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This week, we talk with 4th-generation herbalist, research scientist and mycologist, Dr. Christopher Hobbs. He extolls the benefits of mushrooms not only as nutritious foods, but also as important components of natural medicine. What should you know about marvelous medicinal mushrooms?
You may want to listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can’t listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on February 19, 2023.
Learning about Medicinal Mushrooms:
Our guest, Dr. Christopher Hobbs, grew up in a family steeped in botany and herbalism. He himself studied acupuncture professionally and pursued further acupuncture studies in China. There, he was impressed with the variety and prevalence of mushrooms in the diet. The health professionals with whom he was working were all convinced that eating mushrooms would improve their health. Moreover, they pointed to the wide us of mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine. At that point, he decided he needed to learn more.
Although they are not plants, mushrooms have many of the qualities that make a plant-based diet attractive. In addition to vitamins, fiber, protein, trace minerals and phytonutrients, mushrooms are a rich source of beta-glucans. These natural compounds can help lower cholesterol and improve the immune response. If you are a fan of mushroom-barley soup, you may enjoy the exchange between Joe and Dr. Hobbs regarding the best mushrooms for this delicious comfort food.
Strengthening the Immune System:
If you asked your healthcare provider for a prescription to strengthen your immune system, you’d probably get advice instead. You’d be told to eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep and manage your stress. Western medicine does not have any medications designed to improve the immune response, although there are many powerful drugs to suppress the immune system.
In contrast, there is basic research and some pre-clinical studies indicating that certain mushrooms can modulate the immune response. One of these is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) (Foods, April 3, 2023). Scientists are examining its potential against cancer as well as infection. It seems that this mushroom may also help reduce the risk of diabetes.
Preventing Dementia with Medicinal Mushrooms:
At this time, western medicine does not have good prescriptions to prevent dementia. Research on mushrooms is still quite preliminary, but there is epidemiological evidence that women who eat mushrooms frequently have a degree of protection (British Journal of Nutrition, Jan. 19, 2024). Animal studies also show promise with medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) boosting memory (Biology, Jan. 28, 2023).
Other mushrooms, such as turkeytail, shiitake or maitake, also can help protect the liver and respiratory system. They also lower cholesterol and inflammation.
We briefly discussed research utilizing psilocybin to counter existential anxiety among people with a cancer diagnosis. You can hear an entire interview dedicated to that topic here in Show 1084: Psilocybin, Cancer and Spiritual Awakening.
A Seasonal Suggestion:
People who are suffering from colds or other respiratory infections at this time of year can get relief by sipping a concoction of thyme tea with 3 grams (1 teaspoon) of reishi powder in six ounces of tea. Ivy leaf, which is popular in Europe, is also a helpful addition to this remedy. In this country, one product is BronchialSoothe. In Europe, ivy leaf is available in a mixed herbal product called Bronchoforce.
This Week’s Guest:
Dr. Christopher Hobbs is a fourth-generation internationally renowned herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, author, clinician, botanist, mycologist, and research scientist with over 35 years of experience with herbal medicine.
Dr. Hobbs has a doctorate from UC Berkeley in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology and phytochemistry. He is also a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild. Dr. Hobbs is the author of several books, including Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness
Dr. Christopher Hobbs
His website is https://christopherhobbs.com/
Information about the mushroom trek in Nepal is available at the website, International Mushroom Tours. https://www.imtnepal.com/
You can also find information on medicinal mushrooms and herbs at christopherhobbs1 on Instagram.
Listen to the Podcast:
The podcast of this program will be available Monday, February 19, 2024, after broadcast on Feb. 17. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free.
Florida K
After reading about Lion’s Mane mushrooms and their ability to help with memory and the possibility of fighting dementia, I began taking it daily. I’ve been using it for about a year and definitely feel my brain is sharper and my thinking is clearer. I am 75yo and the caregiver for my husband, who is disabled, so I really want to stay sharp. I’ll also look into the mushrooms to help lower cholesterol, as I can’t tolerate statins. Love mushrooms in all forms, but U.S. is sadly behind on availability of mushroom varieties.
Mary
My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about 26 years ago my brother went to the local health food store and was told about a MAITAKE liquid form to use , we started giving that to my father following the directions on the bottle which was made in Japan, his kidneys had failed by this time and they were going to put him on dialysis, i never forgot the day the oncologist walked into his room and told us this was only the 2nd time he ever saw a patient’s kidneys start to function again on their own , we thought it was from using the MAITAKE liquid , my father’s kidneys continued to function on their own for the next 6 months until he passed away from the myeloma
Mary J
One of the best things about my move from the U.S. to Paris is that I can get mushrooms every day. The U.S. is woefully behind in appreciation of mushrooms.