Reishi Mushrooms as a Beacon to Discover Your Life Path
According to Classical Chinese Medicine, Reishi mushroom is considered the #1 superior herb, and is therefore very important for self-cultivation. It is said that the spirit of the mushroom can call you onto your life path, though it requires work in advance. Brandon’s experience with Reishi mushroom affirms this, and helps us realize the importance of following guidance.
Brandon only follows what he’s passionate about and sells products he truly believes in.
He started a business with no entrepreneurial experience, no family history or mentors.
Started elixir bar in Louisville in 2006 with superfoods and tonic herbs.
In 2008-2009 as the internet started picking up with Facebook and Google, Brandon saw the opportunity to come out of brick and mortar business. After freelancing for a while, he made a big decision to quit teaching yoga, break up with a girlfriend and move all at once.
He then started his YouTube channel before launching Hyperion Herbs in 2010.
Today Brandon sources specialty herbal extracts through Hyperion Herbs.
What Sets Apart Hyperion Herbs Medicinal Mushroom Extracts
The unique attribute of Brandon’s herbal extract company is that he independently tests each and every product he considers buying. He asks: does it do what it’s supposed to do? He then Examines the personality and properties of the herbs as well to evaluate whether it translates as an extract.
Many companies that sell medicinal mushrooms today focus on the beta glucan content of the mushroom. Beta glucans are essentially sugar compounds that may support the immune system to fight infection and disease and while important, they are often mistakenly seen as most important thing about the mushroom.
Brandon believes however that the energetics of the mushrooms can have more value than the chemistry of the herbs and the metrics associated with the herbs. This is mostly because metrics are imperfect for herbs and natural products.
What makes Brandon’s selection unique and with integrity is that he tries everything he wants to sell before making it available. As he says: “I only sell it because I like it and take it myself.”
Warnings and Cautions with Medicinal Mushrooms
Although medicinal mushrooms are a potent source of plant medicine, they are not for everyone.
Medicinal mushrooms should not be taken by anyone experiencing an acute condition, including colds, flus and Covid. It’s also important to be cautious taking these mushrooms, and any tonic herbs, if you have an underlying or chronic condition.
Mushrooms are becoming very trendy and while it’s great to be enthusiastic, it’s essential to be cautious with tonic herbs, which essentially boost the body’s Qi and therefore increase the Yang Qi of the body, which can create heat and exacerbate acute conditions.
When you want to work with tonic herbs, it’s important to start with very small amounts.
Tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms can also be difficult to digest, so starting with small amounts is especially important if you have a weak digestive system.
Another way to be cautious is not to take them daily, and again, be especially cautious with anything acute including colds, flus and any type of inflammation.
Lion’s Mane: An Important Mushroom for Memory and Focus
Lion’s Mane is an important medicinal mushroom that stimulates brain nerve growth factor — important for cognition and nervous system function.
This is one type of mushroom where it’s important to note the presence of other factors besides beta glucans.
While beta glucans work on the immune system, they don’t work on nervous system function. This is another reason why beta glucans can’t be the deciding factor in selecting mushrooms — it neglects the energetics, personality and spirit of each mushroom.
Lion’s Mane from Hyperion Herbs focus on the compounds that target mental focus and cognition, as well as nervous system stabilization.
This mushroom can also be helpful to prevent Type 3 Diabetes, which is now recognized as a type of Alzheimer’s — since sugar accumulation leads to fungus that can build up in the brain as well.
Medicinal Mushrooms tone your immune system to deal with dampness — this fungus treats fungus (like treats like) but not a raw mushroom! Instead, a raw extract of the mushroom to be taken at a very low dose.
Cordyceps: The Endurance Mushroom
In Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps supports the Lungs and Kidneys, as does Reishi, but Cordyceps is more effective as a Qi tonic whereas Reishi mushroom is more calming.
Cordyceps is best taken in the morning whereas Reishi can be taken at night to help you sleep.
Cordyceps can help increase blood oxygen levels.
In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs govern Qi circulation and the Kidneys grasp Qi which allows the Qi to circulate more deeply and deepen your breathing.
Reishi mushroom and Cordyceps both help with elevation sickness.
Both of these mushrooms are considered to be Qi tonics.
Qi tonics should only be taken if you’re healthy but also make sure to start with very low doses (1/8-1/4 teaspoon of extract) to protect your digestion, especially if you’re sensitive.
A formula that’s important to remember is Nutrition = Food + Digestion.
You have to be able to absorb what you’re ingesting, whether you’re ingesting food or herbs.
Extracts are concentrates of herbs and plants, so they’re even stronger and more concentrated.
A question many people ask these days is whether you should put mushrooms in your coffee? According to Brandon, mushroom coffee is fine if that’s what it takes to take the mushrooms.
Gynostemma: A Balanced Adaptogenic Tea
Gynostemma is a unique tea that also functions as an adaptogen. While it looks a lot like green tea, gynostemma does not contain caffeine, and is very mild and balancing. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse and effective adaptogens.
Adaptogens help you adapt to stress and regulate functions in your body.
Gynostemma is a powerful yet gentle adaptogen that can help bring balance to many of the functions in your body, which makes it an excellent introduction to tonic herbs for the highly sensitive.
Green tea is high in caffeine and cold in nature whereas Gynostemma is very adaptive, neutral and balancing.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a more popular adaptogen. Hyperion Herbs has this adaptogen available as a spagyric.
However, Gynostemma is superior as an introduction to tonic herbs. It keeps inflammation down and systems regulated.
Let us know your questions about any of the topics discussed in this episode in the comments below!
Resources Mentioned This Episode
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