If you are already on our website and are familiar with us at all, it is likely you are already aware of our superstar blend, Mason’s Mushrooms. A carefully formulated blend of the world's favourite medicinal mushrooms - Mason’s Mushrooms was created to support, nourish and improve everything from immunity, gut health, and hormonal and nervous system function to general well-being, vitality and longevity.
Our founder Mason is deeply passionate about reducing degenerative disease through lifestyle factors, with a particular focus on the daily diet, and this is one of the primary intentions behind the creation of Mason’s Mushroom.
An immunological powerhouse, this formula supports the body to return to harmony by normalising the nervous and hormonal systems as well as regulating the Qi of all major organs.
Mason’s Mushrooms is both the perfect starting point for someone wanting to begin their journey towards radiant health, or for the well-versed herbalist to maintain their daily dose of medicinal mushrooms.
The full benefits of mushrooms (immunity, gut health, general well-being) just keep getting better over time; this blend shows us why the Taoists considered mushrooms the 'great protectors' of the herbal kingdom. Medicinal mushrooms typically work to strengthen the Spleen and Lung channels; whilst this blend also works on the Liver, Kidney, and Heart channels making it a full-power formula to bring overall harmony and vitality to the body.
So what exactly is in this magical blend?
Chaga
Botanical Name: Inonotus obliquus
Plant Family: Hymenochaetaceae
Chinese Name/s: Bai Hua Rong 白桦茸
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Kidneys, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Treasures Nourished: Jing, Qi, Shen
Taste/s: Sweet and bitter
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting body/sclerotia
May support:
- A healthy stress response
- Energy and Vitality
- Digestive Health
- Immunity
- Blood sugar regulation
- Antioxidant defences
Reishi
Botanical Name: Ganoderma lucidum
Plant Family: Ganodermataceae
Chinese Name/s: 靈芝
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Heart, Liver, Lung and Kidney
Energetics: Slightly warm
Treasure/s: Jing, Qi and Shen
Taste/s: Bitter
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies
May support:
- A healthy stress response
- A calm mind/nervous system
- Immunity
- Energy and Vitality
- Deep, restorative sleep cycle
- Digestive Health
Lion’s Mane
Botanical Name: Hericium erinaceus
Plant Family: Hericiaceae
Chinese Name/s: Hou Tou Gu 猴头菇
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Spleen, Heart, Liver, Kidney, Lung
Treasure/s: Qi
Taste/s: Bitter
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies
May support:
- Cognitive function and memory
- Nerve Health
- A healthy stress response
- Immunity
- Digestive Health
Cordyceps
Botanical Name: Cordyceps sinensis
Plant Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae
Chinese Name/s: Dong Chong Xia Cao 冬虫夏草
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Lung, Kidney, Spleen
Treasure/s: Yin Jing, Yang Jing, Qi
Taste/s: Sweet
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Cordyceps CS-4
May support:
- Lung health
- Kidney health
- Physical performance
- Immunity
- General health and wellbeing
Agaricus
Botanical Name: Agaricus blazei
Plant Family: Agaricaceae
Chinese Name/s: Ji Song Rong 姫松茸
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, San Jiao meridian
Treasure/s: Qi
Taste/s: Sweet
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies.
May support:
- Physical and mental stress
- Immunity
- General wellbeing
- Metabolism
Shiitake
Botanical Name: Lentinula edodes
Plant Family: Marasmiaceae
Chinese Name/s: Hua Gu 花菇
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Lung, Spleen and Stomach meridians and the Wei Qi
Treasure/s: Qi
Taste/s: Sweet neutral flavour
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies.
May support:
- Immunity
- Cardiovascular & Respiratory health
- Blood vessel health
- Energy and Vitality
- Digestive Health
- Antioxidant defences
- Longevity
Poria
Botanical Name: Wolfiporia cocos
Plant Family: Polyporaceae
Chinese Name/s: Fu Ling
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Heart, Spleen, Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs
Treasure/s: Qi
Taste/s: Sweet, bland
Energetic: Neutral
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies.
May support:
- The flow of Qi
- Fluid metabolism
Maitake
Botanical Name: Grifola frondosa
Plant Family: Meripilaceae
Chinese Name/s: Hui Shu Hua 灰树花
Organ/s & Meridian/s: Lungs, Wei Qi.
Treasure/s: Jing, Qi, Shen
Taste/s: Neutral
Energetic: Warm
Part/s Used Medicinally: Fruiting bodies.
May support:
- Immune system
- Glowing health
Health Benefits
Digestive Health
The integrity of our gastrointestinal tract and the health of our microbiome are both integral to the harmonisation and function of multiple systems within the body. This innately intelligent, adaptive and complex ecosystem serves as the foundational focus in treating and preventing a wide variety of conditions and diseases ranging from immunological, nervous system, inflammatory and endocrine dysregulation.
There are very primordial immune receptors within the gastrointestinal tissue that specifically recognise the beta-glucan content of medicinal mushrooms, with their unique higher molecular weight. These polysaccharides are unable to be digested and broken down by our digestive enzymes, and thus, act as prebiotics to the bacteria that exist within our microbiome. From here a very complex activation of the immune system occurs including stimulation and activation of often atrophied aspects of the immune system, keeping in mind that up to 75% of the immune system is housed in our gut.
This activation manifests itself in multiple ways, firstly the prebiotic action of the mushroom feeds the beneficial bacteria within the gut, enhancing nutrient absorption and assimilation. This also encourages the eradication of opportunistic bacteria, which when there is an overgrowth, can result in disharmony within the gut (such as Candida).
Candida
It is a common misconception that all mushrooms, including those of a medicinal nature, are contraindicated for use for those experiencing candida imbalance. This may be true for ground-dwelling mushrooms as there is a risk of mould exposure through soil residue. However medicinal mushrooms differ as they thrive on the bark of trees. In the majority of cases, candida overgrowth is a result of impaired gut health, immune function and the inability to successfully detoxify pathogenic organisms. Medicinal mushrooms have been found to produce natural antibiotics that specifically combat candida and further act to potentiate supreme overall immunity. We have a podcast episode dedicated to this very topic, check it out here.
Immunity
Revered for thousands of years by many cultures, medicinal mushrooms can support immune function and increase our defences against viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. The polysaccharide compounds in medicinal mushrooms bind to specific immune cell receptor sites in the body that increase T-Cell, NK Cell, Macrophage, and Neutrophil activity (the cells required for immune function).
The interaction between our gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the oligosaccharides (prebiotics) present in medicinal mushrooms is thought to be one of primary the reasons that these potent herbs produce such powerful actions within our gut and immune system as a whole
Through a Taoist lens, the body’s first line of defence or surface immunity is referred to as our Wei Qi. Think of it as an innate armour or protective barrier that resides on the surface of your body. Protecting us against external invasion, Wei Qi is Yang in nature, and circulates on the surface between the skin and muscles and works to warm the body, supplying the skin with the energy to defend the body against any climatic or pathogenic forces (viruses and bacteria) that would otherwise penetrate the skin and cause disharmony. In general, Qi and Lung tonics can be used to strengthen our Wei Qi, which is where medicinal mushrooms can be utilised for their Qi tonifying abilities.
Energy, Vitality & A Healthy Stress Response
Medicinal mushrooms are classed as superior tonic herbs within Taoist/Chinese herbal medicine. The Western translation of this is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens enhance the body’s ability to respond to stress and work to restore homeostasis within the body. The many forms of stress, whether physical, emotional, environmental, or energetic can lead to energy depletion (and the leaking of our Jing Essence). The modulation of specific stress hormones such as cortisol can further ensure that the nervous and endocrine systems with a particular focus on the adrenal glands, don’t become overly taxed as they attempt to counteract the dysregulation that can occur from prolonged stress within the body. If you want to learn more about stress and the body, read our article here.
One medicinal mushroom, in particular, Cordyceps has been revered for its energy-producing and rejuvenating properties, more specifically after times of physical exertion and fatigue. It does this by supporting mitochondrial health and function, which in turn supports the production of the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which in simpler terms is the body’s main energy supply. Therefore, the health of our mitochondria and specifically the production of ATP is vital to cultivating consistent energy and vitality.
Hormonal health
Hormones are compounds that affect every cell and system in the body, they are produced by various glands and organs and exert their effects across multiple systems including the endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems. When we think of hormones, most people think of sex hormones, specifically estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. They are of course crucial to the harmony of the reproductive system but are also required for sleep, energy levels, skin and digestive health and much more. This perspective can be reversed, in that many systems and organs of the body need to be functioning optimally to ensure harmonious hormonal balance. Medicinal mushrooms can nourish and tonify the Liver, ensuring optimal hormonal detoxification, adaptogenic in nature they can bring regulation to the nervous system and adrenal glands, they support blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity and help to reduce inflammation, all of which when out of balance can greatly affect hormonal health.
Consistency in Practice
A consistent practice is the foundation from which these benefits begin. The tonic herbs that are the most highly revered are those that slowly integrate their medicine into the body, consumed daily, their benefits accumulating over time. They weave their magic deep within each and every cell, ensuring that a smooth flow of Qi can flow through each organ system, allowing a dynamic equilibrium to be found. It is from this state that true vitality and longevity can manifest. So our biggest piece of advice to you is to consume the Mason’s Mushroom blend (alongside any other of our tonic herbs that you desire) consistently, and over time, feel the endless benefits cultivating within you.
Sourcing
All herbs in this formula are sourced Di Tao from herb-producing regions of China.
Sourcing herbs from their spiritual homeland is born from the Taoist philosophy of Di Dao.
Di Dao poetically translates as ‘the way of the Earth’ and shows us where to harvest herbs if we wish to experience the herb’s true Spirit. From its ‘original place’ or ‘spiritual homeland’, a method that results in a product that is both full spectrum and medicinally robust. Di Dao is the classification given to the highest quality herbs in China and describes the core sourcing philosophy that we practice here at SuperFeast. Since the essence of Taoism is rooted in the Classical Era texts of Chinese Medicine, so too is our sourcing.
Our herbs are grown in environments completely free of pesticides; here, the wild ecology of the land flourishes, allowing the herbs to prosper within their own seasonal rhythms. There is no need to introduce chemicals of any kind into these wild settings; the intelligence of companion planting keeps things in check. As per Di Dao, the way these herbs are grown yields a truly 'beyond organic' product.
All our products are routinely tested at third-party facilities in Australia that are approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association). We test for heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxins and microbiological data and our results are always comparable to our partner’s test results in China, as well as always complying with TGA standards.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about digestive and hormonal health, immunity and medicinal mushrooms we have linked some of our favourite podcast episodes for you to explore!
Gut Health Episodes
Gut Health Part 1 with Mason and Dan Sipple
Gut Health Part 2 with Mason and Dan Sipple
Optimising Your Gut Bacteria with Dan Sipple
Your Microbiome and Gut Dysbiosis with Jason Hawrelak
Gut Health and Healing SIBO with Dr Nirala
Medicinal Mushrooms Episodes and Articles
The Wild World of Medicinal Mushrooms with Jeff Chilton
Autoimmunity and Medicinal Mushrooms with Dan Sipple
Hormonal Health
Adrenal Fatigue and Repair with Sage Dammers & Dan Sipple
Female Hormones with Dr Carrie Jones
Men’s Hormones: Everything You Need To Know with Dan Sipple
Period Repair with Dr Lara Briden
Menstruation and Menopause with Clare Pyers
References
Journal Articles
A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota - PMC
Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology - PMC
The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America
Books:
The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs by Ron Teeguarden
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: Third Edition by Giovanni Maciocia
