THE FASCINATING WORLD OF FUNGI
AND HOW THEY CAN AID YOUR HEALTH AND OUR PLANET.
WORDS: RICKY-ANNE WAKEHAM & CARLA LOUISE GAILEY
Did you know that Fungi were some of the first lifeforms on planet Earth? Their complex abilities and rich biochemistry allowed for the transformation of rocks to soil – allowing for plant life. Our history is entangled with that of fungi – there is evidence of mushroom utilisation as food and medicine throughout time. One of our earliest documentation of mushroom consumption comes from the “Red Lady” of Cantabria, who was buried 19,000 years ago. When her remains were unearthed it was found that she had Agaricus and Bolete spores lodged in her teeth, showing evidence of mushroom foraging.
Medicinally we have the story of Ötzi: this man was found nearly perfectly preserved in ice for 5300 years, it was found that he had parasites in his digestive system, and he also had the Birch Polypore mushroom which is well known to be anti-parasitic.
The healing capabilities of mushrooms are vast– and there are many ways to consume them, the best being in an extracted form, such as that in dual- extracted tinctures.
As a disclaimer – medicinal mushrooms are not psychedelic mushrooms. Just as with plants, there are many different kinds of mushrooms and therefore their Kingdom is shared but their Family, Order, Genus and Species are different.
Some of the most popular medicinals include:
• Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum): Documented medicinally for over 4000 years, it promotes a state of relaxed focus and calm. Traditionally used to remove toxins, treat cancer, heart disease, liver disease and reduce inflammation.
• Lions Mane (Hericium Erinaceus): The compounds found in Lions mane have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor, this is a process which is involved in organizing the functions of neurons within the central nervous system and brain. It additionally increases concentration, memory and aids in stress management.
• Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor): Most well-known for its immense abilities as an immunomodulator and stimulant when it comes to ensuring healthy functioning of the immune system. It stimulates phagocytosis, has anti- tumour activity and is anti-viral, fights infections and is liver supportive.
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps Militaris):
This incredible mushroom increases energy and prevents fatigue, increases sexual health, libido, endocrine
health, testosterone support, blood circulation, boosts stamina and aids alleviate menopause symptoms.
It’s easy to see how beneficial these mushrooms can be for the body – but can these fungi heal the side effects of pollution in our environment?
Amazingly – yes they can and the process is known as mycoremediation. This is a field in which fungi become “collaborators in environmental cleanup operations” (Sheldrake, 2020).
Mushrooms/ Fungi are known for their ability to decompose and break things down – be it dead trees returning to becoming soil, the microbes in our digestive systems and, incredibly, now digesting and transforming pollutants.
Researchers at Yale University began a study in 2011 on the abilities of different fungi and their potential to digest plastics. Fungi have proven capability to perform this kind of bioremediation, in which they convert plastics– making them ideal for use in landfills and oceans.
The intelligence of these fantastic allies goes beyond what could have been previously imagined – we now have the opportunity to learn from our mushroom friends and form an allegiance of health with them, for our planet and ourselves.
To learn more check out Aether Apothecary, we are a modern apothecary focused on producing the highest quality herbal and mushroom medicines South Africa has to offer.
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