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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

  1. 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
  2. Lull C, Wichers HJ, Savelkoul HF. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties of fungal metabolites. Mediators Inflamm. 2005;2005(2):63-80.  
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide. Storey Publishing; 2020.  
  6. Holliday J, Cleaver M. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps. J Altern Complement Med. 2008.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide. Storey Publishing; 2020.  
  11. Gao Y, et al. Immunomodulating activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi). Nutr Cancer. 2005.
  12. Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: history, current status, future trends. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2010.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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