Are there any super mushrooms you haven’t heard of before? Well, with the huge variety out there, we wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t know too much about the Agaricon mushroom.
It may sound unfamiliar for some and though it is not as well-known as reishi and lion’s mane, Agaricon mushrooms are making their way to the hall of fame of medicinal mushrooms for the benefits they bring.
The history of the Agaricon dates back many centuries ago and in this day and age, we are once again discovering its many advantages for enhancing our bodily and mental wellbeing. So, today, we’re going to take you through some handy information about the Agaricon.
First and foremost, what are Agaricon Mushrooms?
What are Agaricon Mushrooms?
The Agaricon mushroom has several other names; Agaricon is the common name for fungus Lacrifomes officinalis, also called Fomitopsis officinalis. Aside from that, it is also termed as Quinine conk and Larch polypore. The term "quinine conk" relates to the bitter flavour of the fungus; however, quinine is not known to be present in it. Larch polypore is a term used to describe an organism that develops on conifers, particularly larch. Apothekerschwamm on the other hand, is a name for Agaricon in Germany. It came from the word "apotheke," which means "pharmacy." The name alludes to the several traditional applications of Agaricon.
These mushrooms are said to be slow-growing. And since they are slow-growing, some specimens are said to be 50–75 years old, with some having lived up to 100 years. When young, they have a hoof-like shape; and as they get older, they take on a cylindrical shape. Older Agaricon mushrooms have been likened to the trunk of an elephant by some.
The fungus is indigenous to Central and Eastern Europe, Siberia, and North America. That being said, Native Americans also associate the fungus with spiritual and ceremonial significance. A custom entailed shaping the mushrooms into spiritual beings to serve as guardians during rituals. Unfortunately, finding these mushrooms in their natural environment is getting more difficult to do. Due to a combination of their sluggish development, deforestation, and overharvesting.
Agaricon Mushrooms Health Benefits
There are several claimed health advantages of Agaricon. Agaric acid, carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, and other active ingredients are only a few of the substances it contains.
With possible cleansing and soothing characteristics, its major function is as a cleansing agent. The mushroom was traditionally used for respiratory complaints.
According to a 2017 study, Agaricon extract demonstrated only mildly cleansing effects on gram-positive bacteria—not gram-negative ones. It exhibits cleansing activity against diverse species, as stated in a 2019 review.
Agaricon, like other mushrooms, contains polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates with shown immunomodulatory activities, which is why the Agaricon mushroom is commonly associated with immune support.
Traditional Uses of Agaricon
There are a number of traditional and possible uses for Agaricon aside from its cleansing capabilities. A 2016 article lists traditional uses including:
- asthma
- cough
- sweats at night
- digestive support
- laxative
What can Agaricon do to our health?
Supports general well-being
“An Agaricon a day keeps the doctor away!” A study that appeared in Planta Medicine claims that the Agaricon was formerly the most adaptable and widely utilised medicinal fungus.
It's one of the earliest known medicines recorded in history, and in fact, The Huffington Post notes that the Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides referred to Agaricon as the "elixir of long life," or elixirium ad longam vitam. It's frequently used as a natural aid for common symptoms like coughs, night sweats, and an upset stomach.
Blood sugar and Agaricon
Your body's blood sugar levels are managed by insulin. Some early research is exploring whether compounds in Agaricon may play a role in supporting blood sugar levels that are already within a normal range, but the evidence is limited and more studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar, always speak with your healthcare professional.
Could improve respiratory health
According to Way of Leaf, throughout history Agaricon may have been traditionally used for a variety of respiratory complaints, including asthma. According to a study that appeared in the journal Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology, the Agaricon may aid in maintaining healthy lungs.
Could support your immune system
Thanks to its various active components, this fungus appears to provide excellent immunological support. These include agaric acid, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins, making it clear that this mushroom is a varied food that may aid the body in warding off pathogens. According to Way of Leaf, because it contains complex carbohydrates, it has traditionally been used in Iran to support a healthy immunological response.
Spiritual Therapy
A few of Agaricon's health benefits have lengthy spiritual roots. According to Fungi Magazine, the Native Americans held the belief that it could balance bad energy brought on by supernatural entities. What's more, Native American cultures claim that this fungus has ceremonial and spiritual importance. They created customs like cutting the mushrooms into mystical figures as a kind of protection in order to reap its benefits.
Agaricon Side Effects
Unfortunately, as much as Agaricon mushrooms benefit our health - there are still a few potential negative side effects.
High dosage of Agaricon may result in gastrointestinal disturbances and diarrhoea because of their laxative actions.
Additionally, people using blood thinners should avoid consuming this for they may have anticoagulant effects.
Lastly, people with diabetes should also be cautious in consuming Agaricon for it may also reduce blood glucose level.
Agaricon Consumption
As Agaricon is not easily found in the wild, one of the simplest ways for you to add it to your routine is through Agaricon extract products when someone has done the heavy lifting for you. Here at Superfoods Australia, we offer an organic wild harvested Siberian Agaricon Mushroom Extract 12:1.
It is a highly potent freeze dried extract that is freeze dried at -56 degrees. This produces a very fine powder that is dissolvable in warm water.
One of the easiest ways to consume the Agaricon mushroom is when it is mixed with hot water or warm milk/mylk to create a mushroom tea tonic.
The taste can be bitter for some, so to sweeten it, we like to add honey to our Agaricon mushroom elixir.
Conclusion
Agaricon mushrooms have a wide range of possible applications. Although they're less researched than some other medicinal mushroom species, people have long used it for both therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
The cleansing and immune-supporting abilities of Agaricon are its most well-known health advantages. Moreover, scientists think it might also be used for a variety of other things.
If you want to add Agaricon mushroom to your routine, then you can easily do so by buying high quality Agaricon mushrooms from Superfoods Australia. We ship Australia-wide with free express shipping available for orders over $100.
In addition to our freeze dried Agaricon mushroom, we also offer a wide variety of other superfoods, from mushrooms to super berries, hemp seeds to curcumin, we’ve got it all. Check out our entire range here.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
