderberry is commonly used around the world as a medicinal plant. The flowers and berries have medicinal properties, however using the fruit to make extracts is the common practice. Extracts can be found in powder or liquid form.
Elderberry Extracts are used as a dietary supplement and studies have shown it to treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as upper respiratory infections and improve lung health. Elderberry is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system. Elderberry also contains Vitamin B6, b vitamins are essential for human health and need to be restored in the body daily. On top of all those great benefits, Elderberry also promotes heart health, lowers inflammation and stress and helps regulate blood sugar.
Passion Flower
Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial climbing flower, it is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. It is hardy, fast-growing and easily grows in zones 7-11. Passion Flower, also called maypop, has a beautifully unique pedal structure and reveals itself in shades of lavender and purple. These enchanting flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies in the summer and fall. Enjoy the blooms as they come and go in a day or so. This perennial also produces an edible egg shaped green fruit, but isn’t known for its great taste.
Passion Flower is classified as a nervine relaxant. It’s been traditionally used to help with sleep. The chemicals in passion flowers have calming effects and are commonly used for insomnia, anxiety and stress, ADHD, pain, and other conditions. Pharmacological studies have documented Passion Flower’s sedative effects and support the use of Passion Flower as a way to relieve stress and induce calming and relaxation. Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that blocks certain signals in your central nervous system, this slows down your brain and creates a calming effect.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that affects brain function. It is derived from mushrooms, thus rendering it a natural product. It’s mostly known for reducing anxiety and helping people relax, but also improving sleep quality and helping people fall asleep quickly, by regulating brain electrochemical activity through inhibitory neurotransmitters.
A 2020 review concluded that L-theanine supplementation of 200–400 mgs per day can reduce insomnia, and stress and anxiety. L-theanine may also improve the function of the body’s immune system. Another study found that L-theanine could help decrease upper respiratory tract infections. There is a claim that L-theanine can fight cancer, with no clinical evidence, however there is research that associates L-theanine with amplifying the anti-tumor effects of chemotherapy drugs. Because of these promising findings, researchers suspect that L-theanine could also help improve chemotherapy’s ability to fight cancer.
This amazing amino acid may also be beneficial for people who experience increased blood pressure in stressful situations. Also, suppressing deterioration of learning abilities under social stress, and improving memory impairment. To cap it off it can lower the risk of a stroke, when there is no blood to the brain.
GABA
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a non-protein amino acid inhibitory neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers to the brain and central nervous system(your brain and spinal cord), they carry messages from one nerve cell to the next. Some medical conditions are associated with changing levels of GABA. GABA slows down the brain by blocking signals in the central nervous system.
GABA is known for producing a calming and relaxed effect. It plays a role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with stress, anxiety and fear, which in turn helps you sleep.
Magnesium
Magnesium glycinate is formed by combining magnesium with the amino acid glycine. In this form it is highly bioavailable, meaning the magnesium is easily absorbed in the body.
Magnesium is a mineral that helps to manage the body’s nerve and muscle function. It is considered a micronutrient and is found in many foods, like seeds, nuts, beans and dark chocolate. However, when these foods are processed, the magnesium can fade away, not giving you the daily requirement of magnesium..
Glycine is an amino acid that your body uses to create protein. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Magnesium glycinate is a well known supplement for its ability to improve sleep and alleviate anxiousness. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping people fall asleep faster and experience a more restorative sleep. It is also used to alleviate anxiety, reduce pain, promote bone growth, manage blood sugar, maintain normal heart rhythms, reduce PMS, and increase athletic performance.
The contents of this website are for educational purposes only. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.
