Medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity as people seek natural cures, with claims of significant health advantages. But is growing them at home genuinely worth the hype? This article delves into the methods, information, and advice to help you decide whether farming these mushrooms is fulfilling.
What are Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, mainly in Asian countries. New scientific study has proven many of these old practices true. A study in the journal Mycobiology says that mushrooms’ chemicals, like polysaccharides, triterpenes, and ergosterol, can reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage, and boost the immune system.
Types and Advantages Of Medical Mushrooms
Because they are suitable for you in different ways, some types of therapeutic mushrooms stand out:
Reishi
It is often called the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi is known for its ability to lower stress, boost the immune system, and help the heart stay healthy. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that reishi can change how the immune system works, which is good for your health in general.
Lion’s Mane
Hericiumerinaceus, or Lion’s Mane, is a famous herb for improving brain function. According to a study in the journal Neuroscience Letters, a lion’s mane may help produce nerve growth factor (NGF), which is important for the development and repair of neurons. This might help improve memory and brain function.
Cordyceps
The Cordyceps plant is known for energizing people and has been shown to improve endurance and athletic ability. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine talked about how it can help improve aerobic ability and make exercise less tiring.
How to Grow Medical Mushrooms
Picking the Right Place
Mushrooms need a clean, controlled setting to grow. You can grow mushrooms inside or outside. Basements, closets, and grow rooms are all places where plants can be grown indoors, and the temperature and humidity are easy to control.
If you want to grow plants outside, choose a shady spot where you can control the temperature and humidity. Keep in mind that some types of mushrooms do better in certain places.
Controlling the temperature and humidity
The right temperature and humidity for each type of mushroom are different. For instance, reishi grows best when the temperature is between 75°F and 85°F and the humidity is between 85% and 90%. Lion’s hair likes it when it’s between 70°F and 75°F and about the same moisture. On the other hand, cordyceps does best when it is cooler; between 60°F and 70°F is ideal.
It is important to monitor these situations. To get exact readings, you can buy a digital thermometer and hygrometer. For mycelium to grow, the humidity must stay stable. Changing amounts can stress the fungi and lower the yield.
How to Choose the Right Substrate
The substrate is the stuff that mushrooms grow on. It provides nutrition and gives the growing mycelium a place to live. Picking a suitable base is essential because mushrooms come in different types.
- Straw: Straw is an excellent base for reishi and lion’s mane. Its high cellulose content helps mushrooms grow well.
- Hardwood sawdust is a great substrate for reishi because it is full of nutrients and helps make strong fruiting bodies.
- Grain: Grain is a healthy base that helps mycelium grow and is often used for spawning.
Making the Substrate Pasteurized
Pasteurization is needed to eliminate germs and fungi you don’t want on your substrate before you use it. The base can be soaked in hot water (around 160°F) for an hour, or a pressure cooker can be used. Let the base cool down after it has been pasteurized before adding mushroom spores or mycelium to it.
Getting the Substrate Vaccinated
After getting your base ready, you can add spores or mycelium. This step is crucial for farming to go well. Work in a clean area to lower the chance of getting dirty. Gloves and a mask can help keep things clean.
Insert the mycelium or spores evenly into the substrate using a clean syringe. Once the base has been inoculated, please put it in a clean container or a plastic bag with small holes so air can flow. Seal the jar to keep the moisture in while still letting some air flow through
Keep an eye on the growth
After being inoculated, the mycelium starts to grow on the ground. Depending on the type of mushroom and the conditions in which it is grown, this process can take a few weeks to two months.
Keeping the temperature steady is very important at this time. To keep the humidity high, mist the area often or consider getting a humidifier. Also, make sure the temperature stays the same since changes can stop the growth of mycelium.
Be on the lookout for signs of pollution, like strange colors or smells. If you see signs of pollution, it is best to throw away that batch to keep the other mushrooms safe.
Starting to bear fruit
Once the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time to start the fruiting process. Now is the time for your mushrooms to start growing. To get the plant to fruit, move the pot to a well-lit spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight, as it can make the plant too hot.
Giving the mycelium the right amount of light to grow mushrooms is essential. To get more fruit, slightly lower the humidity; most mushrooms do best between 70% and 80% humidity. At this point, you also need to be outside in the fresh air. Leave your container open for a few hours daily so that air can flow through it.
Getting Your Mushrooms
It’s time to pick your mushrooms when they are fully grown. Wait until the caps are fully formed but have yet to flatten or spores start falling out. Carefully cut the mushrooms at the base with a sharp knife to not hurt the mycelium. This way, the same medium can be used for future flushes of mushrooms to grow.
Picked mushrooms can be kept in the fridge in a paper bag for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, drying them might help preserve their flavor and medicinal benefits.
How to Fix Common Problems When Growing Medical Mushrooms
Even if you plan carefully, growing medical mushrooms may pose problems. Common problems include pollution, slow growth, or plants not fruiting at all. It’s usually best to throw away a base with mold or other unwanted growth.
If the mushrooms aren’t growing well, check the temperature, humidity, and wind. Small changes can often lead to big gains in growth. Also, if your mushrooms aren’t regularly fruiting, check to see if they are getting enough light and moisture.
Final Thoughts
It is satisfying and helpful to grow medical mushrooms at home. You can develop different kinds of these health-boosting fungi if you learn more about the right conditions and materials and pay close attention. If you decide to grow reishi, lion’s mane, or cordyceps, you will enjoy the process and the fresh mushrooms you grew yourself. You can quickly improve your health and welfare if you start growing mushrooms. Get your tools together and start your journey into the exciting world of medicinal mushrooms right now!
