Medicinal mushrooms have been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries and were revered for their health-boosting properties. Today, they are becoming a prominent part of health and wellness in the form of supplements, powders and tinctures, even tea and coffee infusions.
With a growing number of people turning to natural remedies for immune support, stress relief and cognitive enhancement, these functional fungi are proving to be more than just the next hip trend. But what exactly are medicinal mushrooms and can they really improve your health? Let’s explore their benefits and why they’re gaining popularity in modern health and wellness.
What are medicinal mushrooms?
Culinary mushrooms may already be a part of your diet, adding flavour, nutrients and texture to your dishes. The terms “medicinal mushrooms” and "functional mushrooms" refer to those fungi known for their medicinal effects and health-boosting properties, going far beyond just their nutritional content.
These supplements are not to be confused with “magic mushrooms”, which are known for their mind-altering effects. Psychedelic mushrooms, containing psilocybin, can lead to altered states of consciousness where the user experiences hallucinations known as a ‘trip’. Functional mushrooms do not contain psychoactive substances. They are completely legal and can be bought ‘over the counter’ or from online shops.
Each type of mushroom contains unique compounds, bringing a range of benefits that can enhance different aspects of your health and well-being. The term “nootropic” refers to compounds that improve cognitive functions such as attention or memory. For example, Lion’s Mane is classed as a nootropic due to its cognitive benefits, enhancing memory and focus. You can find out more about Lion’s Mane’s brain-boosting benefits here. You may also have heard of Turkey Tail, which appears to support a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. The Reishi mushroom belongs to a group known as “adaptogens”. This means they help the overall wellbeing of your body, including how you respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue. Find out more about the key benefits of each of Medshrum’s mushroom tinctures here.
The ancient power of mushrooms … tried and tested
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India more than 3000 years ago. Ancient texts describe the use of Reishi, Cordyceps and other fungi to treat various conditions. Reishi mushrooms were reserved for royalty in ancient China due to their perceived ability to enhance life span. Similarly, Turkey Tail has been consumed for centuries in Asia to boost immune function. In Ayurveda, Cordyceps was prized for its ability to increase vitality and stamina.
This long and varied history shows that medicinal mushrooms are far from a new discovery; they are time-tested allies in holistic health.
Is there scientific research supporting the use of medicinal mushrooms?
Yes! While the historical use of mushrooms provides a wealth of evidence, scientists are beginning to explore the different health benefits through targeted research. Although most are still in the early stages, each and every study adds value. Research has explored a variety of areas, including how mushrooms may:
- support our immune system
- have anti-inflammatory properties
- improve cognitive health
- complement traditional cancer therapies
The results of a study on the Lion’s Mane mushroom indicates that it could help protect against cognitive decline in elderly adults.[1] Reishi has been extensively studied to understand the helpful compounds and their therapeutic effects, which may include antitumour, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.[2] Turkey Tail is perhaps one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms for a variety of health-giving properties, including its role in supporting the immune system during cancer treatment. [3],[4] Research also indicates that Turkey Tail extracts may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by boosting the body's immune response.[5]
This growing scientific interest helps to explain why medicinal mushrooms have become so popular in modern wellness culture. Ancient wisdom, now being tried and tested in the laboratory, is increasingly turning the folklore of medicinal mushrooms into evidence-backed supplements for better health.
If you’d like to delve deeper into the science-backed health properties of medicinal mushrooms, the National Library of Medicine is a great place to start your research.
Health benefits: Which mushroom will benefit me?
One of the most exciting aspects of medicinal mushrooms is their versatility. Different mushrooms target different areas of health, so whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, manage stress or support brain function, there’s likely to be a functional mushroom that can help. Here are some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms and their well-documented benefits:
| Key Benefits | |
| Lions Mane | Brain-boosting properties Depression and anxiety reduction Immune balancing Nerve regeneration |
| Reishi | Improving sleep Skin health Neuroprotection Mood enhancement and anxiety reduction |
| Cordyceps | Energy enhancement Immune support Performance enhancement |
| Turkey Tail | Immune support Gut-health Anti-inflammatory |
| Chaga | Anti-inflammatory Anti-aging Antioxidant-rich |
| Shiitake | Digestive health Heart support Immune support |
| Maitake | Lowering blood sugar Reducing cholesterol |
How can you incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your routine?
Whichever type of mushroom supplement you choose, the key is to use it consistently. Different functional mushrooms are ideal at different times of day. Mushroom-lovers would say Lion’s Mane is best taken in the morning, for clarity and focus, whereas Reishi is great at nighttime for unwinding and promoting a good night’s sleep. A reputable retailer should have good information on their website and their packaging about how to take it and the benefits of each product.
Which type of mushroom supplement should you choose?
It’s important to look for highly effective and pure mushroom supplements. At Medshrum, all of our products are certified organic, so you can be sure that they are free from contaminants. We also recommend using “tinctures” (drops) which offer additional benefits over other types of supplements.
Administered by a special dropper under the tongue (sublingually), tinctures enter the body directly through tissues (mucosa) which are rich in blood vessels and highly permeable, rather than entering via the digestive track. Tinctures optimise the volume of active compounds reaching the bloodstream, as they are not altered by stomach acids and enzymes. Advantageously this means a lower dose can give similar, or even stronger effects than higher oral doses – in coffees or tablet form. However, we do also offer powder and tablet forms for those who wish to take the supplements orally.
Remember that not all medicinal mushrooms are created equal! When purchasing mushroom supplements, look for products that use the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method, which ensures that they are more potent, more ‘bioavailable’, meaning that you get more of the good stuff from each and every drop.
Conclusion
If you're seeking natural ways to support your health – whether your immune system, brain function or stress levels – medicinal mushrooms could be for you. With centuries of ancient wisdom and growing scientific support, these functional fungi offer a wide range of benefits to enhance and support your health and wellbeing.
If you have a specific question for our team at Medshrum, why not drop us an email? hello@medshrum.com
Are you ready to embrace the wisdom and give them a try?
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29534044/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214799324000699
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684115/
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3369477/