Full-spectrum medicinal mushrooms: the new generation of medicinal mushrooms

In recent years, a new way of cultivating medicinal mushrooms has developed in North America. The special thing about this method is that not only individual parts of the medicinal mushrooms are processed, but the whole mushroom. This is because the interesting active substances in medicinal mushrooms are found in different parts of the mushroom: In the fruiting body, in the spores, in the mycelium and also in the extracellular space. Even in the primodia, the very young fruiting bodies, we find rich substances that can be used therapeutically.

What does "full spectrum" mean?

Active substances are therefore processed from all parts of the mushroom. All these parts together correspond to the entire living organism mushroom. If you now take all these parts of the mushroom and process them into a product, you have a so-called "full spectrum" product, as the preparation contains the entire spectrum of activity of the mushroom. The holistic effect of full-spectrum products is therefore the most comprehensive. 

The natural habitat of medicinal mushrooms

It is important to note that the fungus can only produce its valuable ingredients in the best concentration if it finds its natural environment. For example, it must grow on a solid substrate. It is not typical for the fungus to grow in a liquid. This simply does not correspond to the natural conditions it knows. If the fungus grows on a solid substrate and is exposed to growth stimuli (such as temperature, soil composition, substrate composition, exposure to light, oxygen content, temperature reduction...) that correspond to its natural environment, it can produce the active ingredients best.

Clever technology for even more potent active ingredients

By specifically controlling and modifying the stimuli on the growing fungus, it is possible to ensure that the fungus can develop even better and more potently. Perhaps not "better" than nature, but certainly more targeted and with astonishing results: among other things, the polysaccharides could be enriched up to around 33 % - a real breakthrough!

Breakthrough of the polysaccharides

The quality of a medicinal mushroom product is measured, among other things, by the concentration of its polysaccharides. Under conventional conditions, the highest concentration of polysaccharides can only be obtained using a special extraction process, which, according to the latest studies, also has disadvantages. With the method of cultivating the full spectrum products described above, the highest polysaccharide content can be achieved completely naturally, i.e. without an extra extraction process!

In short: more of the mushroom for more effect

To summarise, this new "whole-life-cycle" technology has two advantages: On the one hand, all parts of the mushroom are utilised and thus a holistically comprehensive product is produced. In addition, the clever and nature-adapted cultivation preserves the valuable active ingredients of the mushroom in higher concentrations than before. The result: a full-spectrum medicinal mushroom preparation that represents the latest generation of medicinal mushrooms in terms of effect, strength and overall holistic effect. The beginning of a new era.

Which medicinal mushroom is right for me?

This question is not easy to answer, as it depends on the ailment or purpose for which you want to use the medicinal mushroom. Nevertheless, the following table of indications can help you choose the right medicinal mushroom.

• Reishi: Regulates the cardiovascular system, alleviates allergies, reduces stress and is the anti-ageing agent par excellence
• ABM: Strengthens the immune system, in the treatment of cancer, for beautiful skin
• Shiitake: helps with colds, builds up the intestinal flora, helps against tooth decay
• Maitake: for metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, strengthens the immune system
• Cordyceps: builds libido, energy booster, competitive sports
• Cordyceps MP90: for high physical and mental stress and for regeneration
• Hericium: alleviates stomach problems, supports the nervous system, has a calming effect
• Chaga: alleviates gastrointestinal problems, for skin problems, against colds

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You can find Mykoplan's full-spectrum medicinal mushroom products here: To the CH Shop

A contribution from Thomas Falzone.

Thomas Falzone is an author, mycotherapist, qualified alternative practitioner & therapist of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Together with his wife Michiyo, he founded the sustainable medicinal mushroom company Mykoplan and is also the founder of the Society for Vital Mushroom Science Switzerland (GFVS).