Mushrooms as Tonics

MushroomsTonics For Energy, Immunity, and to Help Relieve Chronic Disease


Mushrooms, unlike other plants that are rich in chlorophyll that use sunlight to create food, live on organic matter, such as decaying trees and plant matter. Because mushrooms scavenger for decaying matter, they act in an associated way in the body to draw out toxins, including excess mucus and blood triglycerides.

Mushrooms are low in calories and high in vegetable proteins, as well as being packed with such nutrients as iron, zinc, fiber, amino acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The medical mushrooms described below contain polysaccharides that have strong anti-viral properties, stimulate the immune system, and inhibit the growth of tumors. Mushrooms contain glutamic (similar to MSG) to enrich and complement with a hearty flavor many foods.


Reishi (ling zhi). Supreme immune tonic. It calms the body while revitalizing it at the same time. It increases stamina and strength and has anti-HIV properties. Reishi contains calcium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as vitamins C,D, and B, including pantothenic acid, which is essential to nerve function and the adrenal glands.

Shitake. A liver, heart, and circulatory tonic that helps lower cholesterol. Used in Japan as an anti-cancer drug in its concentrated extract form called LEM. Extracts are also used for hepatitis. Shitake activates the immune system. It lowers blood trigycerides and cholesterol.

Maitake. Known as the dancing mushroom, maitake stimulates the immune system and helps fight tumor growth. Extracts also protect the liver. A component, called D-fraction, helps to enhance immunity during conventional cancer therapy and to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Cordyceps. A fast-acting adaptogen that works with greater punch than ginseng. Cordyceps is an effective respiratory tonic for the treatment of pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, and other upper respiratory tract issues. It is also a good tonic for the circulatory system, helping to lower cholesterol levels. It helps relieve fatigue and increase stamina.

Source: Tao of Health and Pathways4Health.org