Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) grows in a single large clump of dangling spines on the side of hardwood trees. Medicinally, it helps support normal cholesterol and lipid levels, cognitive health and mood, and immune health. Human studies show a beneficial effect for cognitive health and mood in aging populations. Active constituents in Lion’s Mane have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor associated with repair and rejuvenation of the brain and nervous system in animal experiments.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a hard, deeply cracked, stalkless conk that has the appearance of burnt charcoal with a burnt orange interior, found on the trunks of birch, alder and elm trees. It has a long history of traditional use in Russia and Poland as a tonic, blood purifier and pain reliever. Studies have shown its effectiveness as an anti-cancer agent, reducing tumors and providing support for improved appetite. It also supports energy levels, normal blood sugar, and sleep. 

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) (pictured on front cover) grows in clusters on rotting hardwood logs. Delicious and popular in cuisine, it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals as well as polysaccharides and antioxidants. It helps support normal cholesterol and lipid levels, cardiovascular health, and liver health. In addition it has been shown to support appetite control, boost antioxidant enzyme levels, and help with a normal inflammation response.

Cordyceps Cs-4 extract is cultivated from the fungal strain Paecilomyces hepiali derived from the species Cordyceps sinensis. The original strain is an endoparasitic fungus that grows out of the body of a caterpillar (pictured). It contains essential vitamins and minerals and is rich in powerful polysaccharides. It supports a healthy immune system, energy levels, positive mood, libido, healthy aging, kidney and liver health, and improved lung function

Polyporus umbellatus (Zhu Ling in Chinese) is a very rare, short lived edible polypore mushroom consisting of many small, smoky brown rosettes that appear at the base of mostly oaks. It contains polysaccharides, minerals, and various sterols. The mushroom supports normal kidney function, water balance, and healthy bladder function. It has antimicrobial properties, and a hair growth stimulating effect

Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM), also known as Himematsutake, is native to Brazil and popular in Japan. Its fruiting bodies appear as button caps singly or in clusters in leaf litter. It is a very good source of nutritious vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in complex polysaccharides and sterols. The mushroom supports normal cell function and normal seasonal histamine levels, and boosts immune function. 

Tremella mushroom Tremella comes from the Latin word for “to tremble”, which appropriately captures its gelatinous qualities. There are over 100 species of this “jelly fungus” recognized worldwide. Tremella fuciformis or Snow Fungus, is generally flavorless, but provides support for immunity, cardiovascular and cognitive health, normal blood sugar, and normal cell growth. It also soothes chronic cough and dry throat, and helps manage inflammation.

Enokitake or Enoki (Flamulina velutipes) is an edible mushroom popular in gourmet Japanese restaurants. It grows at the base of the Chinese Hackberry tree. It is an anti-aging mushroom with blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects that has also been used effectively for gastroenteric ulcers. It has significant anti-tumor effects. Enokitake can also be used to support healthy liver function and healthy cognitive function.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has symbolized great health and longevity throughout thousands of years of Chinese history. It is used in Chinese herbal medicine for supporting a calm state of mind, energy, and normal cell function. Scientific studies show that it helps promote a healthy immune response, normal liver function, and a healthy seasonal histamine response.

Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is known as the “king of mushrooms” as it grows up to 100lbs in size in large clusters of leafy ruffles, usually at the base of oak trees. Maitake is a culinary mushroom in Japan, but is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy to help support normal intestinal comfort, healthy weight management, normal blood sugar levels, and increased exercise output. Containing betaglucan polysaccharides, it also offers powerful immune system support.

Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor, syn. Coriolus versicolor) is a polypore mushroom with flat caps that grow in concentric zones of varying color on decomposing wood. Rich in polysaccharides and sterols that support immunity; prostate, liver and breast cellular health; and normal inflammation response. The mushroom stimulates SOD activity and liver detoxification; inhibits fat formation and helps reduce body fat, and reduces influenza viral replication.

Poria cocos grows underground as a sclerotium, which is a compact mass of hardened mycelium. It helps promote healthy kidney and bladder function, and digestive and stomach health. Poria cocos is also known to support calmness and healthy sleep by reducing anxiety, tension, and fatigue. It stimulates healthy brain function, reducing memory loss. As with many other mushrooms, it helps with a healthy immune response, and supports a normal inflammation response with topical use