There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.
Explore how medicinal mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi can strengthen your immune system's natural defenses.
Learn the three critical things to look for when choosing a pure and potent mushroom supplement.
Hello Crew!
Today, I want to talk about the incredible world of medicinal mushrooms. This isn’t about the button mushrooms you find at the grocery store. We’re talking about powerful fungi that have been used for hundreds of years in traditional Asian medicine to heal and strengthen the body.
Modern science is finally catching up, and what they’re finding is nothing short of amazing. These mushrooms are packed with powerful compounds, which include things like beta-glucans and triterpenes. These compounds have one primary job, and that is to help our body's own immune system do its job better.
Let’s talk about two of the best medicinal mushrooms on the market.
First, there’s Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor). This is probably the most researched medicinal mushroom on the planet. In Japan, an extract from it called PSK has been an approved therapy for decades.
Research shows that Turkey Tail is a master at immunomodulation, which is just a fancy word for intelligently training our immune system. It helps activate our Natural Killer (NK) cells and T-cells, the frontline soldiers that seek out and deal with abnormal cells.
Then there’s Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), known as the "Mushroom of Immortality". What’s awesome about Reishi is its two-pronged approach.
Like Turkey Tail, its polysaccharides help rally the immune system. But it also contains unique compounds called triterpenes, which studies show can directly fight back, inhibiting tumor invasion and even triggering apoptosis, the beautiful, natural process where a rogue cell is told to self-destruct.
I know this is a lot of information. It can feel overwhelming to sort through it all, especially when you’re already carrying so much. That’s exactly why I started Cancer Crew.
It’s a place where we can share this kind of information, ask questions without judgment, and connect with people who truly understand. You are not alone on this path. If you’re not already a member, please join us. We need your voice, and we’re here to support you.
Beyond Turkey Tail and Reishi, there are other amazing options. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a fungus that grows on birch trees, is a strong antioxidant source, protecting our cells from the kind of damage that can lead to problems.
And Cordyceps, the famous "caterpillar fungus," contains a unique compound called cordycepin that research suggests can disrupt the energy supply and growth signals of cancer cells.
But knowing what to take is only half the battle. The market is flooded with products, and many of them are, frankly, not of the highest quality. To make sure you’re getting what you need and not just expensive dust, here’s what you need to look for:
Made from 100% Fruiting Bodies: A mushroom has two parts, the mycelium (the root network) and the fruiting body (the actual mushroom that grows above ground). The highest concentration of the beneficial compounds is in the fruiting body. Many cheap supplements are made from "mycelium on grain," which means the final product is mostly useless grain filler with very little of the good stuff. Your supplement label should proudly say "100% fruiting bodies."
Look for the Word "Extract": The powerful compounds in mushrooms are locked inside tough cell walls our bodies can't break down. They need to be extracted with hot water or alcohol to become "bioavailable," meaning our bodies can actually absorb and use them. A simple "mushroom powder" is not enough. You need an "extract".
Demand Purity: Mushrooms are like sponges. They absorb everything from their environment, including pesticides and heavy metals. Always, always choose products that are certified organic and have been tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency. A good company will be transparent about its testing.
This journey is about empowerment. It’s about being informed. Please be aware that these powerful mushrooms can have side effects. Chaga, in high doses, has been linked to kidney issues, and Reishi can, in rare cases, affect the liver or act as a blood thinner.
This is why we must be our own best advocates, learning everything we can. Nature has provided us with some pretty great tools. By learning how to use them wisely, we can take back a measure of control and walk our healing paths with hope and strength.
With heart,
Carli
Founder of The Cancer Crew
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