Dr. Christopher Hobbs. is a fourth generation, internationally known herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant to the dietary supplement industry, expert witness, botanist, public speaker, and author of over 20 books and numerous articles with over 40 years of experience.
He is the author of the recent book Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide, with German and English editions.
He earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley with research and publication in evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, the chemistry of plants and fungi, and ethnobotany. Now faculty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide
Dr. Hobbs will discuss the historical and modern uses of the most important fungal species for medicine, and their place in self-care, modern integrative health care and medical clinics.
Mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrition, and among the highest fiber foods, and recent research on their health benefits as a source of prebiotics for helping to increase microbial diversity in the human microbiome, and associated health benefits will be reviewed.
Practical considerations for making mushroom powder concentrates for addition to prepared foods like soups and smoothies will be detailed with samples to try. How to collect or purchase fruiting bodies and make the best extracts and preparations, as well as choose the best commercial products including a discussion about recent controversies such as mycelium vs. fruiting body, and testing for starch content in myclelium products.
The Mycological Society of San Francisco has been hosting 1 or 2 Fungus Fairs each year since 1969. Fairs have been held in San Francisco County, Alameda County, San Mateo County, and Marin County. Historical information is available about previous Fungus Fairs: