Molds, Mushrooms and Medicines – Our Lifelong Relationship to Fungi

Nicholas Money is professor of biology that Miami University in Ohio, and his previous books include studies of yeast and the history of mushrooms. In this book, he points out that we are constantly navigating a world filled with fungi, both inside and outside our bodies – for instance the interaction between our immune systems and our mycobiome. There are both symbiotic and dysbiotic relationships involved, for example on our skin and in our guts. Fungi also inhabit our pets, and are active in damp places in our homes as well as on fruits and vegetables. They serve as both food and medicine, and the desirable human relationship is one of human-fungus symbiosis. The first part looks at fungi within our bodies, while the second covers moulds and mushrooms in our diets, medicines from fungi, toxins in mushrooms and moulds, and finally using psychedelic mushrooms to treat depression. Nor should we forget their cooperative use in fermentation and baking – wine, cheese and bread. However, they are also in competition as models that spoil our harvests. A very informative read.