Medicinal mushrooms are a part of traditional Chinese medicine and folklore remedies to boost the immune system, boost energy levels, and to improve longevity and overall well being.

What are medicinal mushrooms?

Medicinal  mushrooms  contain  compounds  called  beta-glucans  known  to have healing abilities. Beta-glucans can help modulate the immune system, thereby boosting health in various ways. Medicinal mushrooms are available in the following forms:

• Fresh and dried mushrooms
• Mushroom teas
• Tinctures and extracts
• Capsules and supplements
• Medicinal mushroom powders
• Mushrooms used in foods and beverages

Top medicinal mushrooms:

The best mushrooms for medicinal purposes are turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and reishi. The best medicinal mushrooms that we have listed are based on the available scientific reports.

A) Maitake

Traditional medicine uses maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) to treat diabetes. An animal model study conducted in 2015 found that maitake mushroom broth had a positive effect on the blood glucose levels of laboratory rats.

B) Chaga

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are rich in antioxidants. They reduce oxidative stress and get rid of free radicals. They might also aid in lowering bad cholesterol, or LDL. In addition to being used to make medicinal tea, chaga powder can be purchased and added to juices, smoothies, and even your daily cup of coffee.

C) Turkey tail

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a popular mushroom. Its form and range of hues are similar to a wild turkey’s tail. This antioxidant-rich mushroom helps to reduce inflammation and has potent immune-boosting qualities. Dried turkey tail mushrooms are often simmered in hot water for half an hour to get a health-enriching broth.

D) Reishi

The mushroom of immortality is reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, also called lingzhi). Studies have indicated that this particular mushroom may help reduce fatigue and have a positive impact on the immune system. Dried reishi mushrooms can be added to soups and stews. Alternatively, you can make Reishi Tea using our easy recipe instructions or use the tincture in your daily smoothies or juices.

E) Cordyceps

Because cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militarist) contain polysaccharides that have an anti-fatigue effect on the body, these medicinal mushrooms are a natural supplement to boost energy. In 37 elderly Chinese participants in good health, a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial found that a fermented product containing Cordyceps sinensis improved aerobic capacity and oxygen uptake.

F) Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are highly appreciated for their earthy, unique umami flavour and taste great in soups, risotto, and stir-fries. These high-selenic mushrooms boost immunity and well-being. They have not just been used in traditional Chinese medicine but also Japanese, eastern Russian, and Korean medicinal remedies.

G) Lion’s mane

Hericium erinaceus, a long, shaggy white mushroom, is known to improve memory and cognitive function. Japanese researchers found that volunteers (age 50-80 years), diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, who took 250 mg tablets containing Hericium erinaceus powder three times a day for 4 months showed a marked improvement. This mushroom is also known as yamabushitake or hou tou gu.