The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

This article contains affiliate links. I may gain commission if you decide to make a purchase through any of my links or promo codes.

What are Medicinal Mushrooms? 

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Today, they remain one of the most popular forms of natural medicine.

Mushrooms are diverse fungi growing in nearly every environment on earth. There are more than 300 species of mushrooms scientifically studied for their health benefits.

Every medicinal mushroom has unique health-boosting benefits, with modern research showing that many of these effects are due to fungi varieties' rich supply of nutrients and antioxidants. 

Let us explore some of the best ways to use this powerful food as medicine to improve your health and well-being.



Common Types of Medicinal Mushrooms 

Many different types of mushrooms can be found in nature and in different parts of the world, including shiitakes, maitake, reishi, cordyceps, oyster, turkey tail, lion's mane, and more. However, picking mushrooms out in nature may not be the best idea unless you know what you are doing. For your safety, it's best to buy your mushrooms from a reputable source that certifies that the mushrooms have been grown using sustainable practices.

The type of mushroom you choose depends on the desired effect, as different mushrooms possess different health benefits.

Shiitakes are a type of edible mushroom native to Asia that have several beneficial properties. One study found that supplementing with shiitake extract could help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

Maitake is a species of mushroom that is commonly used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health problems. It is rich in immune-boosting properties and contains compounds that protect against disease and promote longevity. Studies show that it can help treat depression and improve overall mental health.

Lion's Mane is a type of mushroom used for over 2,000 years by herbalists and traditional healers for its powerful medicinal properties. It is known for its ability to stimulate the production of NGF, a protein that usually helps the nerve cells in the brain stay healthy and function. It is also commonly used to help improve memory and cognitive function. Lions mane also has shown benefits for gut health, improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. Additionally, there is growing interest in the potential of Lion's Mane to alleviate symptoms associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), given its promising effects on anxiety and depression.

Oyster mushroom is another popular type of medicinal mushroom that is enjoyed as a food product all over the world. It is packed with important nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, and copper that are essential to your overall health. Studies have shown that it can help reduce inflammation in the body and boost energy levels.

Oyster mushrooms contain higher amounts of antioxidants than other types of cultivated mushrooms. This is probably why oyster mushrooms are used in so many dietary supplements.

Other Types of Medicinal Mushrooms 

Above were some of the most common medicinal mushrooms that you might have heard of, and may find in your local supermarket. However, there are several other types of medicinal mushrooms that are equally effective in treating different health conditions.

Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom that is used to treat a variety of health conditions. It contains antioxidants that can reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease. It also promotes healthy joint function and may support cognitive function in aging adults.

Reishi is another mushroom commonly used in Chinese medicine to improve overall health and longevity. It contains polysaccharides that help boost the immune system and support healthy liver function. Other studies have shown that it can help fight cancer and prevent the spread of tumor cells throughout the body.

Chaga is another medicinal mushroom with powerful antioxidant properties that may help protect against premature aging and cancer. It can also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Cordyceps is another popular type of medicinal mushroom that has a firm place in Eastern medicine. It is often used as a tonic for athletes looking to enhance their performance in the gym or on the field. Recent studies have found that it may also improve symptoms of fatigue, overall gut health, and also can be used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders.

All of these types of mushrooms are commonly found in nature. However, they can often be challenging to identify without the proper training. It is best to purchase them from a well-respected retailer to ensure their purity and quality.

What are the benefits of medicinal mushrooms?

Most varieties of medicinal mushrooms have been shown to offer some health benefits. These properties have been demonstrated in laboratory settings and long-term clinical trials in humans. In most cases, these benefits result from the active compound content, particularly the polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. 

Studies have also shown that these ingredients can help to prevent certain diseases by boosting the immune system and increasing the levels of infection-fighting cells in the body. This makes them particularly useful in combating chronic fatigue, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases affecting millions yearly. Many studies also suggest that taking medicinal mushrooms may help reduce the risk of some cancers, particularly breast and colon cancer. 

In Japan and China, medicinal mushrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments, either alone or combined with radiation or chemotherapy. Studies have shown that they have anti-tumour properties and can reduce the number of cancer cells by as much as 70%. Many types of cancer can potentially be treated with medicinal mushrooms including lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancers. Researchers have also found that they can improve the quality of life for those living with cancer and help prevent them from developing the often painful side effects of traditional treatments such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

How can medicinal mushrooms be consumed?

Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed in different ways. The most common way is to incorporate them into your meals by using fresh, preserved, or dried mushrooms; these can be purchased at the supermarket, online, or at your local Asian grocer. 

There are also growing kits that you can purchase; these contain mushroom spores that can be grown indoors under the right conditions. Common varieties for grow kits include lion's mane and oyster mushrooms. You can also purchase mushroom logs and plugs to insert into them to grow various mushrooms outside; some of these include shiitake and reishi.

Here are some of my favourite recipes for cooking with mushrooms, you can experiment using different varieties of mushrooms in these recipes:

• Bean & Walnut Pâté Vegan (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Mushroom and Leek Pie Vegan, Dairy-free, and Gluten-free (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Homemade Baked Beans, and a Smoked Tofu Scramble Cooked Breakfast (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Lo Mein Noodles - Fakeaway (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Mushrooms on Toast - A Breakfast Classic! (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)

Another common way is in the form of a concentrated extract known as a tincture. These are usually taken orally and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. 

You can also buy capsules that contain standardized doses of these compounds in correct doses; as capsules are portable and don't require any preparation, they are easy to take on the go. Another option is dried mushroom powder that you can add to your meals or brew into a tea. 

Several companies now produce coffee made from organically grown coffee beans that have been supplemented with the extract of several different varieties of mushrooms. 

The most convenient way to use mushrooms medicinally is by using methods that allow you to enjoy the many health benefits of these powerful natural medicines without having to cook with or touch the actual fungi themselves. However, growing and cooking with these mushrooms is much more fun and exciting for those interested in fungi; also, mushrooms are incredibly delicious when prepared in popular dishes.

Where to purchase Medicinal Mushrooms? 

Some medicinal mushrooms can be purchased at the local supermarket or local Asian store such as Shiitake and oyster mushrooms. These can then be prepared in your weekly meals. For more specialized varieties, medicinal mushrooms can be bought fresh online and delivered to your door.

Mushrooms can also be bought in powder form, which can be added to juices and smoothies or brewed into tea or coffee. For best results, purchase a product that has been carefully extracted using traditional methods to ensure a high-quality product that is free from contaminants and other unwanted additives.

Some of the medicinal mushrooms that are widely available in supplement form include:

• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)
• Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
• Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Which Do I Recommend?

Final thoughts:

Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms that are used as medicine and have been shown to have many positive health effects. They are effective for fighting cancer, reducing blood sugar, and lowering cholesterol. They are also good for boosting the immune system and improving heart and brain function.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years, mostly in Asia. Although they are still considered a traditional healing method, many people in the west are starting to find out about them and using them for their various health benefits. 

Be sure to further research which medicinal mushrooms you can benefit most from, and decide how best to incorporate them into your diet! If you have a chronic health issue always consult with your doctor or another healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement regimen.

Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed this blog, and will join me again for the next one! 

For delicious recipes be sure to regularly check my website blog where I post plenty of tasty vegan recipes! 

Rose Wyles - The Vegan Nutritionist

For professional assistance in adopting a healthy and nutritious plant-based diet, kindly reach out to me using the form provided below. I can help you address any possible nutrient deficiencies or health concerns and ensure that your nutritional needs are met through the consumption of plant-based foods.

Additionally, use my services to create a customised plan for reaching your health and wellness goals which includes personalised meal plans, nutritional advice, tasty plant-based recipes, and more.

Start your journey to better health and wellness today!