#2134 - Paul Stamets

At a Glance

• Importance of Biodiversity and Fungi Conservation - “This is a rare old-growth mushroom called a garacon… literally one out of a hundred times in the old-growth forest I’ll find one… it’s important that people don’t pick these”. This emphasizes the critical need to protect rare fungi like a garacon, highlighting their role in biodiversity and the ecological importance of preserving old-growth forests.‍Historical and Medicinal Value of

• Agarikon - “Agarikon was first described by Dioscorides over 2,000 years ago as ‘Elexerium ad longum vitam,’ the elixir of long life… it’s also revered by the Hida and the Clicket in the Northwest First Nations”. This showcases agarikon’s long history of use in traditional medicine, underscoring its potential benefits and cultural significance across different civilizations.‍

• Biodefense and Antiviral Properties - “We were in the top 10 of all samples active against, in this case, pox viruses, and we were the only natural product”. This highlights the remarkable antiviral properties of agarikon, making it a valuable resource for biodefense and illustrating its potential in combating viral threats, as demonstrated by extensive testing by U.S. defense agencies.‍

• Impact on Immune System and Future Research - “If you can upregulate immunity and then get the vaccine, your immune cell population is much more robust… the antibody response is much greater”. This statement underscores the potential of medicinal mushrooms to boost the immune system, leading to more effective vaccination outcomes and paving the way for future research on their broader health benefits.

What to Do

• Embrace Scientific Curiosity and Openness - Stamets often discusses the importance of staying open to new scientific discoveries and embracing curiosity. “I always try to stay open to what the latest science can teach use"‍.

• Invest in Immunological Health Proactively - Reflecting on health and wellness, Stamets emphasizes the importance of proactive health measures. “I like to think of using natural products like mushrooms as a way of investing in my immune health, much like buying insurance"‍.

• Daily Supplementation for Cognitive Health - Rogan shares his personal routine that supports cognitive health. “I take Lion’s Mane mushrooms every day because I’ve found it helps with my focus and cognitive function"‍.

• Critical Engagement with Information - In the context of discussing complex scientific topics, Stamets advises a critical approach. “I have found it’s best when you critically engage with information and not just accept things at face value, especially in science”.

What to Get

• “Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World” - Paul Stamets https://amzn.to/4eoFjrM‍

• “Fantastic Fungi: How Mushrooms Can Heal, Shift Consciousness, and Save the Planet” - Paul Stamets https://amzn.to/45n5iMq‍

• Agarikon Mushroom - Paul Stamets discusses at length the use of the agarikon mushroom, particularly emphasizing its historical and potential medicinal benefits. https://amzn.to/3x1DIHT‍

• Turkey Tail Mushroom - Mentioned as one of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms, used in conjunction with agarikon in clinical trials to enhance immune response and vaccine effectiveness. https://amzn.to/4eaJAPP‍

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom - Mentioned by Joe as being used every day, indicating satisfaction with its benefits. https://amzn.to/3KD33uN‍

• Tincture and Capsule forms of Mushrooms - Stamets discusses using both forms to maximize the delivery and effectiveness of mushroom benefits. https://amzn.to/4ej3sAk‍

• Throat Spray containing Garicon and Turkey Tail - Stamets mentions using a throat spray that includes these mushrooms, again to leverage their medicinal properties. https://amzn.to/3XhziHB‍

Summary

In this fascinating podcast episode, Joe Rogan chats with Paul Stamets about the incredible medicinal properties and ecological importance of mushrooms, especially the rare agarikon species. Get ready for an enlightening discussion filled with amazing facts, interesting questions, and moments of laughter!‍Paul Stamets, a mushroom expert, enthusiastically shares his deep knowledge about fungi, focusing on the ancient and rare agarikon mushroom. He explains its historical significance, its use in traditional medicine, and its potential role in modern pharmaceuticals. Stamets talks about how agarikon could enhance vaccine efficacy and potentially reduce side effects, making it a game-changer in medical science.

Both Joe and Paul agree on the critical importance of preserving old-growth forests, not just for their ecological value but also for their potential to provide solutions to modern health crises. Their friendly and respectful tone, along with occasional laughter, highlights their camaraderie and mutual respect.‍One of the most interesting questions raised during the conversation is about how mushrooms like agarikon can influence immune responses and potentially reduce vaccine-related side effects.

Stamets dives into the scientific processes involved, citing studies and data to support his points, making the discussion both informative and compelling. There are plenty of laughs, especially when Stamets shares funny anecdotes about his experiences and the unconventional ways he’s pursued his research.‍The conversation also touches on some controversial topics, such as skepticism around traditional medicinal practices and the use of natural products like mushrooms in modern medicine. Stamets discusses the challenges and skepticism he faces from the scientific community and regulatory bodies like the FDA. He passionately argues for combining traditional knowledge with modern science to combat future pandemics and health crises, emphasizing the urgency of this approach given the current global health landscape.‍Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the potential of mushrooms in medical science, highlighted by a shared enthusiasm for natural remedies and ecological conservation. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the incredible benefits of mushrooms and their role in preserving our planet and improving our health.