In elementary school, you most likely spent time studying the plant and
animal kingdoms, but another kingdom exists, and it is often overlooked
because to find them you must be looking down. The powerful properties
that can be found in different mushroom species have long been
underappreciated by most. Thankfully research today is abundant in showing
just how much the fungi kingdom contributes to both human and planetary
health.
Mycelium, (the living organism from which mushrooms
fruit), is considered one of the largest and most expansive living beings
on our planet. You can think of mycelium as the digestive and
communicative pathways of the forest and earth beneath us. Mycelium's
appearance is white and very intricate, capable of covering great
distances. The patterning of mycelium is so vast and complex that
mycologists often compare it to the mapping of the internet or the neural
pathways in the human brain. The fruiting body of this organism, or
mushrooms as we know them, have been shown to help in human
cognitive improvement, enhanced immune support, toxic waste disposal, and
much more.
In the future as humans search for answers to complex challenges regarding
the health of humanity and the planet, we may find the solution has always
been hiding in the shadows, right beneath our feet.