Mushrooms interest scientists for their numerous properties. These half-plant/half-animal beings can poison as well as save lives. In this article, discover 3 mushrooms from Asia that help boost the immune system.

Shiitake, "the elixir of Life"

This Japanese fungus grows on a species of tree close to the oak. "Shii" is the name of this variety and "tak" means "mushroom that grows on".

The shiitake has a whitish flesh. It is becoming more and more common in organic grocery stores. 

Ce champignon est régulièrement proposé pour potentialiser les chimiothérapies dans les cas de cancer car il stimule le système immunitaire. De plus, il est un antibactérien, un tonique général et un antioxydant. Il peut être parfaitement recommandé autant pour prévenir les maladies en période épidémique que pour accélérer une guérison ou le temps d’une convalescence.

This mushroom is interesting for its vitamin A and C content. In addition, it is so rich in copper that a 70g serving is enough to cover ¾ of the daily needs.

Added to all this is the presence of vitamin B5, riboflavin and selenium which are considered powerful antioxidants. The shiitake thus allows lutter against the misdeeds of free radicals and oxidative stress (premature aging, poor immune response...).

Cook fresh as a common mushroom, dried in soups or encapsulated for more concentrated dosages. 

Caution, it is not recommended to take it intensively in the following cases:

• pregnant or nursing women
• young children
• people under anti-coagulant treatment
• before a surgical operation

Reishi, "the mushroom of immortality"

The reishi native to Asia is rare in the wild. It grows in remote forests on decaying plum tree trunks at a rate of 2 or even 3 fungi per 10,000 trunks. Traces of its use have been reported for more than 2000 years in the traditional Chinese medicine. Since the 1970s, it is now cultivated.

The reishi has been proven to be an immunostimulant in immunodeficient individuals including in cancer. 

It is rich in polysaccharides which gives it immunomodulatory properties. It also contains iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, potassium and calcium. The presence of 17 essential amino acids makes it an exceptional product. 

To consume in dry encapsulated form for a better comfort of use. Otherwise, please refer to the advice of a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. 

The reishi is also a hypotensive as well as an anti-coagulant. It is therefore not recommended for pregnant women, people under hypotensive and/or blood-thinning treatment and those who are about to undergo surgery.

Maytake, the "king of mushrooms"

In Traditional Japanese Medicine, the maitake is an important element in the traditional pharmacopoeia. It grows on stumps and roots and develops in clusters. As an adult, it can weigh up to ten kilos!

This fungus is, like most, adaptogenic. It modulates the immune response and improves the immune response to various stresses. This immunostimulant property comes from the presence of numerous polysaccharides that feed the intestinal flora. As a reminder, a large part of the immune system is formed in the intestinal lumen. The quality and diversity of the microbiota is paramount to an effective immune system. 

The maitake is composed of 22% protein, 50-60% carbohydrates and 4% fat. It is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and D. It contains significant amounts of iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Finally, there are traces of zinc and calcium.

Unlike the previous two fungi, it has no contraindications. However, as a precautionary measure, please seek the advice of your doctor if you are undergoing or will be undergoing treatment. 

Immunostimulant mushrooms: in conclusion.

The three mushrooms presented all come from traditional Asian pharmacopoeia. Their action on the immune system is mainly due to their richness in antioxidants as well as polysaccharides. They feed the intestinal bacterial flora allowing the immune system to adapt its response to physical or emotional stress. The fungi are generally adaptogens. They are most effective when used in synergy with each other or with other plants.