Cordyceps, often referred to as the “Energy Mushroom,” holds significant medicinal value and has been integral to Chinese and Tibetan medicinal practices for centuries. Cordyceps mushrooms have a diverse range of over six hundred subspecies and have served as a cornerstone of traditional medicine across various cultures globally for centuries due to their perceived health benefits and medicinal properties. Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms have their origins in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and parts of China typically growing at high altitudes, particularly in the Himalayas. Cordyceps mushrooms have been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and were exclusively reserved for use by the Chinese imperial family.

Cordyceps sinensis has a slender, elongated body with a club-shaped fruiting body that emerges from the surface of the host larva. The fruiting body is typically orange to reddish-brown and can reach lengths of several centimetres. It is often harvested in the wild by locals who value it for its medicinal properties. Wild cordyceps are collected by hand at high altitudes in regions like Tibet and Sichuan, contributing to their premium price tag.

During the 1400s, Tibetan yak herders made a noteworthy observation that their animals exhibited remarkable energy levels after grazing on specific mushrooms growing in the high-altitude areas of the Tibetan plateau in the Himalayas. This significant discovery was first recorded by Zurkhar Nyamnyi Dorje, a Tibetan physician, documenting the mushroom’s ability to enhance energy and stamina.

During the 1993 Olympics, a Chinese running team achieved unprecedented success, breaking world records in a manner that led to accusations of steroid use. However, upon investigation, it was revealed that none of the athletes had used performance-enhancing drugs. Instead, they were reported to have consumed Cordyceps Sinensis, which was believed to enhance metabolism and improve respiratory function, thereby enhancing their athletic abilities.

In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, Cordyceps sinensis has been used for centuries to promote overall health and vitality. It is believed to possess adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Cordyceps sinensis is also renowned for its potential to support respiratory health, enhance endurance and stamina, and boost immune function. Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to restore energy balance and enhance male vitality by strengthening lung and kidney function. They are nicknamed “Himalayan Viagra” due to their purported benefits for male sexual health. You can learn more about the benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis here.

Historically, the price of cordyceps has been high, with wild varieties commanding a premium due to their limited supply and labour-intensive collection process. However, the cultivation of Cordyceps across the world has led to a significant reduction in price. Cordyceps mushrooms have a savoury, earthy flavour and are best served steamed or boiled. They are commonly used in traditional Cantonese dishes, such as cordyceps with mallard duck soup, known for their nourishing and flavorful qualities.

In recent years, Cordyceps sinensis has gained popularity as a dietary supplement and natural remedy in various parts of the world, leading to increased cultivation and further research into its potential health benefits. At Organic Mushrooms, we offer the goodness of Cordyceps Mushrooms as health supplements in the form of Cordyceps extract powder, Cordyceps capsules, Cordyceps supplement gummies and Cordyceps tinctures.

Shiitake mushrooms scientifically known as Lentinula edodes, have a rich and fascinating history spanning centuries. Shiitake originated in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan and has been revered for its culinary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. The precise origin of Shiitake mushrooms can be traced back to ancient chinese texts dating back over 2,000 years. There is reference to these mushrooms growing on the decaying logs of the shii tree, hence the name ‘Shiitake’, which translates to ‘shi tree mushroom’. Upon realizing the delicious flavour and potential health benefits of Shiitake mushrooms, it soon gained popularity among the Chinese nobility.

Shiitake mushrooms hold a special place in the history of Japan as well. Records indicate that their cultivation dates back to the eighth century in the Nara period. Much like in China, Shiitake mushrooms were highly prized in Japan for their exceptional taste and medicinal properties. They were often reserved for special occasions and esteemed guests, which earned them the title of “the Emperor of Mushrooms” in Japanese culture.

In the past, Shiitake mushrooms grew on natural logs, particularly those of the shii tree (Castanopsis cuspidata). However, with the rising demand for Shiitake mushrooms, cultivation methods have evolved. Nowadays, Shiitake mushrooms are grown on various substrates such as sawdust, wood chips and agricultural waste making them widely available to consumers across the globe. Naturally, Shiitake mushrooms can be seen growing on the hardwood surfaces of oak, maple, and ironwood trees in the mountainous regions of China, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan. These mushrooms have twisted stems and umbrella-shaped, tan to brown caps with the edges rolling inwards. While the cap offers a shade of brown, the underside and stems are generally white. Shiitake was probably the first mushroom cultivated by humans for mass use and is now available worldwide. Shiitake mushrooms offer an earthy, smoky flavour and a soft meaty flavour when cooked. It is widely used in cooking as it is also high in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals in addition to its bioactive compounds.

Shiitake Mushrooms are beneficial to one’s health because of their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as they are rich in Eritadenine, Sterols and Beta-glucans. The Eritadenine in Shiitake is beneficial to reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and supporting cardiovascular health. The Beta-glucans in Shiitake help reduce inflammation and prevent the intestines from absorbing bad cholesterol. Studies have proven that regular intake of Shiitake mushrooms reduces the accumulation of fat, lessens inflammation, lowers cholesterol levels and facilitates better flow of blood thereby improving heart health. They have been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, to treat various ailments and promote overall well-being.

Shiitake mushrooms are great to support overall immunity and enhance your health and wellness. You can learn more about the benefits of Shiitake mushrooms for your heart here. You can also learn about the overall benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms here

At Organic Mushrooms, we offer the goodness of Shiitake mushrooms as health supplements in the form of Shiitake extract powder, Shiitake capsules, Shiitake supplement gummies and Shiitake tinctures.

Lion’s Mane or Hericium Erinaceus, is a functional mushroom that originated in Asia, Europe and parts of Northern America. Its history can be traced back to around 600 – 700 AD as its references were found in ancient Chinese texts. There are references to Lion’s Mane mushrooms being consumed to promote longevity and enhance cognitive function across China, Korea and Japan before getting introduced to the West. Lion’s Mane mushroom goes by many different names depending on the region and its local history, such as pom pom mushroom, monkey head mushroom, bearded tooth mushroom, and bearded hedgehog mushroom to name a few.

Lion’s Mane has also been known as “Mountain Priest” in the past across parts of Asia as it was a mushroom of choice for royalty and cherished for its cognitive power by Buddhist monks. Lion’s mane mushroom has long been used in Chinese and Japanese medical systems to promote overall health and wellness. Lion’s Mane has always been revered by eastern healers and highly regarded as a medicinal fungus. According to old Eastern traditions, it was believed, those who eat Lion’s Mane mushrooms will have nerves of steel and perfect memory.

Lion’s Mane has the appearance of a white spherical fungus with long shaggy spines, resembling an actual Lion’s Mane. If you are walking through the untouched jungles of Asia, Europe and North America, there is a possibility you might find Lion’s Mane growing on hardwood trees such as birch, maple, oak, walnut and sycamore. Lion’s Mane mushroom is easy to identify with its white color and snowball-like shape from which the spines of the Manes grow out. In North America and Canada, you can find Lion’s Mane growing in late summer or fall as fungus on dead logs or through cuts and wounds in hardwood trees, like maples or oaks. Though not easy, Lion’s Mane can also be cultivated at home with proper care and know-how.

Lion’s Mane is an edible mushroom with a mild and slightly sweet flavour similar to seafood while the size of mushroom can range anywhere from a softball to a volleyball. Although it is safe to consume raw Lion’s Mane mushroom, it is recommended to cook it to improve its flavor and digestibility while most importantly increasing the bioavailability of some of its beneficial compounds through cooking.

Nature’s gift to humanity, the Lion’s Mane mushroom contains several beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, erinacines, hericerins, alkaloids and lactones that provide the required dose of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and Nerve Growth Factors (NGF). NGF is essential for healthy cognitive function and overall brain health.

Lion’s mane is also great to support overall immunity and enhance your health and wellness. You can know more about the benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom here. You can also learn how Lion’s Mane improves your brain health here.

At Organic Mushrooms, we offer the goodness of Lion’s Mane mushrooms as health supplements in the form of capsules, tinctures, supplement gummies and extract powder.