Fungi and herbs have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support a variety of systems, including the respiratory system. Here in the Adirondacks of New York State, we have a close-knit history to respiratory health, being home to the Trudeau Institute which historically studied tuberculosis, encouraging patients to come and breathe in the clean, frigid air of the Adirondacks on one of our historic, wraparound cure-cottage porches. In this blog, we’ll discuss the potential respiratory benefits of healing fungi. The superstars in the respiratory realm, and some noteworthy runners-up.
Learn more about the History of Healing in the Adirondacks
In TCM, herbs, fungi and minerals are used to support the body’s ability to heal itself. Within the bounds of this school of thought, mushrooms support respiratory health in few roundabout ways. The mushrooms we’ll discuss today primarily provide support through mechanisms like supporting the immune system, soothing non-disease related inflammation, and their potential effects on mast cells and histamine.
Let’s start with our superstars for respiratory support. While all mushrooms indirectly support respiratory health by supporting and modulating the immune system and providing antioxidants, there are a few mushies that stand out in the realm of respiratory health. Ganoderma mushrooms, including Hemlock Reishi and Artist’s Conk, as well as Chaga are three mushrooms with spectacular benefits to keep you at your peak during cold and flu season.
Ganoderma Mushrooms for Respiratory Support
The Ganoderma genus has long been heralded in China, with traditional herbalists using it for weakness, gut issues, breathing problems, blood issues, appetite issues and fatigue. Reishi mushrooms are quickly gaining popularity worldwide for their wellness-nurturing effects. When it comes to breathing specifically, there are a variety of compounds at play within reishi mushrooms that provide support for the airway.
Ganoderic acids, triterpenoid compounds found in reishi mushrooms like Ganoderma applanatum, have been studied for their potential antiinflammatory and protective effects on the respiratory system (1, 2). Beta glucan, a polysaccharide found in many mushrooms, but particularly rich in Artist’s Conk and Maitake, has been studied for its potential to balance the TH1 and TH2 immune responses (3). There are even studies and papers describing the potential Ganoderma extracts to have beneficial effects on histamine (4).
Learn more about Artist's Conk
In a rodent study, diets consisting of Ganoderma tsugae were fed to mice suffering from bronchoalveolar inflammation for 5 weeks. Scientists discovered that the mice being fed the tsugae had fewer inflammatory compounds in their respiratory system compared to the control (5). When the Ganoderma genus as a whole was studied, the results indicated that the Ganoderma formula reduced inflammatory markers, while sparing anti-inflammatory cytokines (6).
While our products were not the products that were being studied in the aforementioned research, a glance at our Artist’s Conk reviews will show you how our customers enjoy the benefits of Ganoderma.
Chaga for Respiratory Support
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is another standout when it comes to potential respiratory benefits. Studies on Chaga extracts, both in the lab and in animal models, have explored its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that compounds from Chaga may help reduce IgE levels, which are antibodies linked to allergic reactions, potentially lowering sensitivity to allergens (7).
Compounds like inotodiol, which is found within Chaga, have been studied for their potential to stabilize mast cells, which may prevent the release of histamine associated with allergy symptoms (8). This effect has been observed in animal studies using mouse models of food allergies, showing promise for targeted relief without affecting T cells or B cells (9).
Additionally, some studies have indicated that Chaga may help balance Th1 and Th2 immune responses, contributing to a more regulated immune system, in addition to all of chaga’s other immune-stimulating benefits. By potentially reducing non-disease-related-inflammation and supporting immune function, Chaga could offer valuable support for respiratory health, particularly during allergy season.
While the Chaga extracts studied were not from Birch Boys, a glance at our customer reviews will show how people enjoy the benefits of Birch Boys Chaga for their well-being.
More Ways Fungi Support Breathing
While we've highlighted a few superstars for respiratory health, several other mushrooms and fungal compounds also show promise in supporting healthy breathing.
Ergosterol's Potential Respiratory Benefits
Ergosterol, a precursor to vitamin D2 found in fungi, has been studied for its potential to help mitigate the negative effects of cigarette smoking, such as oxidative stress and inflammation (10). While this study focused on extracts from Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a rare and costly mushroom. The good news is that ergosterol is also present in the alcohol extracts of more accessible fungi like Maitake, Shiitake, and Chaga, making these more affordable options worth exploring.
Beta Glucans for Immune Balance
Beta glucans, polysaccharides found in many fungi and grains, are known for their ability to support and balance the immune system. These natural compounds may help regulate the activity of various immune cells, especially in cases where the immune system is skewed towards allergic reactions. Research from lab studies, animal models, and human trials suggests that beta glucans can be effective in soothing allergic issues by restoring immune balance (3). It's important to note that fungal-derived beta glucans show far higher activity compared to those derived from grains or starches.
Immune-Supporting and Potential Antiviral Properties
Lastly, we are all familiar with how well mushrooms can support the immune system! A well-nourished immune system can be the key to avoiding seasonal nasties like the cold or flu. In addition to this, many mushrooms have shown promise in their anti-viral capabilities, potentially helping to stave off seasonal illnesses.
About The Author
Born and raised amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondack Mountains, Kaitlin Lawless developed a profound appreciation for the natural world from an early age. She is passionate about ecological preservation and permaculture, employing such practices on her homestead. Since childhood, she has studied and been taught about herbalism by the wise women in her life, field guides, and accredited scientific literature. Her expertise in the field of mycology stems from her invaluable training under the tutelage of Garrett Kopp, a licensed NYS mushroom identification expert. Kaitlin is an integral part of the Birch Boys team, as the Assistant to the President, she manages Birch Boys' marketing, customer service, and more. This role has afforded her a deep and expansive knowledge of the effects and applications of healing mushrooms. With her broad expertise, Kaitlin has become a trusted source of information for those seeking to harness the power of nature's medicinal offerings.
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References
1 - X. Lu, C. Xu, R. Yang, and G. Zhang, “Ganoderic acid A alleviates OVA-Induced asthma in mice,” Inflammation, vol. 44, no. 5, pp. 1908–1915, May 2021, doi: 10.1007/s10753-021-01468-1.
2 - C. Liu et al., “Ganoderic acid C1 isolated from the anti-asthma formula, ASHMITM suppresses TNF-α production by mouse macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthma patients,” International Immunopharmacology, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 224–231, Aug. 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.05.018.
3 - M. Jesenak, P. Banovcin, Z. Rennerova, and J. Majtan, “β-Glucans in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases,” Allergologia Et Immunopathologia, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 149–156, Mar. 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.aller.2012.08.008.
4 - M. Powell (BSc.(Hons), Dip.Ac, Dip.CHM, MRCHM), “The Use of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in the Management of Histamine-Mediated Allergic Responses,” Mycology Research. [Online]. Available: https://www.mycologyresearch.com/articles/view/28
5 - J.-Y. Lin, M.-L. Chen, B.-L. Chiang, and B.-F. Lin, “Ganoderma tsugae supplementation alleviates bronchoalveolar inflammation in an airway sensitization and challenge mouse model,” International Immunopharmacology, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 241–251, Feb. 2006, doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2005.08.009.
6 - Y. Li, M. Li, R. Wang, B. Wang, S. S. Athari, and J. Wang, “Ganoderma modulates allergic asthma pathologic features via anti-inflammatory effects,” Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, vol. 299, p. 103843, May 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2022.103843.
7 - S.-K. Ko, M. Jin, and M.-Y. Pyo, “Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized mice,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 137, no. 3, pp. 1077–1082, Oct. 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.024.
8 - T. M. N. Nguyet et al., “The mast cell stabilizing activity of Chaga mushroom critical for its therapeutic effect on food allergy is derived from inotodiol,” International Immunopharmacology, vol. 54, pp. 286–295, Jan. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.11.025.
9 - T. M. N. Nguyen, H. S. Le, B. V. Le, Y. H. Kim, and I. Hwang, “Anti-allergic effect of inotodiol, a lanostane triterpenoid from Chaga mushroom, via selective inhibition of mast cell function,” International Immunopharmacology, vol. 81, p. 106244, Apr. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106244.
10 - X. Sun et al., “Ergosterol attenuates cigarette smoke extract-induced COPD by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo,” Clinical Science, vol. 133, no. 13, pp. 1523–1536, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.1042/cs20190331.
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