Dive Down The Rabbit Hole With Mushrooms

Are you wondering what the big deal is with mushrooms and why there are so many different kinds? Well, we did. The first thing to know is the use of mushrooms in medicine is not a new fad. ​

Mushrooms have always had a strong place in Traditional Chinese Medicine and many of their claimed benefits are now backed by research studies today. Here is a breakdown of some of our favorite mushrooms and their benefits:
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Lion’s Mane Mushroom

• Supports brain health by creating nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
• Alleviates symptoms of Neurodegenerative diseases
• Improves mood and focus by reducing inflammatory proteins in the brain  

Ashwagandha

• Lowers blood pressure
• Alleviates menstrual problems 
• Reduces insomnia 

Reishi Mushroom

• Provides adrenal support 
• Helps with stress management
• Protects liver from toxins

Tremella Mushroom

• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Boosts immune system and nourishes lungs
• Provides digestive support and healthy bowel movements

Astragalus

• Strengthens the immune system and is often prescribed to treat colds
• Prevents plaque build up in the arteries and narrowing of the blood vessel walls by protecting the inner wall of the blood vessel
• Supportive of male hormones and shown to increase motility of sperm

If mushrooms don’t normally find their way into your diet, we have some solutions. Four Sigmatic offers a wide variety of mushroom coffee, cocoas, and chai that contain mixtures of these mushrooms for maximum benefits.  You can also buy powdered versions of each of these mushrooms and add them into your own favorite drink or dish.

Additionally, if mushrooms aren't speaking to you (or you have a sensitivity) these natural products also have a home in Traditional Chinese medicine. Check out their benefits:

Raw Cacao Powder (volcanic-soil grown heirloom cacao trees)

• Highest plant based source of iron
• 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries
• High plant based source of magnesium
• Higher source of calcium than cow’s milk
• Mood enhancer and antidepressant 
• Helps prevent aging skin

Black Ginger

• Improves erectile dysfunction
• Energy enhancer
• Improves fat loss and energy distribution by activating Brown Adipose Tissue 
• Improves physical activity endurance 

Blue Butterfly Flower

• Improves eyesight, skin complexion, and hair growth
• Aphrodisiac (also helps with menstruation problems) 
• Antioxidant
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Reduces irritation of respiratory organs
• Can cause cancer cell death by disrupting cell membrane integrity*
• Can reduce convulsions from epilepsy *
• Can reduce fever by dilating blood vessels close to the skin surface*

*Small studies are just beginning to look at these claims. 

Pine Pollen

• Supports endocrine and immune functions
• Balances the ratio between the sex hormones: androgen and estrogen
• Counteracts the environmental pollutants we intake on daily basis
• Increases muscle mass, improves endurance and over performance in athletes
• Increases body’s natural collagen and keratin levels
• **Should not be given to children or adolescent males due to increasing their levels of testosterone