Top 7 Medicinal Mushrooms for Better Health
Mushroom coffee. Mushroom tea. Mushroom chocolate. If you walk down the aisle of virtually any major health food store, it won’t take you long to notice that medicinal mushrooms are having their ten seconds of fame. But while the western health and wellness world is just now dipping its toes into the fantastic world of fungi, other cultures have long revered the mushroom for its medicinal qualities.
Medicinal Mushrooms: What to Look For
From immunity support to brain health, medicinal mushrooms can help supercharge both body and mind. But as with any supplement, quality is king. Be sure to do your research on where the mushrooms were sourced, how they were grown, and the method for processing. I’ve found that supplements from Host Defense, owned by well-known mycologist (someone who studies fungi) Paul Stamets, is one of the best.
For the best nutritional value, try to get the mushrooms fresh if you can (and preferably locally grown). Since that’s not always possible, the best next thing is mushroom supplements. You can take these in the form of pill, powder, or tincture. One form is not better than another. It really depends on preferences for taste, texture, and how they’ll be used. I tend to like powders the best since I can put them in coffee, teas, smoothies, and yogurt.
Top 7 Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Benefits
Here are my go-to medicinal mushrooms to boost immunity, brain function, and overall health.
Turkey Tail
This mushroom looks like—yep, you guessed it—a turkey tail. It’s one of the best-documented mushrooms in scientific research, known for its powerful immunity-boosting properties.
Lion’s Mane
This mushroom, true to its name, looks like a shaggy lion’s mane. It’s also been described as looking like a shag carpet, a cluster of icicles, or a hedgehog. Its renowned for promoting mental clarity, focus, and memory. It also provides cerebral and nervous system support.
Reishi
Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi is known for boosting all-around health and wellness. Benefits includes promoting cardiovascular health, helping the body respond to stress, and supporting energy and stamina.
Chaga
Similarly to Reishi, Chaga is increasingly becoming a popular subject of study in today’s scientific research. It provides antioxidant support to fight free radical damage (which can ultimately help slow the aging process).
Shiitake
Shiitake is fairly easy to find at most major grocery stores and is delicious in a soup or stir fry. Like Turkey Tail, it has powerful immunity-boosting qualities. They may also help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Cordyceps
This mushrooms has turned the heads of some professional athletes for its energy-boosting and stamina benefits. Some studies suggest that cordyceps may help increase oxygen intake and boost endurance levels.
Maitake
Also known as Hen of the Woods, Maitake is also delicious cooked (if you’d rather not go down the supplement route). It’s known for its immunity properties and it may also help support normal blood sugar metabolism.