Mushrooms and cancer

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Mushrooms and cancer

Medicinal mushrooms have long been part of traditional healing systems, and recently they have entered the modern scientific spotlight as tools for supporting cancer patients. From boosting the immune system to aiding mitochondrial health, their potential is now being studied across continents, with growing clinical evidence backing up ancient wisdom.

This article is a living co-creation: Eli’s truth lens, public clinical studies and Piyush’s family journey. We wish that it sparks curiosity and helps you find strength, connection and science-rooted faith.

Immune system & natural killer cells

Mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail stimulate natural killer (NK) cells, a vital defense against cancer. These mushrooms are rich in β-glucans, polysaccharides that activate immune pathways and support immune modulation.

In Japan and China, Turkey Tail extract (PSK) has been officially used in cancer therapy protocols for over 30 years, especially in cases of gastric and breast cancers. Studies show improved survival rates and reduced recurrence when used alongside chemo- or radiotherapy.

Shiitake, rich in selenium, contributes to antioxidant defense and has demonstrated preventive effects for breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer. Chaga has also been known and cited by PubMed for its powerful antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Breast cancer and women's health

A 2020 Oncotarget case study showed Maitake and Reishi β-glucans enhance immune function, ease chemo side effects and improve quality of life. Maitake provides a powerful complementary support to the hormone-sensitive cancers in women, especially when guided by integrative practitioners.

Another study from PubMed highlighted that Reishi extract reduces breast cancer cell motility by disrupting the RAC-Lamellipodin axis, potentially limiting metastasis.

Men’s health and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK. NHS and BBC campaigns now urge men over 45 to seek early screening. Reishi and Turkey Tail show promise in supporting immune responses relevant to prostate cancer. Cordyceps and Chaga may offer preventative support through mitochondrial and anti-inflammatory actions.

Mushrooms offer more than physical support, they offer nervous system nourishment, stress modulation and a way to reconnect to body wisdom — something men are rarely invited into. We believe that normalising conversation around male vulnerability, preventative care and emotional regeneration is part of the broader healing.

Mitochondrial support

Mitochondrial dysfunction is another studied process in cancer. Ergothioneine, a rare amino acid found in mushrooms, protects mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage.

Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane reduce oxidative stress. Cordycepin, the active compound in Cordyceps, is now in Phase 2 trials as NUC-7738 drug, by Oxford University. It has been found to inhibit RNA synthesis in cancer cells.

In traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine Cordyceps has long been used for lungs, kidney health, vitality and stamina which are affected during cancer treatment.

Recovery, sleep and stress

Medicinal mushrooms also offer support in recovery from chemotherapy. Reishi promotes deep sleep and regulates cortisol. Better rest supports healing. Clients report improved recovery during chemo with Reishi and Turkey Tail. Cordyceps also improves stamina, and Lion’s Mane supports cognitive clarity.

Amanita Muscaria in context

Amanita Muscaria has a long and rich ethnobotanical history. In vitro studies suggest cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects, anticancer activity on choriocarcinoma and lung carcinoma cell lines, through an early research. Anecdotal data from surveys (e.g., Baba Masha’s 12,000-person report) shows truly high therapeutic effects for sleep, pain, panic attacks, muscle spasms and stress.

Multiple mechanisms of action

According to the Oncotarget scientific review, mushrooms deal with cancer on several biological levels: immune modulation, apoptosis, preventing angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors) and preserving mitochondrial function. Their β-glucans, terpenoids and phenolic compounds offer a multi-layered approach.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense

Recent Japanese studies show various fungi inhibit xanthine oxidase and reduce inflammation, helping to manage oxidative stress which is a factor in cancer progression.

Diet and liver cancer

Dietary patterns matter. A Chinese case-control study found regular mushroom intake correlated with reduced liver cancer risk. Alongside vegetables, fruits and legumes.

Summary of benefits

  • Immune modulation (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Chaga)

  • Mitochondrial support (Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane)

  • Stress/sleep regulation (Reishi)

  • Neuroregeneration (Lion’s Mane)

  • Anti-tumor effects (polysaccharides, triterpenes, ergothioneine)


Life beyond those 6 months: A personal story by Piyush

When my father was diagnosed with advanced sarcoma and given six months to live, he lived four years more. Yes, we used conventional treatments, and we also created a new ecosystem: mushrooms, movement, mindset and love.

Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail supported immune strength and restorative sleep. Grounding, light therapy, Epsom salt soaks and a nutrient-rich diet formed the foundation. He also practiced gentle breathwork and meditation.

We worked with functional medicine doctors, tracking his markers. His immune system remained resilient, even through covid. He walked thousands steps daily, danced, climbed, laughed and remembered the Beatles until his final months.

He ultimately died not from cancer. He died from rapid side effects of an oncology drug, the side effects we were never fully informed about.

This was more than a protocol, it was a synergy of joy, movement and mental sharpness made possible by mushrooms and life choice against all odds.

Let’s not wait for illness to wake us. Let’s deepen life, together. 💌 Reach out via Mushroom Mother for protocols, support or community.


✨ Final thought by Eli

Pouring myself a cup of fermented fireweed tea, I caught this sentence like a bird:
"Life wants to multiply through us, no matter what".

Even cancer, perhaps, is not the end, but a strange attempt of life to speak, to grow, to transform. We don’t always know what’s "good" or "bad" — we are part of the spiral, not above it.

 

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