Harmonic Arts - Mushroom Tinctures

Product Notes:

Harmonic Arts is a family-owned herbal medicine company based in Vancouver Island. Five types of their liquid tincture mushroom extracts are currently available here: Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail (also known as Coriolus), and a Five Mushroom Tincture of all those plus Chaga.

Cordyceps

Nature is stranger than fiction – and nowhere more strange than in the cordyceps fungus, a parasite that grows from the heads of insects' corpses after it has killed them. However, though deadly to insects, cordyceps is prized for its adaptogenic properties; it is said that yak herders have been long aware of its stimulating and energizing qualities, having noticed increased liveliness in their animals after they ate this mushroom. As an adaptogen rather than a stimulant, it enhances your body's own cellular capacity to increase energy, and is often used for energy, stamina, endurance, and for adrenal, stress kidney, and lung support, and even to improve sexual performance or to enhance alertness and stamina during exercise and sports. And now you no longer need to hike to its native Himalayan plateau habitat to get this multipurpose natural supplement: it's now easily available in the form of Harmonic Arts' convenient tinctures!

Lion's Mane

Lion's mane (which is also called "bearded tooth" in some regions, with both descriptors because of its shaggy looks) is an edible medicinal mushroom known for its powerful effects as a brain tonic that can boost cognition, elevate mood and promote the growth of healthy new neurons. It is reputed to have been used as a tea for thousands of years by Buddhist monks, to enhance their brain power and heighten their ability to focus during meditation.

The most likely explanation for these effects is that Lion's mane contains bioactive compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which stimulate the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): a naturally occurring protein in the body that promotes neurogenesis (growth of new neurons), while also being neuroprotective (protecting new and existing neurons from oxidative damage and/or inflammation).

Research indicates these compounds may be able to enhance nerve regeneration (increased production of myelin, a protective sheath, on nerve cells) and boost many aspects of cognition (executive functioning, verbal reasoning, memory, etc.) and stabilize mood (less frequent fluctuations).

This tincture concentrates these valuable compounds through a dual-extraction method that harvests both the mycelium and fruiting body components of the Lion's mane mushrooms.

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail is another extensively researched medicinal mushroom, which, yes, resembles the feathers found in a turkey's tail. This mushroom is known particularly for its powerful anti-viral and immune boosting properties. In many Asian cultures, turkey tail symbolizes longevity, health and spiritual attunement.

It's a mushroom held in high regard, and for good reason, considering its many benefits. Research indicates turkey tail plays an important role in preventing and treating viral/bacterial infections such as the common cold and flu. It exerts this effect through modulating the body's immune system (if it's running low it brings it up; if it's running high, it drops it back down), in order to maintain homeostasis (stability of the immune system).

These immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties are most likely due to its active constituents: protein-bound polysaccharides (complex carbohydrate or sugar molecules), especially Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which have been the subject of several research studies in connection with more serious diseases.

Red Reishi

Red reishi is another one of the most utilized and most useful medicinal mushrooms. It's been one of the most highly regarded medicinal mushrooms in Eastern cultures for thousands of years. It was first referenced in Chinese medical literature, where it has been referred to as the “Elixir of Life” and the “Mushroom of Immortality," due to its powerful healing abilities and strong anti-inflammatory, immune boosting and brain enhancing benefits.

Since then, Reishi has also been found to have unique adaptogenic effects (helping the body adapt to stress and return to balance).

Reishi supports the body's immune system through its beta-glucan polysaccharide compounds, which work by activating the T-cells (our cellular "security guards" which identify and signal the presence of threats) to signal the macrophages (our cellular "garbage collectors") to neutralize the invading pathogenic microorganisms.

Reishi has also been documented as having exceptionally high levels of powerful antioxidants, which can help reduce the presence of harmful free radicals in the body which can cause cellular damage and aggravate chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition, Reishi can also down-regulate an overactive immune system (for example, tempering allergies by reducing the release of histamine).

Another arena for its adaptogenic abilities is in supporting the body's endocrine system: balancing cortisol and adrenaline levels, to enable longer lasting focus, a greater sense of relaxation, and a more restful sleep.

5 Mushroom Tincture

Finally, the 5 Mushroom Tincture is an equal blend of the four preceding types, plus one other: Chaga, another antioxidant rich mushroom, to help boost the immune system, protect our DNA, suppress inflammation, and stabilize blood pressure.