From Forest to Formula: A Conversation with Dr. Anna Sitkoff

👤 Guest: Dr. Anna Sitkoff, ND – Naturopathic Physician, Mycologist, Founder of Lucidum Medicinals 🌿 Host: Cassandra Episode Summary In this episode of *Heal With Mushrooms*, Cassandra welcomes Dr. Anna Sitkoff, a trailblazing naturopathic doctor and mycology educator who merges clinical rigor with nature-based healing. Dr. Sitkoff shares her personal initiation into mushroom medicine through a healing psilocybin journey that helped her recover from an eating disorder and reconnect with her hunger cues. This intimate and empowering conversation offers deep insight for women drawn to clinical mycology, from education pathways to formulation science. Listeners will learn about chitin sensitivity and how to distinguish mushroom-induced GI upset from allergic reactions, the power of oyster mushrooms and ergothioneine in antioxidant defense, and the hormonal balancing properties of Reishi and Maitake mushrooms. Cassandra and Anna also discuss delivery innovations like sublingual extracts and mycelium pearls, the limitations of multi-mushroom blends, and Anna’s inspiration behind Lucidum Medicinals’ lung and immune formulas. This is a must-listen for aspiring mushroom clinicians, herbalists, and wellness seekers craving clarity on how mushrooms interact with the body—especially for women navigating hormonal transitions. Key Topics Covered • How psilocybin helped Anna recover from disordered eating and restore hunger signaling • Why chitin can trigger allergic or GI responses and how to test your tolerance • The antioxidant ergothioneine in oyster mushrooms—and its link to pregnancy support and mitochondrial resilience • Using Maitake to regulate ovulation post-birth control via insulin sensitivity • Reishi’s impact on testosterone metabolism and nervous system support • Why less is more: the problem with “kitchen sink” mushroom blends • New methods for mushroom delivery: sublingual extracts and mycelium pearls • Raising mushroom-aware children and the beauty of fungal literacy from birth Timestamps 00:01 – Introduction & Anna’s healing story with psilocybin 06:00 – Clinical education gaps in mushroom medicine 11:30 – Becoming a teacher of forest-based mycology 16:45 – Advice for women pursuing clinical mycology 23:10 – Lucidum Medicinals: Why oyster mushrooms matter 28:20 – Ergothioneine for pregnancy, stress, and oxidative repair 33:00 – Understanding chitin, enzymes, and GI sensitivity 39:45 – Sublingual mushroom delivery & mycelium pearls 46:00 – Reishi & Maitake for fertility and hormone transitions 55:20 – Why she avoids overcomplicated mushroom formulas 1:02:00 – Parenting a future mycologist 1:09:00 – Final reflections: Mushrooms as nature’s doulas Connect & Resources 🌐 Website: https://www.drannasitkoff.com Chitin Study https://www.drannasitkoff.com/post/fungal-chitin-the-indigestible-fiber-that-is-in-fact-digestible-by-most-people 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannasitkoff NAMA https://namyco.org/publications/mycophile/ 🛒 Use code **HEALWITHMUSHROOMS** for 20% off Lucidum products at https://www.lucidummedicinals.com Sacred Mycology Summit https://fungiacademy.com/sacred-mycology-summit/ Mushroom Education https://fungiacademy.com/ Mycelium “Pearls” https://www.lucid.news/natural-psilocybin-droplets-exact-dosages-dont-upset-stomach/ Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on the Heal With Mushrooms podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not liable for any harm or loss that may arise in connection with the information discussed.