The magic of medicinal mushrooms

The benefits of medicinal mushrooms for your dog or cat

The list of health benefits that medicinal mushrooms provide for your dog or cat is lengthy… from supporting your pet’s brain function, keeping signs of anxiety at bay and energy boosting properties. It is easy to see why these little beauties have been used for centuries in medicine for their powerful effects. But medicinal mushrooms aren’t just for some trendy new latte you’ll find on Ponsonby Road, each mushroom is unique and provides its own distinct health advantages. 

 

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Shiitake Mushrooms

 

Probably the most well-known mushroom, yet its benefits reach far beyond a delicious addition to your ramen or risotto. Shiitake Mushrooms offer intense immune system support and powerful cancer fighting properties, thanks in part to its diverse profile of micronutrients, such as phosphorus, B vitamins, selenium and a compelling profile of health promoting polysaccharides. One particularly potent polysaccharide present in shiitake mushrooms is lentinan (abeta-glucan). Lentinan has been shown to have anti-tumour and immune regulating properties which is why we include it in our Senior Support blend. 

 

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Turkey Tail Mushrooms

 

Just as its name suggests, the Turkey Tail Mushroom resembles the detailed tail feathers of a bronze turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms are among the most researched medicinal mushrooms due to their beneficial polysaccharides, beta glucans and abundance of nutrients that promote health on such a powerful level. Polysaccharide -K’s (PSK’s) found in Turkey Tail Mushrooms stimulate and boost the immune system, in fact, PSK is so effective that it’s an approved anti-cancer prescription drug in Japan for humans. There’s no wonder we decided to include Turkey Tail Mushroom in our Immune Boost formula.

 

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Reishi Mushroom

 

Hailed as the mushroom of immortality, Reishi mushrooms boast around 400 active compounds that provide benefits throughout the body. Used typically to treat Arthritis, Cancer, Viral upper respiratory tract infections and compromised immune systems. Reishi Mushrooms are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that regulate blood pressure and offer cardiovascular support which is why we include it in our Inflammation Fighter Superfood Blend.

 

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Lion’s Mane Mushroom

 

It’s easy to see where this fabulous looking mushroom gets it’s namesake. Lion’s mane mushroom has adaptogenic properties and supports balanced health in both mind and body, promoting a feeling of calm alertness and boosting antioxidant activity. Chinese medicine practitioners use this mushroom for the spleen, and its association with digestion, energy, and water regulation. The perfect tummy soother, which calmly adds nutrients back into the body.

 

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Cordyceps Mushroom

 

The Cordyceps mushroom is an incredible energy-boosting fungi, regarded as a ‘treasure’. The Cordyceps mushroom is actually a variety of mushrooms which are used to increase lung capacity and enhance energy levels. Traditionally used as a tonic, the Cordyceps variety contains a bountiful amount of beta-D-glucans (which have shown antimicrobial, anti-diabetic and to control the levels of cholesterol). Cordyceps can help the body utilise oxygen more efficiently and enhance blood flow, making it the perfect medicinal mushroom for energy and vitality.