Medicinal Mushroom Magic: The Brain Wave Advantage
Laurel Ash N.D. - Naturopathic Doctor
Key Takeaways
Substrate matters! For those new to mycology, substrate is the food for the mushrooms.
The benefits of single-farm sourcing. Brain Wave’s mushrooms come from a regenerative, organic farm where every step in the growth of your mushrooms is meticulously cultivated.
Learn about the common medicinal benefits of the mushrooms in our blend, including:
Lion’s Mane
Chaga
Cordyceps
Reishi
Turkey Tail
Maitake
Our Superfood Substrate
If someone told you they only eat white bread, what would you expect the status of their health to be? Would you expect them to be full of energy, lean, with a positive mood, and glowing skin? Chances are not. Our health and wellness are the sum of the quality and nutritional density of the ingredients we put into our bodies.
If we told you that many of the supplement manufacturers producing medicinal mushrooms are sourcing mushrooms fed nutritionally poor substrate, you might be surprised. Common mushroom substrates include rice or grains, straw, or even sawdust. You read that right- sawdust!
Brain Wave uses purple Peruvian corn, chia seeds, quinoa, and a mix herbs and juices as mushroom substrate. Part of the nutritional advantage of purple corn comes from the vibrant purple pigments- called anthocyanadins which serve as powerful antioxidants. Additionally, purple corn delivers 15-20% more amino acids than standard yellow corn. The high-quality seed blend that our mushrooms grow on takes it a step further by sprouting the seeds. Sprouting seeds increases the nutritional content- particularly in vitamin C, electrolytes, B vitamins, and minerals.
The Single Farm Advantage
At Brain Wave, we oversee every step in the maturation and processing of our mushrooms.
Most companies source their mushrooms from multiple locations, sometimes even overseas. In other words, the people who put together many of the products you see on the medicinal mushroom market never saw the insides of the facilities they sourced from. How can companies ensure quality control from such distances?
Adulteration is an unfortunately common phenomenon in the supplement industry, and due to the expense of particular medicinal mushrooms, mushroom supplements are a common target. Adulteration occurs when the contents of a product are manipulated so that what is marketed and advertised is false. In fact, some vendors will use adulterants such as rice flour, starch, or vegetable powders to bulk up their products. Others will substitute lower-quality mushrooms into their formulas to cut costs.
At Brain Wave, we know exactly where our mushrooms come from and uphold a high degree of integrity in our practices. Nurtured on a regenerative farm, our mushrooms are infused with quality and care at every step.
Our Potent Mushroom Blend
Ready to meet the stars of the show? Each mushroom we grow has unique, distinct physical and medicinal properties.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
An extraordinary mushroom with a shaggy hair-like exterior resembling a white pom-pom, Lion’s Mane is a fascinating mushroom that has become the focus of much attention in scientific research. Lion’s Mane protects nervous system tissue from brain cells to neurons. The nervous system transmits information at high speeds that controls our thoughts, cognition, body movements, and automatic body processes like breathing. Lion’s Mane has been researched to increase the healing capacity of nerve tissue. Lion’s Mane lowers inflammation in the brain, protecting delicate brain cells. Lion’s Mane can even improve memory and protect against cognitive decline. Lion’s Mane lowers plaques in the brain called beta-amyloid which have been linked with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga is a parasitic fungus that targets certain trees, appearing like a large burnt blister on the trunk of an infected tree. While none of this paints Chaga in a particularly appealing light, it’s medicinal properties pack a powerful punch. Chaga protects your DNA from damage, thus boasting anti-cancer abilities. Chaga has been further researched to inhibit cancer cells from growing. Chaga is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mushroom. Cold and flu season? Chaga has your back due to it’s antiviral actions.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Similar to Chaga, the Cordyceps fungus is another parasitic mushroom. However, Cordyceps affects insects, not trees. Fortunately for those of you with a strong aversion to bugs, the majority of Cordyceps found in supplements is not grown on insects but rather cultivated on substrate. Cordyceps increases exercise capacity and blood flow. Cordyceps has been researched to support kidney health and balance the immune system. Cordyceps also has metabolic benefits by lowering blood sugar and supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
Reishi (Ganoderma sichuanese)
Reishi mushroom has a half-moon, disc-like shape with red and brown toned bands that radiate across the upper surface. Reishi has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine- called the Mushroom of Longevity. Reishi protects from harmful radiation that damages DNA and induces inflammation in the body. Reishi also lowers cholesterol levels to protect your cardiovascular system. Reishi also lowers blood pressure and modulates the immune system.
Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor)
Turkey Tail mushroom looks somewhat similar to Reishi, just smaller and more colorful. In Japan and China, compounds from Turkey Tail are used as adjunctive therapies for cancer. Turkey Tail has been well-studied to improve outcomes for lung, stomach, and breast cancer in particular. Turkey Tail stimulates the immune system through supporting white blood cells, which are the primary infection and inflammation fighters of the immune system.
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa)
Maitake mushroom, also known as hen-of-the-wood, typically grows on the base of old growth oak or maple trees.
Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. According to Japanese legend, the discoverers of this mushroom danced in joy when they came upon it. Little did they know at the time, but the medicinal benefits of this mushroom are certainly worth celebrating. Maitake is very rich in vitamin D, which makes it a wonderful fit for people in cool and cloudy climates. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin on exposure to sunlight and has important functions in mood support and the immune system. Maitake also enhances metabolic health by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Immerse yourself in the magic of medicinal mushrooms with Brain Wave’s Superfood Mushroom Gummies, and tinctures. Brain Wave is committed to not simply making adequate mushrooms, but rather we are dedicated to producing extraordinary mushrooms that maximize the health-promoting properties of these intriguing fungi. Give yourself the gift of supercharging your body and mind with functional mushrooms, and we will give you the peace of mind of knowing your mushroom supplement is backed by quality and care at every step.