Mushroom Madness- Immune Broth
We've been seeing a lot going around re medicinal mushrooms- and with good reason.
Fungi are ancient plant allies with an abundance of benefits as they serve as longevity & immunity tonics. Some of my favourite ones are Turkey Tail, Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane. Different mushrooms serve different benefits, but generally they help to modulate the immune system & increase our white blood cells, necessary to combat infections, support our cognitive function & memory, provide us with energy as they are rich in B vitamins, and contain adaptogenic properties, helping to support the adrenals, which are in charge of stress management & mood regulation.
In Ayurveda, mushrooms are considered Tamasic, lacking light or life force because they grow out of decomposing matter. But imagine what it takes to create these beautiful medicinal mushrooms? A whole life form has to die to create something from new, rebirth. In that way, mushrooms bring within us resilience.
This is turkey tail- super easy to forage in North America
Benefits of mushrooms (they all support the immune system):
⊙ Turkey Tail- for its anti cancer properties & immune effects
⊙ Chaga- for longevity & cellular health
⊙ Reishi- For stress, better, & to nourish the adrenals
⊙ Cordyceps: for energy & vitality
⊙ Lion's Mane: major brain boost
But- one important thing to note- mushrooms cannot be consumed as is.
Mushroom cell walls are composed of chitin, and sadly, human beings lack the enzyme needed to break it down, making it challenging for us to digest, absorb and assimilate the beneficial properties of mushrooms.
What does this mean? The mushrooms you buy at stores and from companies that are powdered/ dried/ in capsules are not necessarily the best quality. If these mushrooms have not first been cooked or extracted by heat, we are not able to digest and absorb them.
Also, the medicinal properties found in mushrooms are water soluble. In order to give our immune system the full benefit of mushrooms, we have to cook them first.
Try my potent immuno boosting mushroom herbal tonic (with a Mediterranean twist).
Ingredients:
⊙ Chaga (sustainably harvested)
⊙ Turkey tail
⊙ Cordyceps
⊙ Reishi
⊙ Rosemary
⊙ Thyme
⊙ Orange peels
⊙ Olive leaf
⊙ Lemon balm
⊙ Wild Oregano
⊙ Spices such as salt, pepper, cayenne to add a little spunk to it.
The herbs contain antimicrobial, antifungal, anti inflammaotry and antioxidant rich properties helping to fight off viruses, unfavourable bacteria while nourishing your system with their nutritive properties. These herbs are widely used in the Mediterranean region not just for their culinary appeal, but also due to their potent qualities.
These ingredients combined serve to support your immune system, gut microbiome, and cognitive function
Instructions:
1) Bring purified water to a boil in a pot, then add the mushrooms and reduce to simmer and cover the top. Allow to sit for a minimum of one hour up to 8 or more hours. The longer it simmers, the more potent it is.
2) About halfway through, add your citrus peels & cover. Re-add water if needed as the mushrooms will absorb much of it.
3) Before you turn the mushrooms off, add the rest of the herbs and spices.
4) Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, then turn off and let it sit for another 15 minutes or more.
5) Filter out the broth from the ingredients.
6) Serve hot or cold. Add some rosewater, honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
