Timeline Photos

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  Shiitake (Lentinus Edodes) represents a symbol of longevity in Asia and is glorified as food and medicine for centuries. Wild Shiitake mushrooms existed since prehistoric times and it is native to Japan, China and other Asian countries. In the wild, Shiitake mushroom grows on the trunks, stumps or various fallen hardwoods - oak, chestnut, beech or the shii tree, from where this mushroom derives its name ("take" means mushroom). Shiitake Mushroom is also known by the names Oak Mushroom, Oriental Black Mushroom and Glossagyne. Shiitake mushroom has a distinctive look - light brown with amber effect and slight trumpet-shaped caps that range in diameter from about two to four inches and rest on tender white stems. This mushroom, mysterious and unique in many aspects, has been a gourmet product for centuries. It has a delicious taste, exotic flavour and meaty texture making it a fabulous addition to almost any dish. Besides its taste, Shiitake mushroom is highly nutritious. It is regarded as one of the most popular sources of protein in Japan and a major staple in China and the rest of Asia. As a food source, Shiitake mushroom has the combined attributes of being appetizing, nourishing, dietetic and healthful. It has adequate nutritional benefits to serve as a main dish and it complements well the various recipes as meat substitute. Shiitake mushroom contains all eight essential amino acids in better proportions than the ones found in soy beans, meat, milk, or eggs as well as a good blend of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, B12, C, D and Niacin, elevating it to the pedestal of functional food. Shiitake produces a fat-absorbing compound that assists in weight loss. It has become the second popular mushroom in the world. Shiitake mushroom is the most widely cultivated and one of the most thoroughly researched and documented medicinal mushrooms. The famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644), Wu Ri, wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms. It is regarded as medicinal mushroom possessing powers of boosting "QI" within the body's blood circulation. The vast research of Shiitake's medicinal properties has been completed and it shows its ability to fight tumour, viral infections and enhance the immune system. Its beneficial effects have been reported in the Cochran's review of medicinal mushrooms, "Medical Effects" (Biology and Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms, Academic Press, 1978). In the late 1960's a Japanese researcher by the name of T. Ikekawa together with his colleague after an intense study produced evidence related to a component of the Shiitake mushroom that demonstrated a 94.8% rate of tumour inhibition at a 200/day dose. Interestingly, the alkaline-eluted component gave only a 62.5% tumour inhibition rate at the same dosage. Primary chemical constituents of Shiitake mushroom include Polysaccharide (lentinan), eritadenin, proteins, largely unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins D, B-2, B-12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H08S7p002zU
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  The most outstanding and most valuable property of Lion's Mane mushroom is its ability to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and promote the process of myelination. Increased production of NGF may enhance cognitive function and help to slow down the onset of dementia, brain dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease and various other neurological conditions. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is effective in prevention of nervousness, forgetfulness and early aging process. Numerous studies confirm a number of traditionally known beneficial properties of Lion's Mane mushroom in supporting and regulating the function of the digestive system and its tonic effect on the nervous system. Clinical trial tests reveal that Hericium Erinaceus polysaccharides-HEP is effective as anti-tumour natural product by enhancing various immune system functions rather than attacking the tumour cells directly. Studies confirm many of Lion's Mane mushroom traditional uses, such as supporting the function of cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol, strengthening the respiratory system, acting as a digestive tonic when indigestion and constipation problems occur. Nutritional Components Polysaccharide Hericenones Protein Amino acid (especially Glutamic acid - 0.6422mg/g) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eHTPb03OzE
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  For over four thousand years Maitake mushrooms have been glorified in the Orient as food that maintains good health, sustains strong spirit, preserves youth and extends longevity. Maitake mushroom is indigenous to the northeastern part of Japan though it is found throughout the entire Eastern region, as well as in Europe and North America. It grows in clusters near the roots of plum, apricot and peach trees, but mostly at the foot of big oak trees. Maitake mushroom has an unmistakable rippled form with no usual mushroom cap but rather large overlapping folds. The name "Maitake" literally means "Dancing mushroom" so called because people knowing well of its delicious taste and of the health benefits when managed to find the mushroom in the deep mountains they began dancing with happiness and delight. Another interpretation for the name is that its beautifully shaped wavy petals reminds one of a butterfly flapping its wings. The common English name is "Hen of the Woods". The scientific name "Grifola Frondosa" comes from the common name of Maitake mushroom found in Italy and myths refer to this mushroom as a half-lion and half-eagle beast. In remote areas, Maitake mushroom can grow to enormous sizes weighing over 50 pounds (22 Kg). This is why this giant mushroom is called the "King of Mushrooms". For centuries, Maitake mushroom was a rare and difficult mushroom to get. In fact, in the feudal era of Japan this mushroom used to be exchanged with the same weight of silver by local lords who in turn offered it to their superiors, the Shoguns, that were of succession of Japanese hereditary Commanders-in-Chief and virtual rulers before 1868. Maitake is the only edible mushroom among all Monkey's Bench mushroom family and it is considered a first rank edible mushroom. It undoubtedly offers an exceptionally good taste, an excellent aroma and crisp texture making it a delightful addition to the gourmet menu. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=271&v=hpANb-gr6BM
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  Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) has been used for more than 4000 years in Traditional Medicine in the entire Orient and it is believed to be the oldest mushroom used in medicine. It is known as the most highly praised ancient medicine and it is undoubtedly one of the most respected medicinal mushrooms of modern times. Reishi mushroom grows wild on decaying logs in Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea and the rest of the costal regions of the Far East in densely wooded mountains with high humidity and dim light. 99% of Reishi mushroom growing in the wild in Japan are found on old stumps of plum trees. In ancient times people had to go high up on the mountains and deep into the forests to harvest this most valuable medicine. Wild Reishi mushrooms are scarce. Out of 10,000 aged trees, perhaps on 2 or 3 would have Reishi mushroom grow. The spores of this fan shaped mushroom have such a tough outer husks that makes the germination extremely difficult and this accounts for its rarity. In the old days when one discovered Reishi mushroom, its location had to be kept a secret even from one's closest relative as a precious possession. The cultivating process is extremely difficult making Reishi mushroom an expensive fungus. Reishi mushroom has a large, tough and thick woody body with no gills but instead pores that release their seeds (spores). All six varieties of this mushroom are in fact one species that under different environmental conditions display the six colours in full splendour - yellow (Kishiba), black (Kuroshiba), purple (Murasakishiba), blue (Aoshiba), red (Akashiba) and white (Shiroshiba). Each has been classified in the "Shinnoh Honshokyo" and in the catalogue of herbs written in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). The red variety is the most commonly used and commercially cultivated. The hard texture makes Reishi an inedible mushroom, but it is suitable as tea or extract. Part of the scientific word for Reishi mushroom is lucidum which means "shiny" or " glossy " and refers to the cap's surface beautifully glazed effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=c038-f9BnQw
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  Lion's Mane mushrooms has huge health benefits and it is also a culinary delicacy. Best slightly fried in a little bit of butter and add it to any meat and vegetables - enjoy!
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  Lion's Mane as a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. I love it sliced instead of chopped and then lightly fried in some butter. Yammy.
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  Here is the Shiitake medicinal mushroom, the "Smartest of All" What are the key benefits? • Boosts the immune system. • Regulates blood sugar levels. • Improves function of the digestive system. • Increases endurance. • Delays muscle fatigue. • Promotes metabolism and excretion of cholesterol.
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  The famous Reishi mushroom is also called the "Mushroom of Immortality" What are the key benefits? • Improves blood circulation. • Reduces cholesterol build-up. • Regulates mild asthmatic and respiratory disorders. • Supports joint mobility and muscle relaxation. • Delays the degeneration process • Enhances overall vitality. • Relieves the symptoms of lack of energy, stress, exhaustion, strain and short-term insomnia.
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  Which one is the "King of Mushrooms"? – Maitake! What are the key benefits? • Stimulates the immune system. • Regulates the digestive system. • Moderates blood sugar level. • Contains anti-oxidant properties. • Improves skin health. • Assists in weight control. • Calms the nervous system.
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  Lion’s Mane is the "Brain Power Booster" What are the key benefits? • Stimulates the brain function. • Enhances memory and concentration. • Enables the stimulation of nerve growth factor. • Strengthens the nervous system to endure stress, exhaustion, strain and lack of energy. • Speeds up overall recovery after illness or medical treatment. • Delays the aging process. • Contains anti-oxidant properties.
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  Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom also also known as "Elixir of Life". What are the key benefits? • Boosts immune system. • Reduces cholesterol levels. • Improves memory / concentration. • Builds up stamina for better endurance. • Delays muscle fatigue. • Stimulates sex drive. • Contains anti-oxidant properties.
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  The other day I was going through my files and noticed that the file containing notes for "Animals" has expanded drastically over years. People love their pets: dogs, cats, ponies, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks and so on. They want to know if these medicinal mushrooms can help boost the pet’s immune system. Some are concerned and stressed when their animals have been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever the problem is, yes! - I recommend giving them Reishi mushrooms. One of the dogs with cancer that almost 2 years ago was told by vet that has got only 2-3 months to live - is still barking! The owner, the loving lady, keeps ordering Reishi over years. The reward is something absolutely beautiful - the affection of the little friend! I just love what I am doing.
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  Medicinal Mushrooms have been used in the Orient for thousands of years. Until not such long ago the reason for their potency was unknown, but in the recent years it has been revealed that the main clue for their magical powers of medicinal mushrooms is the glyconutrient content. Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane and others have long been used to prevent and successfully fight a number of diseases.
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  I have been involved with Medicinal Mushrooms for well over 20 years and they just don’t seem to stop amazing me. Here is an interesting fact: We, as humans, share about 33% of the same DNA structure with medicinal mushrooms! We share only about 10% DNA similarity with the rest of the plants. Many of the bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic organisms that attack humans are also the cause of disease for mushrooms. The Kingdom of Mushrooms has been in existence for millions of years longer than the human race and the fungus have survived an enormous number of attacks on their right to populate the earth. So it seems very logical to me that the forces developed by Medicinal Mushrooms in order to protect themselves as species are beneficial to us, humans too. The beneficial properties of Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps are beyond any doubts.