#284 Reishi, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake and more with Tom Baxter, Farmer and Mushroom Expert
12th Feb 2025
What makes a mushroom ‘medicinal’ and are they worth the hype? How do these fungi differ from the everyday varieties we cook with?
On this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of mushrooms with our expert guest Tom Baxter. From Lion’s Mane to Reishi, we’ll explore the unique healing properties of these incredible organisms and what the research reveals about their potential benefits.
We’ll discuss their effects on cognitive function, stress, fatigue, and even menopausal symptoms. Plus, we’ll answer questions like: Can mushroom teas and coffees actually deliver health benefits? How can beginners safely explore nootropic mushrooms? And what should you look for in high-quality mushroom products to avoid contaminants and other nasties?
We’ll also touch on the culinary and nutritional benefits of everyday mushrooms and their environmental impact and how they could improve mental well-being and immune support. Whether you’re a skeptic, a mushroom enthusiast, or just curious about these fascinating fungi, this episode is packed with insights to inspire you to add more mushrooms to your diet and daily life.
Tom Baxter is a farmer and founder of The Bristol Fungarium, which produces the UK's first organic certified medicinal mushrooms. Ever conscious of the unfolding ecological collapse that confronts us, Tom made the fateful move away from city life in 2008 to find meaning through working the land. After several educational years establishing his organic vegetable farm and two decades of largely unsuccessful foraging excursions he pivoted from farming and invested everything into creating The Bristol Fungarium, pioneering organic medicinal mushroom production in the UK.
If you’re in the mood for mushrooms, one of my favourite recipes on the doctors kitchen app is the “Cashew Curry with Chickpeas and Crispy Mushrooms” or better still, type in mushroom into the search bar at doctorskitchen.com to see what comes up ;) You can also make sure to add mushroom dinners to your weekly meal plan on the app!
Episode guests
Ever conscious of the unfolding ecological collapse that confronts us, Tom chose to make the fateful move away from city chatter to find meaning through working the land in 2008.
After a few educational years establishing his organic vegetable farm and following 2 decades of largely unsuccessful excursions foraging for mushrooms, from the foothills of the pyrenees to the siberian steppes, Tom experienced a revelation during a mushroom cultivation course he attended in 2018.
In 2019 he downed tools on the farm and invested all he had into creating The Bristol Fungarium, producing the UK’s first organic certified medicinal mushrooms.
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