Humans have been using mushrooms as medicine for thousands of years, although Western scientists only started researching and adopting the use of fungi into modern day medicine within the last century.
The recent pandemic has led to an increasing number of people seeking the best way to improve their immune health and, as natural, plant-based remedies continue to grow in popularity, medicinal mushrooms are making a big comeback for their immune boosting properties.
If you’re wondering “what are mushrooms good for?”, then keep reading as within this article we’ll be looking at the top 6 healthiest medicinal mushrooms and their potential therapeutic benefits.
Top 6 Medicinal Mushrooms List:
- Cordyceps Mushrooms
- Chaga Mushrooms
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
- Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Shiitake Mushrooms
- Reishi Mushrooms
Healthiest medicinal mushrooms: Our top 10
Mushrooms are packed with numerous beneficial biologically active compounds, but most people are unaware of their full therapeutic potential.
In fact, many people are surprised to learn that there are already many well-known drugs used today that have a fungal origin, including penicillin (antibiotic), griseofulvin (antifungal), ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraines), and cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant).
There are also multiple psilocybin or “magic mushrooms” that have massive potential benefits for both depressions, spirituality and overall mental wellbeing. Read more about the benefits of psilocybin mushrooms on depression here.
Here is our guide to the top six healthiest medicinal mushrooms:
Cordyceps Mushrooms
The cordyceps mushroom, also known as the caterpillar mushroom, is one of the best mushrooms for health and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to combat sickness, fatigue, and kidney disease. They were also widely used to increase energy and libido.
Modern research has also found compounds within the cordyceps mushroom that support the use of cordyceps for these problems.
A chemical analysis of the cordyceps militaris mushroom shows that they contain a potent bioactive compound called cordycepin, which is extremely similar to adenosine. Like adenosine, cordycepin is able to exert influence at adenosine receptors in the brain and body.
People often take cordyceps mushroom supplements to help:
- Increase energy and libido levels
- Boost athletic performance
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve lung function
- Prevent and fight cancer
Chaga Mushrooms
The chaga mushroom, also known as the birch mushroom, is another healthy mushroom that is highly revered in the world of alternative medicine. Some of the compounds within chaga mushrooms that are thought to contribute to improving human health are polysaccharides, triterpenes, and polyphenols.
The main takeaway from these mushrooms is that they are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants.
People often take chaga mushroom supplements to:
- Boost immune system
- Reduce long-term inflammation
- Relieve oxidative stress
- Prevent and fight cancer
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower “bad” cholesterol levels
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Hericium erinaceus is commonly called the lion’s mane mushroom due to the way it grows in shaggy, white clumps that resemble a lion’s mane.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are particularly sought after for their neuroprotective abilities and are best known for their mood and brain-boosting properties.
People often take lion’s mane mushroom supplements to:
- Relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Boost brain function
- Reduce risk of heart disease
- Protect against ulcers
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Boost immune system
- Help manage diabetes
- Speed up recovery after injury
Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms, or trametes versicolor, grow in overlapping rows of fans that somewhat resemble the colorful fan of a turkey tail. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia to increase vitality, improve lung function, and are also widely known for their powerful immune-boosting properties.
People often take turkey tail mushroom supplements to:
- Boosted immune system
- Support digestion and overall gut health
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight and protect against cancer
- Increase vitality and improve athletic performance
- May improve insulin resistance
Shiitake Mushrooms
One of the most nutritious mushrooms you’re likely to come across on a restaurant menu is the shiitake mushroom.
People often take shiitake mushroom supplements to:
- Boost immune system
- Improve heart health
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent and fight cancer
Reishi Mushrooms
The reishi mushroom, also known as ganoderma lucidum, is another popular medicinal and edible mushroom that has been used in Asian medicine for millennia.
People often take reishi mushroom supplements to:
- Boost immune system
- Ease symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Aid weight loss
- Prevent and fight cancer
- Improve heart health
- Decrease blood sugar levels
- Speed up recovery and healing
- Aid sleep
How healthy are mushrooms?
Scientists have been studying the healing properties of medicinal mushrooms for decades and interest is unlikely to wane, especially considering the fact that new biologically active compounds are being discovered all the time.
Beta-glucans
Beta-glucan is a form of soluble dietary fiber that has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and heart health. They can also help to boost immunity and inhibit tumor growth.
Triterpenoids
Triterpenoids have been shown to possess multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer.
Ergosterol
Mushrooms also contain ergosterol which, in addition to being a precursor to vitamin D2, appears to be the primary compound responsible for the anticancer effects of medicinal mushrooms.
Statins
The mycelium of mushrooms, particularly the mycelium of cordyceps sinensis, is also a valuable source of lovastatin, which belongs to a group of compounds called statins. Statins are commonly used as cholesterol-lowering drugs as they block a substance that your liver needs to produce cholesterol.
Ergothioneine
Mushrooms are also the leading dietary source of ergothioneine (ERGO) amino acids, which have been shown to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.