Medicinal mushrooms: There is more than one way to gain the many health benefits

The healing powers of mushrooms have been well known to humans for thousands of years in ancient cultures such as those of Tibet, China and India. That has stood the test of time. What has changed is the ways in which we can take advantage of the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.

The benefits are many. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), for example, is a tree mushroom that has been known to not only calm the nervous system, but to enhance memory. It works by stimulating the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a small protein crucial to the growth, maintenance and survival of cells within the brain.

Cordyceps on the other hand helps the body to increase its output of energy by enhancing oxygen intake at a cellular level. That’s how it helps athletes recuperate faster and improves a lagging libido. Meanwhile, the mushroom Red Reishi has been used to support better sleep. It also helps with calming and de-stressing the body and supports the immune system.

Yet Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Red Reishi are only three of a wide range of medicinal mushrooms that have become synonymous with natural health. Modern medicine has used these mushrooms and other fungi to develop treatments for a variety of conditions. Similarly, PURICA has applied scientific methodology to these ancient healing substances, bringing together the inspiration of nature and the backing of science.

The result is a safe, powerful and balanced range of products to help with everything from chronic stress to modulating the immune system and improving memory.

To make these and other mushrooms even more effective, PURICA incorporates its four advantages into everything it produces. The four differentiators are:

1. Full spectrum formulation
2. Therapeutic grade ingredients
3. Highest quality
4. Easily-absorbed

Full spectrum production means that PURICA uses the “entire mushroom” that grows over the course of its life cycle. By using the mycelia, fruit bodies, spores and extracellular compounds, PURICA maximizes the balancing benefits of its medicinal mushrooms.

Great care is taken in all stages of the growing, harvesting and processing of every mushroom used in PURICA products. These processes preserve all of the active ingredients, thereby delivering a consistent therapeutic grade product. Also, because they are grown on a certified organic plant base with trace minerals, there is the highest degree of quality control, with each PURICA mushroom product qualifying as a healing superfood

The fourth major differentiator — and arguably the signature PURICA advantage behind its North American-grown mushrooms — is the easy absorption that is ensured through a process known as micronization. This is the process by which large particles are reduced into fine, soluble particles, measured in micrometres and easy for the body to absorb. Below are images of micronization before and after.

These four PURICA advantages are applied to each and every mushroom produced, including in the latest innovation that is designed to make them fun and easy to incorporate into your lifestyle. PURICA has branched out to deliver its medicinal mushrooms in the form of a line of mushroom cacao blends known as PURICA Zensations. Currently available in six different blends, PURICA Zensations can be easily consumed in your favourite drink or taken like a shot of espresso, simply mixed in hot water. Every serving has at least 1400-1600mg of mushrooms.

Yet this is only the beginning. The demand for high-quality, therapeutic, full spectrum and highly-absorbable medicinal mushrooms has PURICA working on a series of other mixes in the Zensations line; all designed to make them as easy to use and benefit from as possible.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS MADE FUN

PURICA Zensations Universal Harmony: Strengthen your life force with this blend of eight mushrooms & Ashwagandha (organic Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maiitake, Agaricus, Coriolus, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms with with organic cacao).

PURICA Zensations Mindful Breath: Kick start your day with energy, better focus and endurance in this blend that brings together the legend of Lion’s Mane with the energy of Cordyceps.

PURICA Zensations Clear Mind: An organic blend of Lion’s Mane and Cacao to keep you feeling mentally sharp, focused and productive to power through your day.

PURICA Zensations Evening Calm: This organic blend of Red Reishi and the ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha is the perfect combination for a calm mind and body.

PURICA Zensations Chilled Vibe: An organic blend of Red Reishi and cacao, to help you stress less and enjoy life more.

PURICA Zensations Vibrant Rising: A mushroom cacao drink featuring the antioxidant powerhouse associated with vibrant health, Chaga.

Tawnya Ritco, R.H.N., is Director of Education for PURICA and promotes natural health education and finds inspiration in the connection between nutrition, lifestyle, and vitality.