Meeting Our Medicinal Mushrooms: Understanding the Forest of Fungi

Introduction
Across history and cultures, mushrooms have been valued not only as a food but also a powerful source of vitality and longevity. Ancient Chinese texts describe mushrooms such as Reishi as symbols of resilience and of even spiritual significance. Meanwhile, Indigenous traditions from the Americas to Africa to Siberia have all described multiple uses and sincere reverence for the fungi kingdom.1 Today, mushrooms stand at the forefront of interest from the scientific and medical communities. While each mushroom species has its unique value, biochemically, most mushrooms share a richness of useful molecules including various triterpenes with diverse effects on human health as well as beta-glucans and other complex polysaccharides that help modulate immune responses but directly engaging with immune cell receptors.2 Meanwhile, exclusive molecules such as hericenones in Lion’s Mane3 or cordycepin in Cordyceps4 are being studied for their unique applications to support human health.
Given this different-but-similar way of viewing mushrooms’ impacts on supporting human health, it is useful to compare and contrast some of the most popular mushrooms to assist those interested in the complex world of these fascinating fungi.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Wild cordyceps is a unique fungus that is famous for its unique reproduction cycle: growing on living organisms, infecting and completely digesting different insect species such as the ghost moth caterpillar. It is also a well-regarded herbal tonic that supports energy, immune function, as well as assisting the liver and kidneys in normal detoxification processes. This makes it particularly useful for both those seeking energy and focus to support athletic activity as well as supporting depleted individuals seeking assistance with occasional fatigue. The cordyceps most commonly found in retail markets is commercially cultivated, produced from the mycelium strain Paecilomyces hepialid (Cs-4) which is isolated from wild cordyceps and then fermented.5) It is of note that Gaia Herbs uses a fruiting body that is grown on rice.
Botanical Information
Common Names: Cordyceps, Caterpillar fungus
Botanical Name: Cordyceps militaris
Plant Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae
Part Used: Fruiting body, mycelial extract
TCM Energetics
Temperature: Gently Warming
Taste: Sweet
Traditional Uses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cordyceps is considered a lung and kidney tonic. Valued as a restorative and nourishing remedy that can strengthen energy, vitality, and endurance and support enhanced athletic performance, which carries through to its modern researched applications. It is considered a yang and qi tonic, restorative to Jing (our primordial essence or energy) and believed to boost sexual potency.
Bioactive Compounds
Beta glucans, purine nucleoside (cordycepin), adenosine compounds (3’-deoxyadenosine, 2’-deoxyadenosine, ergosterol, D-mannitol
Therapeutic Actions
Immunomodulatory, antioxidant, adaptogen, respiratory support, cardiotonic, energizing metabolic support, liver and kidneys supportive
Organ and System Affinities
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Immune, Neurologic, Pulmonary, Renal
Clinical Indications of Cordyceps6
- Occasional fatigue
- HPA axis support: improves stress response, enhances ATP synthesis via cordycepin
- Immune support: supports innate and cytotoxic immune response, modulates IL-6 and TNF-α, supports immune homeostasis
- Supports healthy respiratory function
- Liver support
- Renal support Supports healthy reproductive function in men and women
Dosage
Dose: 500mg-2g crude herb three times daily. Begin with lower dose.
- 2–5 g/day (dried mushroom equivalent)
Herbal Pairings
- Ashwagandha
- Eleuthero
- Rhodiola
- Turmeric
Safety and Contraindications
High doses may be overstimulating.
Avoid in mushroom allergy.
Clinical Notes
As always, it is best to take any herbal supplements at least 2 hours away from any medications.
Lion’s Mane
Hericium erinaceus
Lion’s Mane mushroom is an edible and medicinal mushroom long recognized for its affinity for supporting the nervous system as well as cognitive function. Like most other mushrooms used in herbal medicine, it also supports healthy immune function. This makes Lion’s Mane an excellent choice for supporting individuals who are looking to deeply nourish their nervous system and restore focus during periods of occasional brain fog or mental fatigue.
Botanical Information
Common Names: Lion’s Mane
Botanical Name: Hericium erinaceus
Plant Family: Hericiaceae
Part Used: Fruiting body and mycelium
TCM Energetics
Temperature: Neutral
Taste: Sweet
Traditional Uses
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers lion’s mane a medicinal food recommended for strengthening internal organs and promoting good digestion through harmonizing effect on Middle Jiao (which governs our digestive and detoxification pathways), nourishes Shen, which reflects our mind and mood.
Bioactive Compounds8
Beta glucans, monoterpenoid (hericenones in mycelium), diterpenoid (erinacines in fruiting bodies), cyclic dipeptides, phenolics, flavones, indole alkaloids, anthraquinones, pyrimidines, amino acids, fatty acids
Therapeutic Actions
Immunomodulatory, microbiome support, antioxidant, blood sugar support, cardiosupportive, gastrosupportive, hepatosupportive, nootropic, neurosupportive.
Organ and System Affinities
Cardiovascular, Immune, Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, Neurologic
Clinical Indications8
Immunomodulating: supports innate and cytotoxic immunity
Healthy inflammatory response: harmonizes nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity.
Neurosupportive: stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the brain via hericenones and erinacines, modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Nootropic (Cognitive support): improves cognition, supports healthy neuronal growth and cellular metabolism. It also supports cognitive alacrity. Mood: supports healthy mood and outlook.
Gastrosupportive: vagus nerve tonic, supports healthy mucosal barriers along the digestive tract while also supporting a healthy microbiome
Cardiosupportive: Found to support healthy blood lipids and support healthy and smooth circulation.
Hepatosupportive: antioxidant effect in liver
Dosage
Dose: 2.5–5 g/day (capsule, gummy, or powder of dry mushroom equivalent)
Herbal Pairings
- Ashwagandha Bacopa
- Gingko
- Marshmallow (gut/brain axis, prebiotic support)
- Rhodiola
Safety and Contraindications
Avoid in mushroom allergy
Clinical Notes
Delicious edible mushroom, often available in Farmer’s markets
The terpenes hericenones and erinacine which are alcohol soluble cross the blood brain barrier.
NGF stimulates cholinergic nerve activity, reduces oxidative stress and facilitates neuronal protection from normal degeneration with age. BDNF regulates synaptic plasticity and processes related to learning and memory consolidation.9
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that has a long history of reverence in Asia, with such monikers as “the mushroom of immortality” or “the queen of the mushrooms.” Approximately 80 Ganoderma species are found worldwide with differing fruiting body shape and color (red, black, blue/green, white, yellow, and purple) that identify individual species.10 Today, it maintains this robust reputation given its use in supporting the immune system, calming the mind, balancing energy, and nourishing the cardiovascular system. With dozens of well-designed human trials under its belt, Reishi is one of the better studied mushrooms within the scientific community for supporting all aspects of human health.
Botanical Information
Common Names: Reishi, Lingzhi
Botanical Name: Ganoderma lucidum
Plant Family: Ganodermataceae
Part Used: Fruiting body (sometimes spores or mycelium)
TCM Energetics
Temperature: Neutral to slightly warm
Taste: Bitter, slightly sweet
Traditional Uses
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for longevity, replenishing vital energy (tonifies Qi), clears damp heat, and calms the Shen (spirit/mind). It was also used regularly to support healthy sleep. Historical use in Japan and Korea for fatigue, respiratory health, and liver support
Bioactive Compounds11
Polysaccharides (β-glucans), Triterpenoids (ganoderic acid, lucidenic acid) Peptidoglycans
Therapeutic Actions
Immunomodulatory, stress relieving, cardiosupportive, hepatosupportive, antioxidant, cognitive support.
Organ and System Affinities
Cardiovascular, Immune, Endocrine, Hepatic, Nervous system, Pulmonary
Clinical Indications 11, 12
- Adjunctive support for those with fatigue
- Immunosupportive
- Supports healthy respiratory function through healthy modulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6
- Triterpene content supports healthy Sleep related to nervousness
- Liver support: supports healthy hepatocellular metabolism and cellular life cycle.
- Cardiometabolic support: supports healthy blood lipids and healthy blood pressure.
Dosage
Dose: 3–6 g/day dried mushroom equivalent, with 5.2g being the most common dose in research. (fruiting body)
Herbal Pairings Ashwagandha
- Bacopa
- Hawthorne
- Holy Basil
- Kava
- Marshmallow
- St. John’s Wort
Safety and Contraindications
Avoid in mushroom allergy
Clinical Notes Not palatable for eating due to bitter taste and woody texture
Best used long term.
Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor (syn Coriolus versicolor)
Turkey Tail is a widely distributed mushroom that is easily recognized by its unique and colorful fan shaped fruiting body and long history of traditional use around the world. It is particularly popular in research due to its high Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and Polysaccharaide-K (PSK) content which have shown promise in supporting immune function at both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system.13 Additional preliminary research also supports Turkey Tail’s utility in supporting the gut microbiome.
Botanical Information
Common Names: Turkey Tail
Botanical Name: Trametes versicolor
Plant Family: Polyporaceae
Part Used: Fruiting body
TCM Energetics
Temperature: Cool Taste: Sweet
Traditional Uses In Traditional Chinese Medicine, turkey tail is considered a Qi tonic and is used to resolve dampness and support the lungs. In many traditions, it is used to harmonize and soothe, especially in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
Bioactive Compounds13
Whole Mushroom Extracts: Beta glucans, Phenolic Acids, Flavanols, Flavones, Amino Acids Proprietary Extracts (PSP and PSK): polysaccharide-protein complexes
Therapeutic Actions
Immunomodulating, antioxidant, blood lipid supportive, hepatosupportive, cardiosupportive
Organ and System Affinities
Cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, hepatic, neurologic
Clinical Indications 13,14
- Adapative and Innate Immune support: useful in any conditions where the immune system needs to be supported, mobilized, and harmonized.
- General immune support: Especially during high stress, convalescence, or during times of repeated immune challenges.
- Gut immune support: As a prebiotic and mucosal immune modulator
- Antioxidant effects support cardiac tissue and support healthy blood lipid metabolism
- Supports healthy liver homeostasis
Dosage
Dose: 3g/day, 1.5g twice day
Herbal Pairings
- Berberine
- Green Tea
- Holy Basil
- Turmeric
- Marshmallow
Safety and Contraindications
Avoid in mushroom allergy
Clinical Notes
PSK or PSP have been used in nearly all clinical trials. More research has been performed on these concentrates of turkey tail beta glucans than on any other mushroom. Evidence supports whole mushroom turkey tail extract having similar immunomodulating action with additional effects of other components.10
Turkey tail is marginally edible due to its woody, chewy texture. It must be cooked in water for long periods of time and can be blended with water to increase palatability and retain medicinal value.
Maitake
Grifola frondosa
Maitake translates as “dancing mushroom” because in Japan, people would dance for joy upon finding this mushroom.16 Its rich earthy flavor has also made it a popular culinary ingredient. Beyond its culinary popularity, it is also well regarded in research for its utility supporting immune function as well as preliminary research that points to an affinity for supporting healthy blood sugar17 and colon health.
Botanical Information
Common Names: Maitake, Hen of the Woods
Botanical Name: Grifola frondosa
Plant Family: Meripilaceae
Part Used: Fruiting body
TCM Energetics
Temperature: Neutral
Taste: Sweet
Traditional Uses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, maitake is considered protective for lungs and liver and supportive for digestion. It is considered harmonizing to the middle jiao (our digestive capacity) as well as the large intestine, supporting both digestion and elimination.
Bioactive Compounds
Polysaccharides, Beta (1>3),(1>6)-glucans, argaricoglycerides flavonoids, Vitamin D, B vitamins
Therapeutic Actions
Immunomodulating, antioxidant, blood sugar support, cardiovascular support, hepatosupportive, neurosupportive Organ and System Affinities Cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, hepatic, neurologic
Clinical Indications15
- Immune support
- Cardiovascular indications
- Metabolic and blood sugar support
- When liver support is needed
Dosage
Dose: 35-150mg/day of D-fraction or 4-6g/day fruiting body
Herbal Pairings
- Berberine
- Green Tea
- Milk Thistle
- Olive leaf
- Turmeric
Safety and Contraindications
Avoid in mushroom allergy
Caution in patients on hypoglycemic agents or blood pressure medication due to potential additive effects.
Clinical Notes
Delicious edible mushroom, often available in Farmer’s markets
Strong synergy with vitamin C, combine with peppers or other foods high in vitamin C
References
- Oyetayo O. V. (2011). Medicinal uses of mushrooms in Nigeria: towards full and sustainable exploitation. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM, 8(3), 267–274. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i3.65289
- Lull C, Wichers HJ, Savelkoul HF. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties of fungal metabolites. Mediators Inflamm. 2005;2005(2):63-80.
- Li, I. C., Lee, L. Y., Tzeng, T. T., Chen, W. P., Chen, Y. P., Shiao, Y. J., & Chen, C. C. (2018). Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behavioural neurology, 2018, 5802634. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5802634
- Ashraf, S. A., Elkhalifa, A. E. O., Siddiqui, A. J., Patel, M., Awadelkareem, A. M., Snoussi, M., Ashraf, M. S., Adnan, M., & Hadi, S. (2020). Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(12), 2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122735
- Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide. Storey Publishing; 2020.
- Holliday J, Cleaver M. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps. J Altern Complement Med. 2008.
- Contato, A. G., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2025). Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 17(8), 1307. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307
- Contato, A. G., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2025). Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 17(8), 1307. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307
- Docherty, Sarah et al. “The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study.” Nutrients vol. 15,22 4842. 20 Nov. 2023.
- Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide. Storey Publishing; 2020.
- Gao Y, et al. Immunomodulating activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi). Nutr Cancer. 2005.
- Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: history, current status, future trends. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2010.
- Habtemariam S. (2020). Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy. Biomedicines, 8(5), 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8050135
- Ajibola, OO, Nolasco-Hipolito,C, et al: Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor): an edible macrofungi with immense medicinal properties. Current Opinion in Food Science, Volume 58, 2024.
- Camilleri, E., Blundell, R., Baral, B., Karpiński, T. M., Aruci, E., & Atrooz, O. M. (2024). Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential. Heliyon, 10(9), e30254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30254
- Harada, E., Morizono, T., Kanno, T., Saito, M., & Kawagishi, H. (2020). Medicinal Mushroom, Grifola gargal (Agaricomycetes), Lowers Triglyceride in Animal Models of Obesity and Diabetes and in Adults with Prediabetes. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 22(1), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2019033285