The 50,000 Year Appeal of Healing With Mushrooms
For tens of thousands of years, mushrooms have been used as powerful healing agents by cultures around the world. From Neanderthals, to ancient Egypt, to traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurvedic practices in India, mushrooms were an integral part of healing methods. Now, with the help of modern science, we know how the mushrooms are so effective. Backed by a combination of ancient plant knowledge and the results of modern studies, good health has never been so available .
A few progressive companies, including West Wolf Medicinals, are bringing healing mushrooms to market in the United States where despite their revered ability to improve health and well being, they are still relatively unknown. West Wolf Medicinals is a small regenerative mushroom company located in Boulder, CO that crafts powerful lifestyle blends and medicinal mushroom supplements, using only the highest quality ingredients. We're here to explore the 50,000 year appeal of healing with mushrooms in this article. Learn more and get in touch with us for healing mushrooms today!
The History of Healing With Mushrooms
Ancient peoples have been using mushrooms as healing agents since paleolithic times, with archaeological evidence of mushroom use from around the world going back to at least 50,000 BCE. From ancient Egypt, Rome and China to Neanderthals in Europe, mushrooms have been an integral part of ancient healing practices.
Writing in the journal Nature an international team of colleagues describe how they analyzed ancient DNA – from microbes and food debris – preserved in the dental tartar of three Neanderthals dating from 42,000 to 50,000 years ago. Analysis of one’s severe tooth decay revealed that to cope, the researchers learned, the unfortunate individual might have been self-medicating due to evidence of a species of penicillium fungus, grey shag and split gill mushrooms, poplar, which contains the active ingredient of aspirin, and salicylic acid. While previous work has suggested some Neanderthals exploited yarrow and chamomile, the tartar of the unwell individual shows the Neanderthal might have benefited from a natural source of antibiotics.
Medicinal Properties
Medicinal mushrooms are revered for their ability to promote physical and mental health. They are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease. Mushrooms also contain anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Additionally, many mushrooms have been linked to improved brain function, mood balance, and enhanced immunity, making them effective healing agents. In the wider scope of the entire kingdom Fungi, penicillin has been found in the tartar of Neaderthals, as well as in our modern society to battle bacteria.
Why Ancient People Extracted Medicinal Mushrooms
Ancient cultures understood the special quality ofmushrooms for healing and thus spent time and effort to extract their medicinal properties. Some traditional methods included preparing them as tea or tincture and boiling it down into a concentrate that could be more easily consumed and absorbed by the body.
Modern Uses Of Mushrooms
Today, modern science has allowed us to better understand the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms that ancient humans knew all along. Below is some information from studies we refer to on our website. Studies show promising nerve growth activity from the Lion’ Mane Mushroom. The overall effects of Shiitake for human immunity. Neuroprotective effects against stress of the Reishi mushroom.
West Wolf Medicinals Mushrooms
At West Wolf Medicinals, we use only the highest quality ingredients and craft powerful lifestyle blends and mushroom supplements that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday habits for maximum benefit. Our blends are designed to support mental clarity, immunity, and sex drive, as well as provide a range of other health benefits.
The 50- thousand-year appeal of healing with mushrooms has stood the test of time for good reason — their incredible medicinal properties make them an invaluable resource for supporting optimal physical and mental health. West Wolf Medicinals is devoted to providing only the highest-quality mushroom blends and supplements to help you reach your health goals. Reach out to us or shop for medicinal mushrooms and start enjoying the benefits today!