Lion’s mane mushrooms are getting more popular every single day! While some think they are cauliflower at the farmers’ markets, the majority are familiar with its nerve repair properties and crab-like taste.

The photo below shows two lion’s mane mushroom grow bags, each 10lb in weight.

They were inoculated with the same spawn bag at the same time and their slits were opened at the same time which means the yields of the two bags would be similar.

However, there is a huge difference in terms of shape and weight between the two bags. 

The reason is that the one on the left side is dealing with pink mold, also known as lipstick mold.

The -left- lion’s mane mushroom secretes enzymes (which help nerve repair) to break down the substrate, and at the same time, it fights the pink mold. Therefore, the more energy it uses the smaller it gets. Molds most of the cases are more vigorous than many other mushrooms.

On the other hand, the one on the right is almost three times bigger and heavier than that because it doesn’t share the substrate with other microorganisms.

times bigger and heavier than that. Because it doesn’t share the substrate with other microorganisms.

As is well known, Reishi mushrooms contain antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. In this photo, the white bag shows the colonization of the Reishi mushroom mycelium. However, when we look down, we see a spot without colonization.

As mushroom growers, we know that when there is contamination in a bag, some mushrooms, such as oysters and lion’s mane, will not colonize that area. Most of the time, we have to dump the bags since mold will overtake their position. It is because their enzymes are not as strong as mold or many bacteria.

However, Reishi, as you see in the picture, circles contamination and does not let it expand or colonize the bag.

This shows something very clearly: reishi mushroom consumption whether in tea or tincture form will inhibit the growth of harmful organisms in our bodies.

Reishi mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for at least 2000 years. Chinese doctors used to have their patients simmer the mushroom and drink its tea. Although the taste is bitter, it heals the wounds, kills inflammation and oxidation, helps boost cell generation, etc…

The reason why I love Reishi is it is extremely rich in Polysaccharides. These sugar molecules are loved by our blood cells and also beneficial bacteria. These are heavy sugar molecules compared to plant sugars or even other mushrooms. When these nutrients go to the intestines, the beneficial bacteria eat them.

The beneficial bacteria send messages to the brain after defeating the harmful bacteria and viruses. It is a message that we dominate the gut system, we are doing fine in here and we are happy. The brain gets this message and feels good. Therefore, a person who takes Reishi tincture will feel super calm. They will not get angry quickly.

I would say using Reishi mushroom three times a day for at least 10 to 15 days to experience the fantastic establishment in the body and soul. It is good for fighting against addictions, anxiety, and stress. It has a ton of other medicinal benefits which we will write about shortly.

Did you know we are a planet for trillions of microorganisms and most of them are trying to help us in terms of our well being? We have so many blood cells, bacteria, fungus, yeasts all live in around different parts of our body. In this short blog I would love to talk about the bacteria and why they are good for us and how we can work with them symbiotically.

Bacteria help us digest the food we eat, they act like a wall on the intestine and kind of blocks the toxins’ entrance into the blood, they also create acidic enzymes and therefore, inhibit some harmful organisms growth in which Dr Casey Adams stated in his book with details.

We have at least 300 bacterial species depending on where we live and we need to take care of these friends dearly. If one species totally extinct, they will never come back to life, therefore, they way we eat and drink is extremely important.

Mushrooms provide a lot vitamins, minerals, fiber, polysaccharides (sugar molecule chains) etc. When these sugar molecules are consumed by us, the beneficial bacteria enjoy consuming them and red blood cells carry these sugar molecules to their friends and they consume it too. In short, mushroom consumption is extremely important. Even 1 or 2 ounces a day, even the cheapest button mushrooms, but at least 4-5 times a week would be a smart idea.