Healing Fungae

Mycotherapy (therapy using medicinal mushrooms) is becoming more and more popular in naturopathy. Using certain mushrooms has proven beneficial in treating numerous illnesses. They are commonly used to strengthen the immune system, to lower high blood pressure, to treat metabolic imbalances, to help with allergies or digestive problems, and in particular in the complementary treatment of cancer. Scientists in Germany have confirmed the healing and preventative properties of certain mushrooms. We all might have heard of Shiitake, Reishi, Champignons, Oyster Mushrooms and Mu-Err.
The somewhat weird-looking Cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis) which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, for example, has proven helpful in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue, depression, exhaustion, lack of libido and infertility. Also, it can help to lower blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol. There are no known side-effects (asthma sufferers please talk to their GP before taking Cordyceps as it has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the respiratory system).

(Cordyceps - picture from Wikipedia)

Another mushroom worth highlighting is Agaricus (agaricus blazei murril). Scientists called it the "Miracle Mushroom for cancer sufferers". It contains vitamins B6 and B12 as well the the highest level of beta-glucan among all medicinal mushrooms. Therefore, plus due to its content of certain substances which have proven beneficial in the treatment of some forms of cancer, it is widely used in alternative cancer therapy and to support the immune system. Further uses are for depression and burn-out. Furthermore, it helps the regeneration of bone marrow and the production of blood.  
 

(Agaricus - thanks to German website who posted the pic)