Corona – Infection: Prophylaxis and promising research on vital mushrooms

by Dr. Dorothee Bös, alternative practitioner and Dipl.-Biol. Dorothee Ogroske, alternative practitioner

18 January 2022

There are always news and recent knowledge about the corona virus and the infections caused by it. Understandably, many people ask themselves: How high is the risk of catching the virus and becoming ill? What can I do to protect myself from viral diseases in general?

According to current information, the Corona virus has been detected in other organs, fat tissue and the digestive tract, in addition to the respiratory tract. The most important thing in the fight against it is to increase our immune power and reduce risk factors such as diabetes. We achieve a better body defence especially by strengthening our mucous membranes – the entry point for pathogens.

Vital mushrooms have been tried and tested for many centuries in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They are used to alleviate acute infections and chronic diseases. Vital mushrooms such as cordyceps, reishi, coriolus and shiitake are increasingly being used therapeutically in the western world – as an effective means of naturally strengthening the immune system.

Effect of the vital mushrooms at Corona

The immune-strengthening effect of these vital mushrooms has been proven by numerous studies. There are also initial scientific studies on corona infections that suggest the effectiveness of the vital mushrooms and their ingredients. We have received many reports confirming the positive effects in the prevention of infections and treatment of the consequences of infections, such as Long Covid.

Interplay of effective ingredients

Vital mushrooms contain many valuable substances to strengthen our defences. They thus support and promote our health. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fibre, enzymes and essential amino acids. In addition, the individual vital mushrooms each contain very specific substances, for example polysaccharides, triterpenes and chitin. Each supports the body’s defences in its own way and especially in interaction with each other.

When fighting viruses, medicinal mushrooms can be taken for follow-up treatment as well as preventively. Take advantage of our free telephone consultation at +49 40 334686-370. Our experts will help you if you have questions about the selection and dosage of the medicinal mushrooms that are suitable for you.

The antiviral effect of Coriolus, Chaga and Cordyceps

Many years of experience from naturopathy and many studies show that especially mushrooms like Coriolus and Chaga activate antiviral defence mechanisms of the immune system with the help of their contained polysaccharides. In Coriolus, the two polysaccharide peptides PSK and PSP have been very well studied. These ingredients primarily activate our cellular defences, such as the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

Scientific studies in the test tube also show direct antiviral effects through other ingredients of the mushrooms. The cordycepin of cordyceps and also the betulinic acid in chaga are promising. It was shown that betulinic acid interacts with the spike protein of SARS-Cov-2, making it more difficult for the virus to penetrate the host cell.

Reishi for support

Among the many different active substances, the antiviral and anti-inflammatory triterpenes of the reishi are in particular focus. Chronically inflamed mucous membranes are a good entry point for viruses. Reishi can heal inflammations in the respiratory tract. It thus strengthens the mucous membrane barrier, especially in the lungs. The triterpenes also have an ACE-inhibiting effect. This can reduce the multiplication of the corona virus, as it mainly enters the host cell via these ACE receptors.

Chaga

Severe courses of viral diseases are often due to a so-called “cytokine storm”. This leads to an increased, uncontrolled release of inflammatory cytokines. This can lead to organ damage and promote acute respiratory distress syndrome in the lungs – a life-threatening complication. Studies have shown that polysaccharides from shiitake and chaga help to reduce such inflammation-inducing cytokines. In this way, they have a protective effect on the lungs.

Defence mechanisms and inflammation increase oxidative stress in organs and tissues, which in turn can increase the virulence of pathogens. Therefore, antioxidant therapy should always be the goal, even in the context of a viral infection. We achieve this effect mainly through the enzymes contained in the mushrooms. In this context, the strong antioxidant effect of Coriolus, Reishi and Chaga should also be emphasised – especially when they are taken in combination.

Cordyceps

The vital mushroom cordyceps is also very supportive. Its ingredient cordycepin has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect. It strengthens the lungs and contributes to their protection and regeneration. Cordyceps was able to improve pulmonary fibrosis in animal experiments. This protective property is also seen in other organs such as the brain, liver, heart or kidneys. In addition, it has antifibrotic effects. In laboratory experiments, cordycepin was also able to inhibit the multiplication of RNA viruses and bind to the adenosine receptor, which could explain the soothing effect in pneumonia.

Shiitake

Besides its lung-protecting effect, shiitake particularly helps to strengthen the barrier function of all mucous membranes. It activates the release of special antibodies, secretory immunoglobulin A. The sIgA acts as an “antiseptic coating” on the mucous membranes by preventing the adhesion of pathogens.

Maitake

In the case of symptoms in the digestive tract, which is indicative of a virus multiplication in this area, maitake can be used in a soothing way. This mushroom unfolds its antiviral, anti-inflammatory effect especially here and is beneficial for symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. Due to its anti-diabetic, metabolism-stimulating effect, it also reduces the effects and occurrence of metabolic syndrome – a main risk factor for severe courses of a corona infection.

All the mushrooms mentioned, when taken as so-called “whole mushroom powder”, strengthen our microbiome in the gut. This is considered a very important prerequisite for a healthy immune system.

A coronavirus infection is a very serious disease that should only be treated by a doctor. However, we are happy to support you with the accompanying use of vital mushrooms in prevention and aftercare. You can reach our free telephone consultation under: +49 40 334686-370

Studies:

Note: Please consult your therapist before use.

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