Got Energy?

Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that has traditional medicinal uses dating back more than 2,000 years. It was discovered on the Himalayan Plateau by Tibetan farmers who observed livestock that had eaten the tiny fungus exhibited higher energy levels, higher reproduction rate and exceptionally good health. Since then, Cordyceps sinensis has been used in the history of traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses related to lungs and kidneys. It has also been used to treat coughs and improve the immune system. Cordyceps sinensis is used as an aphrodisiac and to enhance energy in Chinese medicine without adverse side effects. This Atypical fungus is believed to improve respiratory function, leaving one feeling naturally energized and ready for activities by optimizing the body's utilization of oxygen.

The natural habitat of Cordyceps sinensis is cold, in high elevation and has an extremely unique proliferation method so it is difficult to reproduce in a laboratory. A species of Cordyceps called Cordyceps militaris, has nearly identical effects and can be grown in laboratories.

There have been reports of surprisingly quick results, some feeling energized upon first dose! Whether young or aging adult, many have experienced the benefits of this fungus. This is one that you will likely never find when foraging mushrooms in the wild, so the next best option is a health food store, co-op or perhaps a Naturopathic health provider. It may come powdered and encapsulated or sold in bulk powder. Cordyceps is often formulated with other potent mushroom powders to create a well rounded supplement. This is the featured fungus in MycoFormulas Endurance blend. You can click here to see the ingredients list.

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Make sure you sign up for our Mailing List at www.mycoformulas.com to watch for a special announcement. Eric Cerecedes, founder of MycoFormulas and the Forest Medicine Project 501(c)3, will be holding an informational webinar on Cordyceps very soon! He will describe how this fungus grows, proliferates and the believed benefits that are achieved by using this as a supplement. The Forest Medicine Project is a non-profit that recruits mushrooms enthusiasts to locate, tag various species in the country and have them tested for therapeutic value.

These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any illness.

These statements have not yet been evaluated by the FDA.

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Same Or Different Mushroom?

Are Portobello, Cremini and Button Mushrooms The Same Species?

If you guessed yes, you are right! What many believe are three different mushrooms, are all the same species called, Agaricus bisporus. This mushroom has different stages of its life cycle and each one is edible. Button mushrooms, which are white, is the first stage of the fruiting body. Next, the brown Cremini or Baby bellas are the mid-life cycle. Portobello is the final stage of Agaricus bisporus and noticeably the largest of this mushroom! It is commonly found in meadows and grasslands across North America and Europe.

Uses Of Agaricus bisporus In Culinary Recipes

Agaricus bisporus is a popular edible mushroom with a meaty texture and a mild, nutty flavor. It is a perfect ingredient for many dishes. Here are a few of tips before you head to the kitchen:

1. The benefits of mushrooms is expressed and made bio-available when heated so keep this in mind when adding them to your favorite recipe.

2. Never boil or freeze mushrooms because this breaks down the nutrients that are inherent in these gems.

3. No need for washing because mushrooms have plenty of moisture, tending to get soft and soggy if they are submerged in water. Instead, brush them lightly or wipe with a paper towel to remove any unwanted debris. (Many mushrooms are cultivated indoors so if they are store bought you should be good to go.)

4. Remember that mushrooms are mainly water so if you sauté them, use olive oil (my go-to oil), cook on medium-high heat and don't over-crowd the pan so they don't end up mushy.

Sliced white button mushrooms are commonly used on pizzas, in soups and salads. Cremini mushrooms are often sauteed in butter to top steaks, added to gravy to top baked or mashed potatoes. Portobello mushrooms have gained in popularity as a substitute for hamburger patties and other protein entrees. They wonderful when brushed with olive oil, a dash of salt and grilled on the barbeque! Okay, you may be saying to yourself, "These ways of preparing mushrooms are nothing new." If you thought this, I'm sure you're not alone. Get creative! Try them in side dishes, as entrees or toppings. Feel free to share your recipes or uses in the comments below.

As conscientious healthy eating grows, people are looking for ways to use average ingredients to make meals with some flare. Mushrooms are a great substitute for meat and a wonderful addition to veggies in countless recipes. We say that mushrooms are the forgotten food group in the food pyramid.

Happy cooking!

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Agaricus boletus has been broadly researched and found to have valuable nutrients from protein, fiber, amino acid to minerals, vitamins B and D. Some studies have suggested that Agaricus boletus may have beneficial effects on the immune system and could potentially be used to treat certain health conditions. Remember that the benefits of mushrooms is expressed and made bio-available when heated. Never boil or freeze them because extreme temperatures breakdown the potency of our fungi friends.

These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any illness.

These statements have not yet been evaluated by the FDA.

Let's Talk About The Lion

"Hericium erinaceus is commonly called Lion’s mane due to the similar appearance of a lion's mane that flows in the wind."

Here's some exciting news for those who are having trouble with memory, adult students who want a sharp mind and stay alert or anyone who wants the feeling of mental clarity! Japanese researchers discovered that this mushroom that resembles a lion's mane *could improve the health and function of the brain with its unique low-weight molecules called Erinacines and Hericenones. These molecules have the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) from within the brain. Lion's mane is being studied for anti-inflammatory properties and assistance in balancing immune function. With multiple benefits, Hericium erinaceus is gaining in popularity and respect!

Hericium erinaceus is commonly called Lion’s mane due to the similar appearance of a lion's mane that flows in the wind. A good way to identify Lion's mane mushrooms is by its whitish hair-like strands, thus the name. While the strands start off relatively short, they can grow to be over 1 centimeter long, sometimes much longer. If you open a Lion’s mane mushroom, you’ll find that there’s little body with a large cluster of icicle-like mushroom teeth. The shape is mostly round, no stem or cap are present on this beauty of a mushroom! It grows on sick, dying trees such as oak, maple, walnut or beech, sycamore and can usually be found in late Summer through Fall. If you open a Lion’s mane mushroom, you’ll find that there’s little body with a large cluster of icicle-like mushroom teeth. (Please forage with caution, preferably with someone who has experience along with an identification guide.)

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My First Encounter With Lion's Mane

"The first time I learned about Lion's Mane was in 2002. I lived in a small town 20 minutes inland from the central coast of California named Atascadero. My son had been exploring benefits medicinal mushrooms and would go into the forest in search of these gems of the earth. One day, he called me with excitement because he found a beautiful specimen of Lion's mane. As he was foraging for mushrooms in the forest, he lifted a piece of bark from a nearby downed tree. It was as if he found gold. There it was, a round ball with off-white, long tendrils. He invited me over to try it with breakfast. As well as being medicinal, this is a delicious edible gourmet mushroom and I found it was a wonderful addition to an omelette! He sliced the Lion's mane thinly, next he sauteed it with a pad of butter garlic and onion, then added it to the omelette. I don't know if the response was all in my head (haha) but I really felt clear, energetic and my body just felt all around better than before breakfast. It was a great first experience with this mushroom. I learned that the process of cooking the mushroom introduces heat, which is necessary to unlock the medicinal benefits. Since then, I've experimented with different food combinations or just a mushroom stir-fry using different species. Lion's mane, chantarelles, oyster mushrooms, portobellos sauteed with zucchini, onion, garlic, peppers with a dash of salt and pepper make a wonderful dish. *The best part is, all of these mushrooms have medicinal properties and are really very healthy! The down side is, Lion's mane is rarely seen in the produce section of grocery stores. Nature is the best place to find these treasures because they are fresher, better in appearance and have a richer flavor. You might be able to find dehydrated Lion's mane in Asian food stores which you can reconstitute with water and use. Nothing is as good as fresh but sometimes you just gotta use whatcha got! When cooked, the mushroom has the texture of lobster, mildly sweet and oh, so good!"This is something you've got to experience to understand my passion for this gift of the earth.

-Rachel Jones

Feel free to comment below and engage with each other. Share any experiences you've had with Lion's mane whether it is a culinary or medicinal one. We'll be keeping an eye on the comments for any questions we can help out with! Please keep in mind MycoFormulas will not make curative claims regarding mushrooms.

*These statements have not yet been evaluated by the FDA.

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