Our secret weapon when it comes to all aspects of our health might surprise you — it’s mushrooms! No chopping, sautéing, or trying to hide them in a dish because someone doesn’t like the flavour or texture, though. The mushrooms we turn to for immunity, focus, gut health, energy and more are already in concentrated, powdered form, and once we add them to our coffee, smoothie or another favourite recipe, we can’t even tell they’re there!
These are high quality concentrated mushroom powders from BC’s Harmonic Arts, a family-owned and -run company with a passion for herbal medicines.
There are five different mushrooms to choose from, with a sixth that combines all the mushrooms into a blend. And they’re all 15% off (along with Harmonic Arts tincture blends) until March 29!
Meet the mushrooms, learn their benefits and check out the creative and easy ways you can add them to your daily routine!
Chaga
A source of fungal polysaccharides with immunomodulating properties, chaga mushroom is known to boost immunity and offer powerful antioxidant properties. Chaga grows mainly on the bark of birch trees, in cold, Northern climates.
Use chaga powder in your morning coffee for a cold-busting Chaga Latte! Mix 12 oz of your favourite brewed coffee, 1/4 tsp Harmonic Arts Chaga Mushroom Powder, 1 tsp Maple Syrup or Raw Honey, 1 tsp Coconut or Cacao Butter, 1 pinch cinnamon and a dash of milk or milk alternative of your choice. Use a milk frother to get a nice foam, and enjoy your fancy drink!
Source: https://harmonicarts.ca/blogs/harmonic-arts-blog/cold-busting-chaga-coffee
Cordyceps
You might have seen this one on an episode of Planet Earth! Cordyceps is commonly known as the fungus that parasitizes insects, like ants. These cordyceps are grown in non-GMO soybeans and rice, though, for maximum cordycepin and andenosine content (as compared to when grown in wheat - not ants).
Used in Chinese medicine for over 1300 years for energy and endurance, cordyceps may improve stamina and energy levels and provide adrenal support. Enjoy this mushroom powder in your favourite hot beverage, soup or smoothie, or try this energy bar recipe from Harmonic Arts.
Turkey Tail
Growing on fallen trees and resembling -- you guessed it! -- a turkey's tail, Turkey Tail is one of the most researched mushrooms in the world, and is often used in China and Japan for immune and digestive imbalances. You might choose it when you need support with gut health, and increased immunity.
Try 1/4 tsp of Turkey Tail Concentrated Mushroom Powder in a smoothie with half a banana (we recommend frozen); 1/2 cup juice, milk, water or milk alternative; 1/2 cup frozen berries of your choice; and half an avocado or 1/2 cup yogurt.
Reishi
Known as “The Mushroom of Spiritual Potency” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi naturally grows on dead or dying hardwood trees and is fan-shaped with a red cap. This mushroom has been studied in China for over 2000 years and has traditionally been used to promote longevity and vitality. Reishi is adaptogenic, grounding and revitalizing.
Our herbalist, Des, drinks this daily as a tea, blended with honey and topped with rose petals. She finds it allows her to stay focused on her herbalism schoolwork, and remain heart-centered throughout the day.
You might also want to try this Iced Lavender Reishi Latte recipe from Harmonic Arts, or their Reishi Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Lion’s Mane
A source of antioxidants that help protect cells against free radical damage, Lion’s Mane is known in Chinese folklore to build nerves of steel and the memory of a lion. It grows on hard woods in a formation akin to a cascade of white icicles. This concentrated mushroom powder may help improve focus and memory, and it also offers nerve support.
Lion’s Mane can be added to your favourite focus-boosting tea, hot or iced, for a delicious drink to sip while you study, or you could try this sneaky, refreshing way to include it in your day! Dr. Amelia Patillo (@dr.ameliapatillo on Instagram) created this recipe for Harmonic Arts. Combine 3 cups pineapple (fresh, frozen or canned), 1 can coconut cream and 2.5-3 Tbsp Lion’s Mane Concentrated Mushroom Powder in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze for a Pina Colada Popsicle Treat with an extra edge!
5 Mushroom Concentrated Mushroom Powder
Get them all in one place with this blend! Use 5 Mushroom Concentrated Mushroom Powder in any of the ways previously listed. We also like using this one stirred into a soup or a dip as part of lunch.
