Top Medicinal Mushrooms and their Health Benefits

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga grows on birch trees and is a powerful immune system booster. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is a key component for good health; inflammation is linked to nearly every chronic and autoimmune health problem and so it’s important to keep under control.

It’s also a powerful antioxidant, which is also key for overall health, as it has the ability to scavenge harmful free radicals. Chaga has also been studied for it’s ability to fight off common viral infections, such as the flu, and is also currently being studied, along with other medicinal mushrooms, for it’s role in fighting cancer.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Named “the Queen of mushrooms”, or “the mushroom of immortality” Reishi like other medicinal mushrooms is great for boosting the immune system, regulating hormones and lowering cortisol (stress) levels.

Reishi is also great for reducing anxiety and helping the body to calm and relax. It’s also great for those with sleep issues (so, pretty much everyone), as it can help enhance the quality and quantity of deep, slow wave sleep.

Lions Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

The brainiac of the bunch, Lion’s Mane is a nootropic which works to help improve memory and concentration by activating the central nervous system and the brain. It helps to stimulate a peptide called nerve growth factor, NGF, which is essential for growth and health of neurons in the brain.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

This is the one you’ve most likely already heard of, as it can be easily found at your local supermarket! Just because it’s more common than the others doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful; it’s been used in TCM for centuries to boost Qi (life force), for skin and beauty, to aid the liver, reduce cholesterol levels and as a great source of B Vitamins (great for reducing stress), Vitamin D and zinc.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps is the energiser of the group, and while it’s not a “stimulant” it works to boost the body’s production of ATP (our energy currency). It also helps to increase cellular oxygen production, which can also be helpful for asthma sufferers, and blood flow therefore being helpful for athletes in increasing stamina and endurance.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake has been studied for its effects regulating glucose levels and increasing insulin production.

It may also be helpful in warding off cold and flu viruses, aiding optimal blood pressure levels, regulating health immune system function as well as lessening the side effects of chemotherapy.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor)

Named after it’s colourful stripes and resemblance to turkey tails, this fungus which grows on dead logs is one that’s backed by a lot of research.

Turkey Tail contains powerful polysaccarides PSP and PSK, which are studied for their immune boosting effects, especially for cancer patients who are currently undergoing chemo. Unlike most pharmaceutical drugs, Turkey tail also showed no negative side effects in the study.

It’s a great digestive aid, and can help against small intensinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and candida, and also helps the immune system overall thanks to it’s anti-viral and anti-microbial properties.

How do you take medicinal mushrooms?

Like any nutritional supplement they can be taken in a number of ways, including supplements, in powdered form  or even in food and drinks (like the cordyceps and reishi coffe). Medicinal mushrooms are generally safe for use and have no side effects, however it’s important to remember that not everything is suitable for every body. To determine the right medicinal mushroom and dosage for you, it’s always ideal to speak to a qualified practitioner (or just do a lot of your own research too).

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