Several Unconventional Uses of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile. The field of mycology is quickly spreading as we learn more and more about the uses of fungi. The vast world of fungi has several benefits, and we’ll cover some of the many unconventional uses for mushrooms below.
In Medicine
Using mushrooms medicinally is nothing new. Though there are skeptics, mushroom-derived products may boost immune support, encourage stress relief, and increase energy. Most mushroom-derived products have yet to be lab tested, but there are many testimonials from people who appreciate alternative approaches to health. They still needs to be FDA approved to go from lab to shelf, but the research is promising. If you aren’t a fan of conventional pharmaceuticals, mushroom-derived products may be the way to go.
For Skin Care
As it turns out, when used topically, mushrooms can be natural supplements to your skin-care regimen. Mushrooms contain antioxidants and vitamin D, which can:
- Protect skin against age lines
- Prevent environmental discoloration
- Reduce the effects of various environmental stresses
They could also help with various skin conditions such as acne and chronic eczema. You would think that using mushrooms in skin care is a “fringe” method, but it turns out that many dermatologists are early adopters. This may seem like an unconventional use for a mushroom, but you can’t be sure until you try it.
As Vegan Leather
It turns out that mushrooms aren’t just edible. They can also be worn and used as leather. This is an excellent choice for people who are looking to do their part to protect wildlife. Mushrooms also don’t decay at the same rate as normal leather, so they don’t require as much chemical-based tanning. Given that this form of vegan leather lasts longer than conventional leather, you can assume that you’ll have it for some time. And if you’re growing your own mushrooms at home, you can experiment with the tanning process yourself.
In short, people don’t just use mushrooms for culinary purposes. They have a variety of uses that will only increase as the years go on. It’s time that we get ahead of the curve and take advantage of these changes.
