Mushrooms have been used for centuries by those who believe in the power of natural remedies. One of the best medicinal mushroom types out there is the Agaricus mushroom. It’s related to the common mushroom but there are compounds that are believed to do so much more than garnish a pasta dish.
What Is Agaricus Mushroom?
You might be wondering: What is agaricus mushroom? Known as the Agaricus blazei Murill, the Agaricus mushroom is usually grown in Japan, Brazil, and China. These mushrooms are commonly called the Brazilian mushrooms as this is where it started out. It’s believed that there are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties involved in the compounds of the mushroom itself. It’s for this reason that this mushroom has been used widely in folk medicine for many years. Some of the reasons it’s been used include the treatment of things like:
- Diabetes
- Infection
- Cancer
- Allergies
At this moment, there isn’t any strong evidence to confirm the properties that help the side effects of cancer, but there is research to support that this Agaricus mushroom could strengthen the immune system. These properties are beneficial for a variety of ailments, making it a popular choice for many who are looking for alternative medicinal treatments.
A Little History
The Agaricus mushroom has been linked to the Piedade mountain villages in the Atlantic rain forest. This is just around 100 km to the West of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The population of this region has been known to live longer than most in the western world, with the absence of disease linked to the Brazilian mushrooms. The people call it the “Cogumelo de Deus” - the fungus from God. The people of the region believe the mushroom to be more than just a food, and the very first descriptions of the Agaricus mushroom come from the Byzantine medical treatises. Throughout the centuries, the people of this area have continued to use the mushroom to help treat a variety of medical issues.
The Agaricus Mushroom Today
Today, the western world uses the Agaricus mushroom as a dietary supplement. Some add the whole mushroom into dishes to gain the benefits from it, while others use it in pill, tea, and extract form. Back in the 1960s, Takatoshi Furumoto became interested in the Agaricus mushroom and it was then that the research began for those in different fields. It’s currently under thorough investigation including extensive research to figure out whether the health claims are supported or not. In the 1970s, researchers started to study the inhabitants of Piedade and their low geriatric illness rates. The Agaricus mushroom was found to be rich in substances that modulate the immune system and in animal studies, the results show anti-infection effects.
One of the popular ways it’s consumed today is through ABM Tea. There are a variety of human trials and studies that can be found, showing some of the links and possible health benefits of the tea and the mushroom itself. If you’re looking to help improve your health, increase your immune responses, and enjoy a great cup of tea, look no further!