While we’re still feeling the full heat of summertime, it won’t be long at all before the season transitions into fall. With it comes the rise in fall allergies, the advent of another cold & flu season, and on top of that we still have the lingering uncertainty and stress surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; so many worthwhile reasons to consider shoring up our foundational immune and stress responses.
This month’s product feature, Host Defense Stamets 7 Powder, draws upon many well established benefits of medicinal mushrooms, from over 5000 years of traditional use and modern day clinical research.
Stamets 7
Stamets 7 has been available for some time in capsule form, but the new powder version allows for many flexible ways to mix it in your favorite food or drink. It combines certified organic, freeze-dried mushroom mycelium from seven of the most powerful and well-known mushrooms in the world.
In contrast to isolated polysaccharide extracts, the mushroom mycelium used in Stamets 7 contain the full spectrum of fully activated beneficial compounds found in each species, combined to make a powerhouse formula with many whole body benefits. The formula includes Agaricus/Royal Sun Blazei, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Mesima, each having unique strengths that combine synergistically. These benefits may include:
- Support for general immunity and non-specific response to pathogens
- Balancing/modulating effect on inflammatory and immune responses
- Supports multiple systems in the body: respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, liver, cellular function and more
- Helps support blood sugar regulation already within a healthy range
- Adaptogenic properties support overall response and resilience to everyday stressors
- Supports cognitive function, exercise stamina and natural detoxification pathways
- May increase Natural Killer Cell by up to 300% 1
A Good Choice for COVID?
For natural immune remedies, there is concern that some herbs and nutrients may stimulate an inflammatory ‘cytokine storm’ that appears to be involved in more severe and life threatening COVID infection symptoms. This does include some isolated mushroom polysaccharides that appear to activate IL-6 cytokine production in studies. There doesn’t appear to be actual clinical data directly linking most natural remedies to COVID cytokine storm2, but practitioners advise caution.
Host Defense, including Stamets 7, all use full spectrum, whole mushroom mycelium, which in contrast to isolated polysaccharides, has a modulating effect on inflammation and immune response, and do not appear to stimulate IL-6 or IL-10 in animal or human studies. While there aren’t any direct clinical trials for COVID on these mushroom formulas, they are considered safe and potentially beneficial for strengthening overall immune response2. As always, consult your physician about taking nutritional and herbal supplements, and seek immediate medical care if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Recipe Ideas
Powdered mushroom formulas have become a popular booster ingredient to add to morning coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods and more. Host Defense has some lovely recipes to use Stamets 7 or any one of their other powder mushroom formulas.
‘Bulletproof coffee’ is a great morning beverage that can be enhanced with Stamets 7 powder. Here is an easy sample recipe to kickstart your day and boost your mental and physical health:
Stamets 7 Mushroom Coffee
- ½ teaspoon Stamets 7 powder
- ¼ organic ceylon cinnamon (optional to taste)
- 8 to 10oz brewed coffee(preferably fair-trade organic)
- 1 Tbsp MCT Oil or Virgin Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp Ghee/Clarified Butter
- ½ to 1 teaspoon healthy sweetener, ie coconut sugar, agave, or maple syrup (optional)
- Sprinkle of sea salt to taste
If you prefer a latte or tea is your favorite morning beverage, there are plenty of great recipe variations online that include medicinal mushrooms.
You can also add a ½ teaspoon serving of Stamets 7 to your favorite food or beverage up to 3 servings a day.
During the coming fall and winter season, Stamets 7 Powder can be a great choice for immune and overall wellness.
References
- Host Defense Product Page: https://hostdefense.com/products/stamets-7-powder
- Univ of Arizona, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Published on Web. COVID-19 FAQ
- Adapted from Recipe ‘Enhanced Mushroom Coffee’.https://blog.freshcapmushrooms.com/learn/diy-mushroom-coffee/
