Author Tetyana Pospelova — mycotherapist, founder of the ‘Kolo Hrybiv’ project

Tetyana Pospelova — founder of the ‘Circle of Mushrooms’ project, mycotherapist, researcher of medicinal mushrooms and nutraceuticals, author of educational materials on mushrooms, supplements, immunity, the nervous system, energy, sleep and quality of life, and the creator of the formula for one of Ukraine’s first highly concentrated extracts of Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Polypore multicolour, Reishi, Chaga, Rainbow mushroom and Chanterelle. Her approach combines the analysis of scientific research, practical experience in consultations and the development of products with effective dosages of active ingredients.

Tetyana does not present herself as a doctor and does not replace medical advice. Her expertise has been developed in a different way — through many years of systematic work on scientific research, analysing the composition of mushrooms, providing consultations, working with client feedback, and training with international specialists who have worked for many years with medicinal mushrooms, herbs and natural substances.

The field of medicinal mushrooms is a relatively new area in Ukraine and globally. At present, there are no traditional higher or secondary educational institutions where one can obtain specialised training specifically in mycotherapy, medicinal mushrooms and the practical application of mushroom extracts. Consequently, expertise in this field is often developed not through a standard degree, but through in-depth self-study, engagement with scientific publications, international experience, practical observations and the constant updating of knowledge.

Experience in the field

Since 2018, Tetyana has been systematically studying the subject of medicinal mushrooms: reading scientific articles, translating research papers, analysing the mechanisms of action of active substances, comparing dosages, and studying possible side effects, contraindications and interactions. On average, this amounts to around 100 scientific publications per year.

It is this daily engagement with research that forms the basis of all the content published on the website. The articles on ‘Kolo Hrybiv’ are not written as promotional pieces, but as clear explanations for people without a medical background: what beta-glucans, polysaccharides, erinacins, triterpenes and cordycepin are; how these substances can affect the body; in which cases a mushroom may be appropriate; and when caution is advised.

In addition to her theoretical knowledge, Tetyana has extensive practical experience. Over the years the project has been running, tens of thousands of consultations have been carried out, a great deal of client feedback has been received, and real-world observations have been gathered on how people react to different mushrooms, dosages and combinations of nutraceuticals.

This practical experience is vital, as even high-quality scientific research does not always answer all the questions that arise for a real client: how best to take a mushroom, what to combine it with, when to expect results, which reactions may be normal, and which are a sign to stop taking it or change the regimen.

Details about her training

Tetyana also undertakes specialised training with international experts. In particular, she has completed the ‘Mushrooms & Brain Health’ course with Robert Rogers and the ‘Herbs for Mental Health’ course with Seraphina Capranos.

Robert Rogers is one of the most renowned Western specialists in the field of medicinal mushrooms and herbal medicine. He has over 50 years’ experience in herbal medicine, many years of clinical practice, is the author of over 60 books, a member of the editorial board of the *International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms*, and has taught family medicine at the University of Alberta. His value as a teacher lies in the fact that he combines knowledge of mushrooms and plants, traditional uses, clinical experience and a modern scientific approach.

Learning from Robert Rogers is important because he is not merely a populariser of mushrooms, but someone who has worked with medicinal plants and mushrooms for decades, written professional books, taught, and shaped an approach to mycotherapy at the intersection of science, clinical practice and traditional knowledge.

Seraphina Capranos is a clinical herbalist and classical homeopath with over 20 years’ practice, as well as an international lecturer and mentor. Her specialism is particularly relevant to topics related to the nervous system, psycho-emotional well-being, stress, anxiety, sleep and gentle support for the body using natural remedies.

For Tetiana, it is important to learn from specialists of this calibre, because medicinal mushrooms are not merely a narrow topic concerning ‘supplements’. It is a field that combines mycology, biochemistry, immunology, the nervous system, phytotherapy, nutraceuticals and practical experience of working with people.

The author’s guiding principles are honesty and responsibility. If there are limitations to the research, these must be explained. If a mushroom has potential side effects, these must be discussed openly. If a product is not suitable for a person, it is better to be honest about it than to sell it at any cost.

That is precisely why the articles on the ‘Kolo Hrybiv’ website are based on three sources: scientific research, practical experience from consultations and genuine feedback from people.

The aim of these articles is to help readers better understand medicinal mushrooms, avoid falling for marketing myths, choose high-quality products, and use mushrooms in an informed, safe manner, whilst respecting their own bodies.