How Long Can Magic Mushrooms Last? 6 Types of Medicinal Mushrooms
Shrooms can cause hallucinations within 30 minutes of being eaten. The average trip lasts between 4 and 6 hours. However, it is possible for the effects of Shrooms to last longer. It all depends on how much you take, how potent the Shrooms is, and what tolerance level you have.
However, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Inability to move
- speech difficulties
- nausea or vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
Medicinal mushrooms for physical and mental health
These magic mushrooms dcare popping up all over the place, from coffee to chocolate, with claims of their magical properties. There is something magical about medicinal mushrooms. Numerous studies support their ability to boost immune function, reduce inflammation and protect against cancer.
Although all medicinal mushrooms have similar compounds, each variety offers its own unique benefits and subtle differences. Are you new to Shrooms here’s a starter guide to the six most popular--and best-researched medicinal mushroom options.
1. Shiitakes
These delicious Shrooms are used cultures for thousands of years, both in culinary and medicinal purposes. Shiitakes are an excellent way to begin your mushroom explorations, as they're versatile, delicious, and familiar.
What they do: Lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Protect against atherosclerosis (narrowing the arteries). Improve cardiovascular health. Shiitakes may also lower inflammation, increase immune response, prevent bacterial and viral infections, as well as protect against cancer.
What to look out for: Fresh shiitakes can be found in most grocery stores. However, you may also find dried shiitakes at Asian markets or larger grocery stores. You can also buy shiitakes in powdered form or as supplements or topical.
How to use them:Shiitakes are mild and meaty, making them great for mushroom recipes. You can use fresh shiitakes by removing the woody stems and chopping the caps. Add to sauteed greens or lentil soup, or roast root vegetables. Dried shiitakes can be soaked in warm water for a few hours until they become softened. Drain the excess water and then use them as fresh shiitakes.
2. Reishi
The kidney-shaped caps and shiny reddish-orange colors of these beefy mushrooms make them stand out. They are also known as Ganoderma Lucidum, Linzhi, or "mushrooms of immortality". These mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years to treat liver disease and high blood pressure.
What they do: Increase immune function, protect from viral infections, inhibit tumor cell growth and progression, and protect against many cancers including breast, prostate and colorectal. Reishi mushrooms can also reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, improve sleep quality, and promote cognitive and emotional health.
What to look out for: It is difficult to find whole Reishi mushrooms. Their tough texture makes them difficult to cook with. You can find them markets or you can buy them powdered or in capsules, tinctures or capsules.
How to use them: Reishi mushroom are bitter so you should only use them with pungent spices and strong herbs that don't mask their taste. For a soup base or healing broth, simmer dried Reishi mushrooms slices with garlic, ginger, onions and then strain. Stir in a teaspoonful of powdered Reishi to make a garlicky mushroom and tomato sauce.
3. Chaga
Although technically chaga is not a mushroom, it comes from a fungus which grows in colder climates and mainly on birch trees. Although it looks like a piece of charred wood with a soft, bright orange interior, it is actually a fungus. It is a common staple folk medicine. It is usually used as a tea to increase immunity and resistance.
What it does: It is high in antioxidants and protects against inflammation. Chaga may also be used to fight viral and bacterial infections and improve immune response.
What to look out for: Chaga can be found in powdered, capsules, or tinctures. You can also find chaga in powdered form, or in dried chunks.
How to use it: Chaga's earthy, slightly bitter taste makes it a great coffee substitute. Simply simmer the chaga chunks in water and strain. To make a healing mocha, heat coconut milk and whisk in the chaga powder, cocoa, honey, or agave.
4. Cordyceps
It's technically not a mushroom, but it looks a lot like chaga. Cordyceps, instead, is a fungus which grows on caterpillars in mountainous area. Cordyceps are now grown on rice and other grains. Cordyceps has long been used medicine to improve energy, sex drive and fatigue.
What it does: Increases physical performance and speeds up muscle recovery following workouts. It seems to increase cellular energy, insulin sensitivity and blood flow. Cordyceps has cancer-preventive and immune-boosting properties.
What to look out for: It is difficult to find whole, dried Cordyceps, although some specialty shops and Asian markets do carry it. It can be found in powders, capsules or tinctures or as an ingredient for mushroom-based coffee substitutes.
How to use it: Cordyceps powder has a mild, earthy taste that can be easily incorporated into many recipes. Cordyceps powder can be used in DIY energy bars. Combine dates, almonds and pumpkin seeds with Cordyceps and process into a paste. Form into balls or bars.
5. Lion's Mane
This large, white fungus is characterized by long, shaggy, lion-like spines. Also known as Hedgehog mushroom, the lion's mane is hardwood trees that grow. It has traditionally been used to improve brain health.
What it does:Promotes nerve growth factor production, which is critical for the survival and development of neurons and regulates cells in the nervous system. Lion's mane can also reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality.
What to look out for: Whole, fresh lion's-mane mushrooms can be found at specialty shops, farmers' markets and large grocery stores. You can also find it in capsules, capsules and tinctures or as a substitute for coffee made from mushrooms.
How to use it: The mild, firm texture of lion's mane mushrooms is reminiscent of lobster. Make steaks from them and fry in butter or olive oils with garlic and black pepper.
6. Turkey Tail
This fan-shaped fungus has alternating concentric circles of red, orange, and dark brown hues. It is reminiscent of a turkey's tail, hence the name. The turkey tail, also known as Coriolus vericolor and Trametes versicolor is a traditional remedy that supports immune function and promotes overall health.
What it does: Prevents cancer by stimulating immune system, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and reducing tumor activity. It can also help reduce side effects from chemotherapy. Turkey tail is also antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant. It can help protect against HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses) infection.
What to look out for: Whole, dried turkey tail can be purchased online or at specialty shops or Asian markets. You can also find it in powders, capsules, and tinctures.
How to use it: Turkey tail mushrooms are savory and have a chewy texture. They're best used in soups and broths. To make a delicious broth, soak the turkey tail in warm water. Once it is softened, drain it and add it to a pot with portobellos, shiitakes and other mushrooms. You can also add the powder to smoothies with bananas and almond butter, coconut milk, vanilla extract, or a spoonful.