A Comprehensive Guide: What to Look for When Purchasing Medical Mushrooms

Introduction:

In recent years, the popularity of medicinal mushrooms has surged as people seek natural alternatives to support their immunity, cognition, fatigue/energy levels, and overall well-being. However, navigating the world of medicinal mushrooms can be daunting, given the variety of options available. In this blog post, we will explore key factors to consider when purchasing medical mushrooms, including the source (domestic or Chinese), the ingredients (fruiting body or myceliated grain/rice), the extraction process, and the delivery method.

Domestic vs. Imported Mushrooms:

When choosing medicinal mushrooms, one of the first things to look for is where they are grown. If the product is less expensive and not marked as U.S. grown, the mushrooms probably come from China (70% of the market and most large brands do).

Choosing domestically grown mushrooms can provide assurances regarding cultivation practices, quality control, and adherence to local regulations. It also supports local farmers and shortens the supply chain, benefiting the environment.

Fruiting Body or Myceliated Grain/Rice:

Another critical consideration is the ingredients - "fruiting body" and/or "myceliated grain/rice." A fruiting body is simply a mushroom. The mycelium is the vegetative part of the fungus, consisting of a network of thread-like structures. Myceliated grain/rice refers to a substrate of rice/grains that has been colonized by the mycelium of a fungus.

There is no debate here: stay away from "myceliated" products that have rice or grains listed in the ingredients. Instead of hand-picking the mushrooms and composting or disposing of the myceliated grain/rice substrate, industrial and profit-only-focused companies will dry and grind everything up (think apple, apple tree, and dirt). This not only cheapens the manufacturing process for them but also adds a grain/rice filler to overstate active compounds. Some mycelium does have benefit, but there is very little in these products, and the companies' intentions are "off."

Extraction Method:

The extraction process plays a crucial role in the potency and bioavailability of the medicinal compounds within the mushrooms. There are really three kinds of extraction: hot water extraction, dual extraction (hot water and alcohol extraction), and Spagyric extraction (hot water, alcohol, and mineral extraction).

• Hot Water Extraction: This method is effective in extracting water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans, which contribute to the immune-boosting properties of many mushrooms. It's an easy and quick do-it-yourself method that can produce good quality mushroom powder (boil => blend => dehydrate).

• Dual Extraction: Combining hot water and alcohol extraction ensures a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds, including both water-soluble and oil-soluble constituents. This comprehensive approach enhances the therapeutic potential, especially in oil-rich mushrooms such as Reishi, which is loaded with beneficial triterpenoids.

• Spagyric Extraction: Is a little "woo-woo," deeply rooted in alchemical and holistic traditions. It emphasizes the spiritual, physical, and energetic aspects of plants. From an organic chemical sense, it extracts the water, oil, and minerals in their natural ratios, presenting the plant or mushroom compounds in their natural ratios. This is the only extraction process we use. Click here for more on Spagyrics.

Delivery Method:

The delivery method impacts how you incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine and bioavailability to some extent. Choose a form that aligns with your preferences and budget.

• Alcohol Tinctures: Are the traditional method and allow for flexible dosing. It is a natural solvent, kills potential contamination, and preserves almost indefinitely. Some companies add a sugary glycerine to smooth out the taste. If you don't like or want the alcohol, we suggest adding the tincture to hot tea or a glass the night before to evaporate it.

• Powders: Mushroom powders offer a lower cost and flexibility, allowing you to mix them into beverages, smoothies, or food. Check for products with minimal additives or fillers.

• Traditional Capsules: Mushroom powder encapsulated. Convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily supplement routine. Ensure the dosage is appropriate for your needs.

• FuFluns' Capsules+: Spagyric extract infused into plant fiber and encased in an enteric coated vegan capsule, getting 1000mg of extract in a size zero capsule. Providing superior potency and bioavailability, in a convenient tasteless form that is delivered to the intestines for maximum absorption. Our goal is the perfect natural product! :)

Conclusion:

When purchasing medical mushrooms, a little due diligence is necessary. Consider the source, the form of the mushroom, the extraction process, and the delivery method to make informed choices that align with your budget and health goals. By paying attention to these factors, you can enhance the likelihood of selecting high-quality medicinal mushrooms that contribute positively to your well-being.