There are 7 main mushrooms that Vitalita stocks and focuses on for their amazing medicinal
and therapeutic potential. Here is a summary of them and their benefits.
♦ Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a white shaggy fungus (rare in the wild) that has been found to have many benefits
for the human body including boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin, and most famously helping with
neurological disorders.
The most touted benefit of Lion’s Mane is that it increases nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF
is a protein that helps to keep neurons healthy and functioning properly while aiding in the
repair of the nervous system’s myelin sheaths. It has been shown to help improve cognitive
function, memory, and mood.
Lion’s Mane mushroom is one of the few compounds that can
help in recovery from traumatic brain injury. Lion’s Mane has been shown to have benefits
for brain dysfunction such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
Lion’s Mane has also become famous as part of the Stamets stack for neuroregeneration.
Our Lion’s Mane powder comes in 200g bags and can be found here
We also have a more concentrated 8:1 Lion’s Mane extract in capsules here at this link
♦ Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Embraced by Eurasians for centuries and found throughout boreal forest, Chaga grows
primarily on birch trees. Chaga was a valuable asset in the pharmacopoeia of premodern
peoples as a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator, and as a practical
fire-starter mushroom. It has antiviral properties against HIV and has even been used by
arborists to heal trees affected with blight.
Chaga is probably most famous now for its anticancer properties and there is a long
history of use in this regard in Japan and Russia. As Stamets, a world-renowned mushroom researcher, details in Mycelium Running (2005) that as early as 1955, Russians were employing Chaga to fight cancer (via the drug/extract bifungin)
Research from Japan (Ohtomo 2001) shows that this mushroom, like many polypores, has strong immunomodulatory activities, regulating cytokine and interlenkin response pathways, and stimulating macrophage and natural killer cell production.
Ryzmowska (1998) found that the water extract of Chaga inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro.
It has only recently come to be more widely known in the West, often used as a hot coffee-like drink to nourish the body.
We have 200g bags of Chaga powder here
We also have concentrated 8:1 Chaga capsules here at this link
♦ Reishi (Ganoderma Lingzhi)
The Reishi mushroom is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. For
centuries, it has been a staple in Eastern medicine. Some herbalists have even dubbed it the
“King of Mushrooms.” They boost the immune system, fight inflammation, assist with blood
pressure and cholesterol, support healthy liver function, battle fatigue, ease depression, and
even fight cancer. They are perhaps the most adaptogenic of all the medicinal mushrooms.
Reishi mushrooms are highly antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals such as air
pollution, radiation, and toxins.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi improves stamina, increases strength, and prolongs
life in cancer patients. It’s immune-boosting properties help strengthen weakened individuals and ease the side effects of chemotherapy.
We have a concentrated 16:1 Reishi extract in capsules here
We also have the 200g bags of Reishi powder here
♦ Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Found in woodlands throughout the world, Turkey Tail has a wide spectrum of beneficial
properties. To quote Stamets, “Studies in the past 20 years have unveiled that the enzymes
secreted by it’s mycelium are some of the most powerful toxin-destroying agents yet
identified from a natural source.” This species offers unique tools for healing both people and
the planet from the ravages of pollution. Turkey Tail mushrooms also contain an array of
antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids. Studies done by Stamets also showed
activity against cancer, without harming healthy cells.
Turkey Tail has a long history in Japan as a folk remedy for cancer, and has the distinction of being the mushroom from which one of the world’s leading anticancer drugs, Krestin, is derived. A 2015 study Turkey Tail can be protective against DNA damage. A polysaccharopeptide from Turkey Tail was identified over 20 years ago that inhibits HIV type 1 infection.
Our 200g bags of Turkey Tail powder are found here
We have concentrated 8:1 Turkey Tail capsules here
♦ Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular health promoting mushrooms in the world. For centuries they have been used for boosting the immune system, supporting heart health, helping with weight management, fighting cancer, and supporting healthy skin. The mushrooms originally only grew in the wild on fallen trees, specifically the Shii tree, in the forests of Japan. The wild mushrooms were so highly prized that only Samurai warriors were allowed to collect them.[1]High in choline, copper, potassium, vitamin D, and zinc, Shiitake mushrooms also boast all eight essential amino acids found in meat. They also host a wealth of compounds that contribute to their medicinal benefits.[2]
Shiitake mushrooms possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral qualities that promote a healthy immune system. The lentinan in Shiitakes defends against a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The centinamycins in Shiitake mushrooms enhance antibacterial benefits, and the eritadenine possesses antiviral properties.[3]
Shiitake & the Heart
The mushrooms help improve cardiovascular health. They contain eritadenine, which is a compound that decreases cholesterol in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans which diminishes inflammation and prevents intestinal cholesterol absorption. These compounds not only support heart health but also are responsible for maintaining a healthy weight. This can help obesity-related conditions like high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.[4]
Research shows that Shiitake mushrooms help fight cancer cells, and the lentinan in the mushroom helps heal chromosome damage caused by chemotherapy.
Shiitake & the Skin
Shiitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and selenium, which can help reduce acne and eczema. Selenium is a natural anti-acne treatment. The mushrooms are also high in vitamin D, which can help protect against environmental-related problems such as sun damage and wrinkles. They are high in zinc which can improve the skin’s ability to heal.
Interactions – There are no known interactions with Shiitake.
[1]https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1982/leath82a.pdf
[2]https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168437/nutrients
[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942920/
[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6278646/
We have 200g bags of Shiitake here
We also have concentrated 8:1 Shiitake capsules here
♦ Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Cordyceps mushrooms, aka Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, are among the most
commonly used fungi in TCM.
The benefits are numerous and include reducing fatigue, boosting strength, lung restoration,
aiding diabetes & kidney disease, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and supporting
cancer treatment. Animal studies suggest that cordyceps can stimulate progesterone
production and reduce kidney toxicity from harsh medications. They can strengthen mind
and body in the sense of a traditional adaptogen, by mitigating the depleting effects of
excessive stress. Adrenal burnout can be alleviated from the regular use of cordyceps.
Cordyceps increases the body’s production of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule,
which delivers energy to the muscles. They also increase blood flow and act as an
antioxidant, improving athletic performance and reviving tired muscles.
In these ways they are of great benefit to the heart.
We have Cordyceps 200g bags here
Our concentrated 10:1 Cordyceps capsules are here
♦ Maitake (Grifola Frondosa)
The Maitake mushroom, also known as Hen-of-the-Woods, is a polypore mushroom native
to Japan, Europe, and North America. The mushrooms enhance immune function, regulate
blood pressure, modulate blood sugar & cholesterol levels with beta-glucan, protect the liver, aid with
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and assist in the treatment of cancer. The beta-glucans in
Maitake also increase host immune defense by activating the complement system, enhancing
macrophages and natural killer cell function. Although often consumed as food, Maitake is a
worthy medicinal to take as a supplement.
We have a 10:1 concentrated extract of Maitake here in capsules
One more note- we carry an Immune Blend that combines 5 of these mushrooms together in a concentrated form 10:1 capsules here
To sum up , these 7 medicinal mushrooms have an host of benefits to assist you in living your healthiest life while navigating the challenges of a sometimes toxic world. The fungal kingdom can be an invaluable asset. We are honored to be able to help you and welcome any questions you might have.