ImmuneShroom

When it comes to the big picture, mushrooms do not necessarily “boost” the immune system, but rather support a balanced response as they promote healthy regulation of the immune cells including balanced T helper cells. 

The goal of utilizing mushrooms, with their gentle intelligence, is to support immune modulation by bringing the immune system into normal balance and homeostasis, no matter which side of the coin you’re on. These brilliant life forms support the body’s normal production of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which encourages responsive, yet stabilized immune health.*

While mushrooms are famous for immune health, they’re also considered adaptogens in the herbal world. There are two parts to this word: “adapt” (which means to change your behavior or to change something so that it functions better) and “gen” (a substance that generates). 

Adaptogens essentially help us generate a greater sense of internal resilience in order to adapt to the stress in our lives in a healthy way. In my teacher Richard’s words, “Adaptogens increase non-specific resistance to stressors and help reestablish our intrinsic physical, mental, and emotional adaptive capacity.” They support normal regulation of the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis in order to promote nervous system, immune, and hormone health. 

As adaptogens, mushrooms also help to increase and build our “Qi” or “vital energy,” and can therefore support us when looking to maintain strength after feeling run down during immune season. They not only shine for active immune health, but for post-immune health and recovery, too.*