- What is mycotherapy?
- The most used medicinal mushrooms
- Organic dosed medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats
- The opinion of veterinarians
What is mycotherapy?
Mycotherapy is a natural therapy which is based on the use of certain types of mushrooms with beneficial properties for both the health of people and many animals. That is why they are called medicinal mushrooms, since their properties serve to prevent and treat numerous ailments.
Mycotherapy has been known for centuries and widely used, for example, in Traditional Chinese Medicine. And mushrooms are one of the most complete (and beautiful) creations of Nature: they contain polysaccharides, minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, etc.
What makes some types of mushrooms especially interesting is their high concentration of beta-glucans (a type of polysaccharides), capable of modulating cellular balance, especially that of the immune system.
For this reason, medicinal mushrooms (around 20 species) in nutritional supplement format are a very valuable tool to take care of the health of dogs and cats naturally.
Organic dosed medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats
As in the case of any other nutritional supplement or phytotherapeutic preparation, the effectiveness of mycotherapy is closely linked to the raw materials being 100% natural. One way to ensure that is that they have an organic production certificate. It is also important that they contain enough active ingredient and that the dosage of the treatment is appropriate. Furthermore, in many cases the preparations not only include one type of mushroom, but a mixture, which enhances its action by acting in synergy.
In the Online store At Herbalist for Animals Winter Sun you have various options for supplements based on medicinal mushrooms.
We remind you that natural nutritional supplements are not medicines and do not require a prescription, but for individualized treatment, especially when there are existing pathologies, it is highly recommended to consult an integrative veterinarian (with knowledge of phytotherapy, mycotherapy, nutrition, etc.).
On the other hand, if you like to cook for your dogs or cats and want to know how to introduce mushrooms into their diet, we also offer you online nutrition consultation .
The most used medicinal mushrooms
Sun Mushroom (Agaricus Blazei Murrill). It is used in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of diseases such as cancer, hepatitis or diabetes. Increases energy, for example, during periods of convalescence. It is also used in the treatment of environmental allergies (antihistamine), dermatitis, etc. and it is hepatoprotective, lowering transaminases, bilirubin and ferritin.
According to Dr. Takashi Mizuno: “Agaricus blazei Murrill has antimutagenic, bactericidal and antiangiogenic activities, and is a powerful stimulant of the immune system, promoting natural defense mechanisms to combat numerous infectious agents.".
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). It is ideal for stress and anxiety problems, for periods of fatigue, for rheumatoid arthritis, viral diseases, allergies, hepatitis and is an adjuvant in oncological treatments (it strengthens its effects and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy).
*Do not administer in cases of bleeding because it stimulates blood circulation, and in animals with diabetes, it requires veterinary monitoring because it can modify glucose levels.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes). It is beneficial to fight against increased cholesterol, osteoarthritis, bronchitis, kennel cough, dental plaque, eczema, etc.
Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor). It serves for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of cancer. Also for hepatitis and viral infections (feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency, etc.) and bacterial.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis). It increases muscle performance, which is why it is indicated against fatigue. Helps in cases of bronchitis, hepatitis and kidney failure.
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). It is indicated for anxiety, stress, cognitive difficulties, etc., as well as digestive problems.
polyporus (Polyporus umbellatus). It is ideal for edema, FLUTD (lower urinary tract disease) in cats, urinary infections, etc. It has antibiotic properties and strengthens the immune system.
Coprinus (Coprinus comatus). It reduces blood glucose levels and protects the pancreas, which is why it helps diabetic animals. Helps prevent chronic hepatitis.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa). It regulates metabolism, which is why it helps with weight loss, diabetes and cancer treatments.
What integrative veterinarians say
There are integrative veterinarians who are really enthusiastic about mycotherapy, such as the well-known Karen becker"If you have a pet with cancer or are trying to prevent them from developing this disease and do not add medicinal mushrooms to their diet, you are missing a huge opportunity. A recent study has revealed that people who incorporated mushrooms into their daily diet have a lower risk of cancer (eating 18g of mushrooms per day reduces the risk of cancer by 45% according to a study). study from Penn State Cancer Institute ). "
For her part, the veterinarian and author of books on natural health in animals, Deva Khalsa, highlights that Turkey Tail has been used for more than 2.000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its large amount of peptide polysaccharides (PSP). PSPs have an antitumor effect, in addition to boosting the immune system. Khalsa cites the good results obtained in dogs with this fungus in studies by the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School (2012).
*If you want a consultation with an integrative veterinarian and you don't know anyone, you can contact us and we will try to help you. Contact: informacion@herbolariosoldeinvierno.es
