Time and again we have come to realize the undeniable wisdom that belonged to early man; in fact, his ability to exist coherently within his environment may be of more value to us now than ever before. As the ancient art of medicinal mushrooms presently gains in popularity, ongoing research has begun to disclose the numerous possibilities these fungi hold for healing the damage we may have perpetrated on not only our bodies, but our environment as well.

It is believed that mushrooms have been used with therapeutic intentions for well over 3,000 years, particularly in China and Japan (Preuss, Bagchi, 2002).  The discovery of a 5,000 year-old European “Ice Man” increased this estimate when the contents of his medicine kit revealed dried mushrooms (Your, 2005). While this lengthy history may be impressive and the use of mushrooms well-documented, active research for its medicinal properties has only just begun within  approximately the last 30 years (Adams, 2008).

The extensive fungi kingdom is thought to contain more than 150,000 species of mushroom; however, only about 50,000 of these have actually been cataloged (Adams, 2008).  While many mushrooms are suitable for consumption on a daily basis, they must be used with knowledge and awareness because other mushrooms are non-edible and are for medicinal purposes only (Sullivan, Smith, & Rowan, 2006).

In light of recent interest, scientific research has already recorded mushrooms’/its numerous and fascinating benefits in areas such as immunity, cancer, AIDS, anti-bacterial and  anti-viral properties, antioxidants, allergies, cognitive function, detoxification, increased energy levels, as well as cardio and respiratory benefits to name a few (Walker, 2002).  Among the most wellknown of the medicinal mushrooms are shiitake, maitake and reishi.  While many of the medicinal properties overlap, some mushrooms have a special affinity for specific areas of the body.  Shiitake is known for alleviating liver problems and nutritional deficiencies while maitake is a popular stabilizer of blood sugar levels and a favorite for stomach and intestinal issues.  Reishi is probably the most notable in Asian culture, enjoying a type of celebrity status.  Its benefits tend to target respiratory ailments and enhance spiritual well being; however, they/these are not to be confused with hallucinogenic mushrooms (Medicinal Mushrooms, 1998).

Overall, it is believed that medicinal mushrooms have specific polysaccharide components called beta-glucans that are especially effective in the function of our immune system.  It is thought that beta-glucans actually “turn on cells in the immune system, including macrophages and T-cells that appear to have significant cancer and infection fighting properties” (Preuss & Bagchi, 2002, p. 40).  With impressive credentials, both Dr. Preuss and Dr. Bagchi’s research has led them to the conclusion that “the body’s macrophages and beta-glucans were meant for each other” (2002, p. 40).

The implications here may truly be amazing as it is believed that humans actually share common genes with the fungi kingdom and are more closely related than other kingdoms.  In this scenario, humans are able to benefit from the 460 million-year evolution of mushrooms and their acquired resistance to many diseases and organisms which attack fungi and humans alike (Wright, 2004).  Perhaps even more amazing is that this natural affinity extends far beyond the human body.

Just as our bodies may be increasingly prone to ailments from the toxic nature of our surroundings, our environment is also prone to the toxic nature of our modern existence. Many individuals are concerned that we may reach a point of no return where the contamination of our environment will be so pervasive that it may be unable to return to its natural state. Issues ranging from oil spills, agricultural runoff, contaminated water and even bio-terrorism are of major concern to government officials.

Author Paul Stamets, known for his progressive research and visionary concepts in mycology, the branch of biology that studies fungi, may have discovered a potential solution he calls “mycorestoration.” This encompasses the further concepts of mycoremediation, mycofiltration, mycopesticides and mycoforestry.  His extensive studies in combination with government research have revealed the ability of certain fungi to decompose toxic waste in the environment and reassemble the molecules into useful polysaccharides – the ultimate recycling program.  This could have massive ramifications for our planet, assuming political ambitions are directed in an ecologically conscious manner (Alleger, 2009).

While ancient civilizations may not have understood what was taking place on a molecular level, they certainly had uncanny insight into the health benefits of mushrooms.  The possibilities of returning to a state of physical and environmental balance are truly staggering when we consider how far we’ve strayed from the natural order of life.

In the grand scheme of existence, we realize that all matter is basically made of the same components.  Perhaps the key is to find the matter with the specific combination that enhances our make up – and maybe we’ve already found it.  To this point, the evidence very clearly demonstrates the beneficial impact of medicinal mushrooms and various species of fungi.  As Mr. Stamets indicates, “by partnering with mushrooms, we are supporting a healthier future for our descendants” (Adams, 2008, para. 55).

REFERENCE

• Adams, C. 2008.  Uncloaking the mysteries of medicinal mushrooms. Nutraceuticals World, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb223/is_9_11/ai_n30973038 (accessed March 11, 2010).
• Alleger, I. 2009. How mushrooms can help save the world.  Townsend Letter 309: 88-91.
• HealthCastle.com. n.d. Medicinal mushrooms: Health benefits include cancer fighting, cholesterol lowering and more. http://www.healthcastle.com/herb_mushroom.shtml (accessed March 11, 2010).
• Preuss, H., and D. Bagchi. 2002. Maitake mushroom: A novel immune enhancer.  Original Internist 9 (2): 39-46.
• Sullivan, R., J. Smith and N. Rowan. 2006.  Medicinal mushrooms and cancer therapy: Translating a traditional practice into Western medicine.  Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 49 (2): 159-170.
• Walker, M. 2002.  RM-10 [TM]: The newest breakthrough in immune system enhancement, Part 1. Medical Journalist Report of Innovative Biologics: Townsend Letter for Doctors And Patients: 85-90.
• Wright, T. 2004.  Medicinal mushrooms: ongoing research continues to tout the therapeutic benefits of medicinal mushrooms.  Nutraceuticals World. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb223/is_4_7/ai_n29086935/ (accessed March 11, 2010).
• Sixwise.com. n.d.  Your at-a-glance guide to nature’s greatest medicinal food: Mushrooms. http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/10/26your-at-a-glance-guide-to-natures-greates-medicinal-food-mushrooms.htm (accessed March 11, 2010).