Learning Together
Well hey there. Thanks for checking out this spot. Just like you, we're passionate about life-long learning. Particularly when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Use the links in the contents section to quickly navigate the page or jump to the bottom of the page to find our full list of blogs.
CONTENTS
Introduction
- Food as Medicine
- What is Natural Medicine?
- Our Functional Ingredients
FAQ's
Questions? Let's help you answer them here
Blogs
Blog Introduction here
The Mushroom Cafe A blog of things by Chris
Perimenopause Pages A blog for women by Bea
Food as Medicine
Every day we make decisions about what products to put on and into our bodies. Our experiences are shaped by our environment and so we seek to nourish the environment with rich, life giving medicine.
The catalyst for change is so often what we consume. Therefore we treat our food as medicine. Transforming mindless consumtion into mindful opportunities to thrive using natural medicine.
What is Natural Medicine?
Natural medicines are used by naturopaths, nutritionists and lifestyle councillors to help improve the health of their patients. By seeking a deeper 'holistic' understanding, focussing on self healing and identifying the root causes of illness. Practitioners use remedies to treat, often where conventional medicines have failed.
Natural Medicines can be found in teas and balms. As well as more concentrated forms such as extracts and tinctures.
Tools of the Trade
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Ganoderma Lucidum
Known as the mushroom of immortality, this mushroom is the most prized in Eastern Medicine. It has been shown to increase lifespan in rodent studies and regulate auto-immune diseases with its immunomodulator properties
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Trametes Versicolor
Turkey Tail is commonly used in Japan and China. Thought to contain over 9000 novel combinatory compounds not found elsewhere in the plant and fungal kingdoms
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Inonotus Obliquus
Chaga is the most anti-oxident dense food-stuff in the world. Enduring several years to fully mature, this fungi contains some of natures most powerful defensive properties
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Cordyceps Sinensis
The Cordyceps mushroom has been popularised in its use by Olympic athletes in the 90's. Having been shown to increase levels of V02 max; a measure to determine fitness levels
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Tremella Fuciformis
Tremella is a sweet tasting mushroom; a popular addition in many Chinese desserts. Tremella can promote the natural production of collagen in the skin giving its nickname; the beauty mushroom
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Grifola Frondosa
Maitake (known as hen-of-the-woods) is a popular culinary mushroom. Consumption of Maitake has been linked to lowering markers of cholesterol and modulating glucose levels in the body
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Lentinula Edodes
A culinary favourite Shiitake boasts a series of beneficial elements such as L-ergothioneine, selenium and kojic acid that help improve elasticity in the skin. Shiitake supports flexibility, weight management and movement in disorders like arthritis
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Hericium Erinaceus
Lions Mane is increasingly popular for its nootropic effects and ability promote NGF (nerve growth factor) in the brain. Alongside psilocybin, Lions Mane is used in the treatment of PTSD and severe depression and has been shown to be 10,000 times more effective than existing medications
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mushrooms Safe?
We supply extracts from a range of medicinal fungi known as 'functional mushrooms'. Functional mushrooms are very safe to consume providing you are not allergic to mushrooms and generally well tolerated by children, adults and animals also. All our mushrooms are legal in the United Kingdom with a long history of documented use both medicinally and as food. They are also well tolerated alongside other medications. However, we do advise you to consult your doctor before use and in particular if you are taking medication, pregnant or breast feeding. You will find a disclaimer to this effect on all of our packaging.
Are Your Mushrooms Grown On Manure?
No. Our mushrooms are grown on substrates which mimic their natural growing environments. Typically these are hardwood tree species. This ensures the final product has the right nutritional profile, potency and purity
What's Better; Fruiting Body Or Mycelium?
It depends. Both contain different properties and differing proportions of medicianl compounds. Mycelium is the root structure whilst the fruiting body is the reproductive organism known as a mushroom.
We predominately use the fruiting body in our products for the highest quality of taste and potency. One exception to this is Cordyceps Sinensis; which is grown in liquid fermentation tanks. The resulting 'mycelium' is exceptionally pure containing high levels of active compounds and zero substrate 'grains'.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Mushrooms?
It depends. Some types of mushrooms take a matter of weeks. Whilst some like Reishi and Shiitake can take months or even years. All of our mushrooms are grown to full maturity to ensure the highest content of active compounds
Where And How Are The Mushrooms Grown?
Our mushrooms come from multiple locations; Some species have been grown by us like Oyster and Lion's Mane, our Wild Chaga Extract comes from Siberia. Whilst others are grown in Chinese highlands, far away from towns and cities.
We've worked closely with our suppliers for some years now to ensure a high level of accuracy and transparency across our supply chain.
Are The Mushrooms Grown Organically?
Yes. Mushrooms absorb everything in their environment so it's vital we use the highest quality growing mediums. All our mushrooms are grown with certified organic substrates and our extracts are laboratory tested to ensure there are no traces of heavy metals or pesticides.
How Are The Medicinal Compounds Tested?
Our mushrooms are typically tested for the content of polysaccharides. These are a marker for a range of active compounds such as alpha and beta glucans. The percentage of polysaccharides (between 30 and 40%) in our mushroom extracts is a good indicator of the concentration ratio and quality of the processes used to extract these beneficial compounds.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?
Despite numerous studies demonstrating the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of Psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Currently, these strains of mushrooms are prohibited for sale in the UK.
It's our belief that awareness and understanding of these natural medicines should be supported and accessible to those in need. Therefore, whilst we are unable to deliver as we would like to, we are able to supply the knowledge and tools to help you educate yourself.
Our Thoughts
If you are thinking of trying functional mushrooms or other natural medicines for the first time, you are in safe hands. We want to make sure you have a positive experience by understanding your needs and giving sound, evidence based information.
We're building the site with links to primary source material, clinical studies, product certifications and more, where possible. However, if you would like more support, you can reach out to us directly for a one-to-one consultation
Blogs
The Mushroom Cafe
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What to do with Lion's Mane Extract Powder
Christopher SmithHave you been wondering 'What can I do with my Lion's Mane powder?' Well here are some recipe ideas which make your daily supplement a delightful addition is drinks, snacks...
What to do with Lion's Mane Extract Powder
Christopher SmithHave you been wondering 'What can I do with my Lion's Mane powder?' Well here are some recipe ideas which make your daily supplement a delightful addition is drinks, snacks...
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Why Mushrooms are Having a Moment
Christopher Smith'Mush love' is exploding right now and with good reason. In the kitchen, mushrooms are revered as the best natural alternative to meat; high in bioavailable proteins, balanced amino acids, natural...
Why Mushrooms are Having a Moment
Christopher Smith'Mush love' is exploding right now and with good reason. In the kitchen, mushrooms are revered as the best natural alternative to meat; high in bioavailable proteins, balanced amino acids, natural...
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What is an 'Extract' exactly?
Christopher SmithImagine walking through a lush garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers, illuminating fungi and aromatic herbs. As you stop to admire a beautiful rose bush, you notice a small bottle filled...
What is an 'Extract' exactly?
Christopher SmithImagine walking through a lush garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers, illuminating fungi and aromatic herbs. As you stop to admire a beautiful rose bush, you notice a small bottle filled...
Perimenopause Pages
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Refresh Your Focus and Start Seeing Clearly
Beatriz SHAs we age, brain fog can become a daunting challenge, whether you're navigating perimenopause or not. It's natural to worry about what this might mean for our future, with thoughts...
Refresh Your Focus and Start Seeing Clearly
Beatriz SHAs we age, brain fog can become a daunting challenge, whether you're navigating perimenopause or not. It's natural to worry about what this might mean for our future, with thoughts...
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Managing Weight During Perimenopause: A Natural...
Beatriz SHAre you finding it difficult to manage weight gain during perimenopause, even though you're doing everything right? While menopause itself isn't directly responsible for weight gain, the hormonal fluctuations during...
Managing Weight During Perimenopause: A Natural...
Beatriz SHAre you finding it difficult to manage weight gain during perimenopause, even though you're doing everything right? While menopause itself isn't directly responsible for weight gain, the hormonal fluctuations during...
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Ashwagandha: Natural Relief for Perimenopause
Beatriz SHDiscover the power of Ashwagandha, a natural remedy for perimenopause symptoms. Learn how this adaptogenic herb can help balance hormones, reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support overall well-being. Our...
Ashwagandha: Natural Relief for Perimenopause
Beatriz SHDiscover the power of Ashwagandha, a natural remedy for perimenopause symptoms. Learn how this adaptogenic herb can help balance hormones, reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support overall well-being. Our...