A few days ago I received a very special package. One I had been waiting on for a number of weeks - A package for a number of new plant based recipe development for my Sun Potion collaboration. Sun potion is one of my favourite adaptogen and transformational food brands and I thought it was relevant to write a post about what Adaptogens and "medicinal" mushrooms actually are as my main focus over the next few weeks will be creating beautiful plant based dishes both sweet and savory with these delivered and yet to be delivered products from Sun Potion and other brands like Anima Mundi, Urban platter, Mood beli & suncore foods...
I have been inspired by creating dishes with adaptogens and "Magical" mushrooms for a while now and during my time since arriving back in the UK I have been patiently waiting my delayed (due to Covid) deliveries from my favourite brands Anima Mundi & Sun Potion to continue working on my on going range of plant based cook books the "PLANTFEED' editions - hoping for launch in 2021.
So, shall we delve into the world of Plant based adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms to further ignite and keep the flame of the already keen interest, understanding and the power of these natural ingredients and the valuable benefits of including these in our daily diets?
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
These herbs have been used for thousands and thousands of years in the practices of Ayurveda "The science of life" a branch of Indian philosophy and in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and over the last couple of years have become a major craze, and rightfully so, in todays world of wellness.
Adaptogens is a term that theoretically means that they actually 'adapt' to what it is that your body needs and can protect the bodies systems against certain stressors. Some of the broader benefits of these are; supporting the bodies adrenal glands; reducing the stress levels of an individual; and supports a balance in hormone levels and the natural balanced body state.
Usually the belnds are a mixture of asian medicinal and ayurvedic herbs, medicinal mushrooms and sea algae.
The trick when you start to introduce adaptogenics into your diet is they have to be consumed on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time to see or really feel any effects.
Overall adaptogens research claims that these plant medicines have the ability to make us feel a little better and feel good from the inside out and although there is still extensive new age, ongoing and scientific research into this new trend however within their own right these powerful herbs, mushrooms & algae have been highly praised and used for their medicinal and system shifting benefits for thousands of years...
A SELECTION OF ADAPTOGENS & THEIR BENEFITS
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagadha is a medicinal herb, an evergreen shrub that is grown in india, the middle east and Africa. The herb is also referred to as Indian Gensing ot Winter cherry...
Reduces stress and anxiety levels
May reduce symptoms of depression
Reduces inflamation
Is known to improve brain function and memory
Can boost fertility
Anima Mundi's ASHWAGANDHA AKA AYURVEDIC GINSENG
ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus is a flowering plant and is one of the fifty herbs used in traditional chinese medicine (TCM)...
Can boost immune system
May improve heart functions
Supports blood sugar levels
Improves kidney function
Anti cancer effects
Can improve seasonal allergy symptoms
CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps are a type of fungus that grow on the larvae of insects. The fungi has been hand collected, dried and used in TCM for centuries. They have, in recent years, become very popular due to their many health benefits including ...
Improved energy levels & performance
Anti-aging properties
For a halthy heart fuctioning
Helps fight inflammation
ELDERBERRY
Both the flowers and the berries of Elder are packed with antioxidants and vitamins...
Helps fight inflammation
Helps with stress
Protects the heart functions
Can help or prevent cold & flu symptoms
GINSENG
There are eleven different Ginseng roots - it is known that Ginseng is used to restore and enhance wellbeing. It is one of the most common and well known root remedies...
Increases energy levels
Has anti-inflammatory effects
Is known to treat erectile disfunction
Flu & cold prevention
Can lower blood sugar levels
HOLY BASIL
A herb that is used as a traditional anti-fertility agent and libido enhancer in Ayurveda and the leaves contain a variety of beneficial constituents. The benefits include ...
Helps in lowering blood sugar levels
Helps to lower stress levels
Known to lower anxiety
Has anti-inflammatory effects
Known to help in arthritis
LICORICE ROOT
Licorice root is an plant extract with a sweet flavour profile. Some of its benefits include ...
Improved digestive functioning
Known to ease Menopausal symptoms
Help in easing heartburn
Known to keep teeth and gums healthy
MACA
A plant that is native to Peru it has in recent years grown in popularity due to its many healing properties. The root is traditionally used to treat and enhance fertility and sex drive. It commonly comes in a powder form or as, or included in, a suppliment and has an earthy / nutty flavour profile.
Highly nutritious
It is known to increase libido in both Men and Women
Can increase fertility in Men
Is known to decrease the symptoms of Menopause
Maca is a mood enhancer
Boost energy
Maca is a natural sun protection
SHATAVARI
This herb is well known for helping the body cope with stress levels. Shatavari is considered a general health tonic to improve vitality in Ayurvedic medicine...
Improves or maintains reproductive health
Fights fatigue
Known to treat and reduce the symptoms of PMS and Menopause
Known to strengthen the Immune system
Produces cooling and calming qualities
SUMA
Suma is used to improve ones immunity and helping the body lower stress levels. Suma is also used as a treatment for cancer and tumors, diabetes, and male sexual performance issues. Suma is also known by the term Brazillian Ginseng...
Improves the immune system
Balances blood sugar levels
known to improve the memory
Stimulates the blood flow
Can be used as a treatment for skin issues and wounds; anemia; tumors; & cancer
ADAPTOGENS FUNGUS FRIENDS "MAGIC MUSHROOMS"
These mushrooms have a long standing history of supporting health and wellbeing and have been used in TCM throughout the last few centuries.
They have been used throughout history by the Greeks, the Romans & throughout Chinese culture. They have also been termed "Food of the Gods" and the spot liht is shining on this type of Fungi once again for their medicinal and healing properties ...
These "magical" mushrooms are a huge source of many nutrients including; fiber; protein; vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E.
Here are a list of the main Mushrooms and their consumtional benefits ...
A SELECTION OF MUSHROOMS & THEIR BENEFITS
CHAGA
The Chaga fungi grows on birch trees and looks more like charcoal or dirt clumps than a mushroom. It's benefits are known to include...
Fights inflammation
Slowing the aging process
Can provent or help to fight cancer
Known to lower blood pressure
Supports the immune system
Known to lower blood sugar levels
CORDYCEPS
As previously stated above cordyceps are a type of fungus that grow on the larvae of insects. The fungi has been hand collected, dried and used in TCM for centuries. They have, in recent years, become very popular due to their many health benefits including ...
Improved energy levels & performance
Anti-aging properties
For a halthy heart fuctioning
Helps fight inflammation
LIONS MANE
Called Lions mane for its appearance. An edible and medicinal mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group Native to North America, Europe and Asia. Benefits are known to include...
Could protect against dementia
May help to fight cancer
Helps with depression and anxiety
Can help immune system recover from damages
Boost the immune system
Reduces the rick of heart disease
MAITAKE
“Maitake” meaning "dancing mushroom" in Japanese and like all other adaptogens is known to help the systems if they are out of balance. In particular they help fight against any kind of mental or physical difficulty. Benefits include...
High levels of antioxidants
Helps to lower chlorestrol
Helps to fight against the cold & flu virus
Improves immunity function
REISHI
The reishi mushroom grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. A strong anti inflamatory and tied to longevity, better immune function and mental clarity. Its other benefits include...
Boosts the immune stsyem
Helps fight cancer
Helps against skin disorders
Fight inflammation
Improves sleep disorders and insomnia
Known to help with lowering signs of anxiety and depression
SHIITAKE
The shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries. The shiitake, meaning "mushroom of the shii or oak tree" in Japanese has many health benefits including ...
Helps to fight against the cold & flu virus
Improves immunity function
Has anti aging properties
Lowers blood pressure
TURKEY TAIL
A huge quality of this medicinal mushroom is its ability to enhance the health of your immune system.
Packed with many antioxidants
Enhances overall gut health
Has antibacterial properties
Known to improve energy performance
May reduce inflammation
Anima Mundi's ADAPTOGENIC IMMORTALITY : ORGANIC 7 MUSHROOMS + HEIRLOOM CACAO
I have been using Adaptogen's and medicinal mushrooms within my plant based cuisine over the last couple of years and have been including the various herbs, tonics, elixers and blends in my own plant based diet since training in plant based nutrition with the MKC school and learning about the huge array of benefits on both the body and mind - I cant wait to share with you the many new recipes I am creating influenced by these amazing foods!
I have a number of reccomended brands when it comes to purchasing adaptogens and superfoods including; Sun Potion; Anima mundi; Mood Beli; Suncore foods; Unicorn Superfoods; & Urban Platter.
I highly recommend introducing these amazing herbs and medicial ingredients into your daily diet so you too can start feeling the benefits of these truely transformation foods...
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