Mushroom Compound May Lead to Prolonged Health:

A recent study on animals found that ergothioneine-a natural compound found in certain mushrooms- improves the health span of aging individuals by enhancing mobility, stress resistance, and endurance.

(Source: Medical Express. January 20, 2025)

In clinical herbal medicine mushrooms are used for similar adaptogenic actions: In other words to enhance the body’s and mind’s ability to be adaptable, cope better in stressful situations and recover afterwards, building resilience.

Mushrooms are “having a moment” in popularity currently, with new brands popping up almost weekly in health shops and pharmacies. However it is important to note that many of these brands are un-regulated and it has been shown that very often what is promised on the label is not what actually what you’re getting- there is alot of adulteration (swopping out/ incorrect plant material being used in commercially available products). And even IF the correct mushrooms have been included, they are very often low quality plant material and just powdered and put into a capsule.

Medical herbalists study the pharmacognosy of plant medicines (their chemical structure) and pharmacology (how and why they work in the body and mind). We understand that for best absorption of all their amazing beneficial compounds, mushrooms need to be either:

a) Tinctured- the alcohol in the tincture extracts the compounds that are both water and not water soluble.

b) Heated- Adding your mushrooms to your coffee or cocoa can help ensure you’re getting more of their benefits. Mushroom tea anyone?

Furthermore different mushrooms offer different benefits and compounds. As herbalists, we will often either choose 1 particular mushroom to include in a holistic, personalised tincture for a patient; or use a blend of mushrooms together to get a broader range of their benefits. Herbal practitioners usually either formulate their own herbal medicines or dispense practitioner -only products which are not available over-the-counter to the public. This ensures premium quality, and efficacy in your herbal prescription.

Curious about using mushrooms yourself? Get in touch for a herbal medicine consultation.