More Than Food. More Than Medicine.
Mushrooms occupy a unique place in the natural world — neither plant nor animal, they belong to their own kingdom entirely. And the more science looks at them, the more extraordinary they become. From immune support to neurological regeneration, the health potential of fungi is one of the most exciting frontiers in modern wellness research.
At Wild Find, our roots are in wildcrafted botanicals and skincare — but our vision has always extended further. We hope to expand into wildcrafted human food products in the future, bringing the same small-batch, forest-to-table philosophy we apply to everything we make. This post is a glimpse into why we're so passionate about that direction.
General Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
Immune System Support
Beta-glucans — complex polysaccharides found abundantly in mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and lion's mane — are among the most well-researched immune-modulating compounds in nature. They work by activating and regulating key immune cells, helping the body mount appropriate responses to pathogens while avoiding overreaction. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) in particular has been studied extensively in this context, including in clinical settings alongside conventional cancer care.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation underlies many of the most common modern health challenges. Mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine and glutathione — two powerful antioxidants that help neutralize oxidative stress and reduce systemic inflammation. Reishi's triterpenes are particularly noted for their anti-inflammatory action.
Gut Health and the Microbiome
Mushrooms are a rich source of prebiotic fibre, feeding the beneficial bacteria that make up our gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is increasingly understood to be foundational to overall health — influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood and cognitive function.
Adaptogenic Properties
Several medicinal mushrooms — reishi and chaga among them — are classified as adaptogens: substances that help the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. Regular use is associated with improved resilience, better sleep, and a greater sense of calm and balance.
Neurological Regeneration: Lion's Mane and the Brain
Perhaps the most exciting area of current mushroom research is the neurological work being done with lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). This remarkable mushroom contains two unique compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.
What this means in practice is significant:
- Cognitive support: Studies have shown improvements in mild cognitive impairment in older adults following lion's mane supplementation, with benefits diminishing after cessation — suggesting an active, ongoing effect.
- Nerve repair: Research in animal models has demonstrated accelerated recovery from peripheral nerve injury with lion's mane supplementation, pointing to genuine regenerative potential.
- Neuroprotection: Lion's mane shows promise in protecting against neurodegenerative conditions by reducing the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Mood and mental health: Emerging research suggests lion's mane may support the hippocampus — the brain region involved in memory and emotional regulation — with some studies showing reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.
This is early but genuinely compelling science, and it represents one of the most promising natural approaches to brain health currently under investigation.
Ocular Health: An Emerging Frontier
The relationship between mushrooms and eye health is a newer and rapidly developing area of research. Several mechanisms are being explored:
- Ergothioneine and oxidative stress in the eye: The lens and retina are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, which contributes to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ergothioneine — found in high concentrations in many edible mushrooms — accumulates in ocular tissue and may offer protective antioxidant effects.
- Lion's mane and the optic nerve: Given lion's mane's demonstrated ability to stimulate NGF, researchers are investigating its potential to support optic nerve health and regeneration — relevant to conditions like glaucoma where nerve damage is a key concern.
- Anti-inflammatory protection: Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in many eye diseases. The anti-inflammatory compounds in reishi and other medicinal mushrooms may offer a degree of protective benefit over time.
While this research is still in its early stages, the convergence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroregenerative properties makes mushrooms a genuinely exciting area of study for ocular health.
Where We're Headed
At Wild Find, we believe the forest holds answers that we are only beginning to understand. Our current collection — wildcrafted skincare, botanical bath rituals, and pet wellness products — is rooted in this belief. And as the science continues to unfold, we hope to bring these same wildcrafted ingredients into the human food space: culinary blends, functional teas, and forest-to-table creations that nourish from the inside out.
We're excited about what's coming. And we're grateful to be on this journey with a community that shares our love of the forest and everything it offers.
Stay close — the best is still to come.
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