Medicinal mushrooms: origin, effects, and what to watch out for

Mushrooms are not only a popular ingredient in the kitchen, but also a very healthy and beneficial part of the diet. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are therefore commonly used as medicine. Thanks to their beneficial effects, medicinal mushrooms have also gained popularity in the rest of the world. And why are mushrooms so beneficial? For example, because they have a preventive effect against many diseases, including cancer, support immunity, and fight inflammation. However, there are many types of medicinal mushrooms, and each of them has slightly different effects.

The use of mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine

When traditional Chinese medicine is mentioned, most people imagine acupuncture, lots of herbs, and perhaps even meditation. The truth is, however, that among the most respected medicines in traditional Chinese medicine are not herbs, but mushrooms. While mushrooms have only recently gained popularity as dietary supplements in the Western world, the first mentions of their medicinal effects in China date back more than 2,000 years.

In traditional medicine, mushrooms are used to restore the balance between yin and yang. An imbalance between these two parts of a whole can cause serious physical and mental illnesses. Today, of course, the approach to mushrooms is much more scientific, and a number of scientific research projects and studies are investigating the real effects and content of medicinal mushrooms.

In earlier times, medicinal mushrooms were highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and were available only to rulers and very wealthy people. Today, anyone can buy them without even leaving their home. In Chinese medicine, however, the most important aspect when choosing medicinal mushrooms is their quality. Only high-quality mushrooms can be truly effective. Therefore, when choosing mushrooms, you should pay attention primarily to their origin, processing, and overall quality.

Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom that parasitizes insects in nature

One of the best-known and most popular medicinal mushrooms is Cordyceps sinensis, known in Czech as housenice čínská. Cordyceps grows in southern Asia, where it parasitizes insect larvae. The mushroom is brown to orange in color and reaches a length of up to 10 cm. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms.

Its effects include boosting vitality and performance, but that’s not all

Cordyceps mushroom is especially good for people who want to boost their overall immunity, vitality, and performance. It’s a powerful adaptogen, which means it helps maintain the body’s overall physical and mental resilience. It improves physical strength and flexibility, combats stress, boosts regeneration and immunity, and slows down aging. It also supports a healthy libido.

Cordyceps contains many beneficial substances such as antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, essential oils, B vitamins, vitamin K, carbohydrates, proteins, and more. Thanks to all this, this mushroom is a real benefit to human health and, in addition to vitality and performance, it also benefits the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. It is also suitable for supporting kidney or liver function.

Thanks to its ability to improve physical endurance, Cordyceps is a suitable mushroom for athletes and older people. However, as a preventive measure against stress, fatigue, or illness, it can be used by virtually anyone. Only people with autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, acute problems, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and, of course, people with mushroom allergies should avoid it.

Cordyceps should always be taken in the morning or at noon.

Cordyceps can be consumed in several different forms. The most common are ground dried mushrooms in the form of powder, capsules, or tablets. The powder can be added to a drink, while the capsules and tablets are swallowed as usual. Another option is Cordyceps mushroom extract, which is an extract prepared from dried mushrooms. This is also available in capsule form. Less common forms include syrup and drops. Cordyceps can also be used in cooking, for example in sauces or soups.

The dosage of Cordyceps always depends on the product, but it is generally recommended to take it in the morning or mid-morning, preferably half an hour before a meal or an hour after a meal. It is not advisable to take the mushroom at night as it can disrupt your sleep pattern. If you want to promote the absorption of beneficial substances from the mushroom, increase your intake of vitamin C.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom – a rare mushroom resembling a lion’s mane

Another highly valued mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine is the lion’s mane mushroom, also known by its Latin name Hericium erinaceus, or by its English name Lion’s Mane – which is what this mushroom really resembles. It is a rare mushroom found in Europe and Asia. It grows on the trunks of deciduous trees, most often beech and oak. It is light white to beige in color and grows to a size of up to 30 cm. In the Czech Republic, Lion’s Mane is protected by law.

It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and cognitive functions

The Lion’s Mane mushroom has the most significant effects on the nervous system and mental health. It contains hericenones and erinacines, which have a beneficial effect on nerve tissue and thus on cognitive functions. Lion’s Mane can improve your concentration and memory and also help relieve stress. In addition, it is a suitable dietary supplement for people suffering from neurological diseases such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

Lion’s Mane contains large amounts of antioxidants and vitamins, which can provide some protection against inflammation. Thanks to its polysaccharide content, it also supports digestive health. It benefits the intestinal microflora and can be an excellent prevention against intestinal diseases, especially inflammatory ones. Other effects of lion’s mane include support for the immune system, heart health, skin, and sleep.

The mushroom should not be used by people with diabetes or blood clotting disorders, as it can affect the effects of medications for these conditions. People taking immunosuppressants should also avoid it.

Coral fungus has a unique taste, which makes it popular in the kitchen.

Coral fungus is most often used in tablet form, but you can also find it in drops. Consuming dried mushrooms directly is very popular, and you can add them to salads or other dishes. Coral fungus has a uniquely delicate sweet to bitter taste with a subtle hint of horseradish and a consistency reminiscent of seafood.

The dosage of the mushroom in capsule or drop form depends on the specific product you have. However, it is usually taken before meals. As for the use of coral fungus in the kitchen, no special dosage is required. Just follow the recipe you have chosen and enjoy the unique taste of this rare mushroom to the fullest.

Reishi comes from Asia, but you can also find it in Europe

Reishi is another popular mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a wood-decaying mushroom that grows to a size of up to 30 cm. It has a shiny brown to chestnut color. Its original home is Asia, but today you can find it in forests almost all over the world, including European ones.

Supports immunity and heart health

One of the main effects of reishi is to support immunity. It contains health-promoting polysaccharides and other components that help stimulate the immune system, thereby increasing resistance to disease. The mushroom also supports circulatory and cardiovascular health, as it contains triterpenoids that help maintain normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels and contribute to lowering blood pressure.

But that’s not all. Reishi is believed to contain up to 400 other biologically active substances. These include a large number of antioxidants, alkaloids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and others. Thanks to all these substances, reishi can also have a positive effect on digestion, sleep, and mental well-being. The anti-inflammatory effects of the mushroom are also valued.

Reishi is a suitable mushroom for anyone who wants to strengthen their immune system or heart and vascular health. However, thanks to its large amount of beneficial substances, it can be beneficial to absolutely anyone. Only people with low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the mushroom.

A mushroom you can enjoy in the form of coffee

Reishi is most commonly used in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder. However, it is also available in drops or as a drink in the form of tea or even coffee. Unlike previous mushrooms, reishi is not entirely edible, as it is very hard and has a bitter taste. Its classic use in the kitchen is not very common, but it is used in some Asian recipes in powder form, often in broths.

As for dosage, always follow the instructions on your product. It is best to take reishi about half an hour before a meal. Be careful if you are taking medication. There should be at least an hour between taking reishi and any medication so that the mushrooms and drugs do not interact with each other.

Turkey Tail resembles a turkey’s tail in appearance

Another important mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine is Coriolus, known in Czech as Outkovka pestrá. However, it is also known by its English name, Turkey Tail. It got this name because it really does resemble a turkey’s tail. The mushroom has a fan-shaped cap with brown or gray stripes. It grows to a width of 2-8 cm. Turkey Tail is abundant throughout Europe and is also widespread in Asia, North America, and Australia. It grows on dead tree trunks and branches.

Immunity support and cancer treatment

Turkey Tail is a suitable dietary supplement for people undergoing cancer treatment. The mushroom contains substances that support the activation of immune cells and can improve the body’s response to cancer treatment. In addition, the mushroom can improve the tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby alleviating their unpleasant side effects. Turkey Tail is recommended primarily for stomach, intestinal, esophageal, and breast cancer. Of course, it should always be used as a supplement, not as a complete therapy. Coriolus can also serve as a cancer prevention measure.

It is a mushroom rich in beta-glucans, which makes it great for supporting the immune system. Thanks to its prebiotic content, it supports healthy intestinal microflora and thus the overall health of the digestive tract. The mushroom also contributes to the protection and regeneration of mucous membranes. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and supports the detoxification of the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, Turkey Tail is used to improve mental health and relieve stress.

People with bleeding disorders and those taking immunosuppressants should avoid this mushroom. It is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The mushroom should always be taken before meals.

Turkey Tail is most commonly available in tablet, capsule, or powder form. However, it can also be taken in the form of drops or tea. Like reishi, this mushroom is not edible, as it is tough and does not taste very good, so you are unlikely to use it in the kitchen. Turkey Tail is also a popular dietary supplement for animals, contributing greatly to their overall health.

It is recommended to take the mushroom about half an hour before a meal, preferably on an empty stomach. When it comes to dosage, always follow the instructions on the product.

Shiitake grows in groups on decaying logs

Shiitake, known in Czech as houževnatec jedlý, is a highly prized medicinal mushroom. It originally comes from East Asia, but today it is also cultivated in other parts of the world. The shiitake cap grows to a diameter of 5-15 cm and its surface is covered with brown scales. It is a wood-decaying mushroom that grows in groups on decaying deciduous tree trunks.

It is an excellent preventive measure and aid for specific problems

Shiitake has many beneficial effects on the human body. One of them is strengthening the immune system, as it contains a large amount of polysaccharides and vitamins. Thanks to its high content of health-promoting substances, shiitake supports overall health, which can slow down aging, relieve stress, and promote overall well-being and vitality.

The beta-glucan content ensures proper digestion and healthy intestinal microflora, as well as regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Shiitake can also help lower blood pressure, making it an excellent prevention against cardiovascular disease. The mushroom also has certain anti-inflammatory effects, which can be useful in combating inflammatory diseases. Similar to Turkey Tail, shiitake supports cancer treatment while alleviating its side effects. The mushroom’s significant antioxidant properties are also worth mentioning.

Shiitake is a suitable dietary supplement for anyone who wants to boost their immunity, mental resilience, and overall vitality. However, it can also be a great help with specific problems, such as cancer. In short, almost everyone can find something beneficial in its effects. The mushroom should not be used by people taking immunosuppressants, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.

Best taken on an empty stomach

Like the previous mushrooms, shiitake is most often available in the form of tablets, capsules, powder, or drops. You can also make tea from crushed mushrooms. Shiitake is an excellent and popular mushroom in the kitchen. It can be used in sauces, soups, or anything else you like.

The mushroom is best taken on an empty stomach, preferably 60 minutes before or 60 minutes after a meal. It is advisable to increase your intake of vitamin C while taking it, which will maximize the effectiveness of the beneficial substances in shiitake.

King Trumpet

King Trumpet, also known as oyster mushroom or royal oyster mushroom, is a mushroom with a flat cap of light brown or grayish color, growing to a diameter of 3-12 cm. It looks a bit like the more familiar oyster mushroom. It originally comes from the Mediterranean, where it grows on plant roots and herbs. You can also find it here, but it’s pretty rare. King Trumpet has become a popular part of the diet in many households, mainly because it’s easy to grow at home in a special substrate.

Oyster mushrooms contain a huge amount of health-promoting substances. These include fiber, polysaccharides, and probiotics, which benefit the intestinal microflora and the digestive system as a whole. Vitamins and minerals support the immune system, relieve fatigue and exhaustion, and help combat stress. Other effects include normalizing blood pressure, lowering blood sugar and fat levels, and alleviating the symptoms of allergies and asthma.

The mushroom has beneficial effects on skin health. It can support the treatment of acne, warts, or eczema. King Trumpet also supports joint and tendon health, so it can help relieve stiffness in the limbs. It also improves metabolism, facilitating cell regeneration and supporting liver, pancreas, and kidney health. And let’s not forget its detoxifying effects.

King Trumpet is a suitable mushroom for anyone who struggles with skin or joint problems, poor digestion, or simply wants to boost their immunity. Only people with bleeding disorders and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.

It is not very common in dietary supplements, but it is very popular in the kitchen.

It is rather difficult to find a dietary supplement containing only King Trumpet, but this mushroom is sometimes added to dietary supplements in the form of mixtures of various mushrooms. However, you can grow it yourself quite easily at home and then use it in the kitchen. King Trumpet has a delicate sweet taste and a soft texture, making it very popular in dishes.

Other medicinal mushrooms

Of course, there are many more medicinal mushrooms than one article could cover. The mushrooms mentioned above are among the best known and most valued in traditional Chinese medicine. But let’s take a look at a few more mushrooms whose effects are definitely worth paying attention to.

Chaga is a powerful antioxidant and adaptogen

The Chaga mushroom, also known as Inonotus obliquus, is a wood-decaying fungus found mainly in northern Europe and Russia. It is best known for its powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects. Thanks to these, it increases overall resistance to stress and other psychological difficulties. It can act preventively against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Its other effects include strengthening immunity, supporting digestion, regenerating the skin, slowing down aging, and reducing blood sugar and fat levels.

Tremella fights cancer and promotes beauty

Tremella, known in Czech as rosolovka řasotvará, is an exotic mushroom native to China. It resembles a gelatinous or jelly-like substance similar to jellyfish. The mushroom contains substances that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, so it can be a great help in the fight against this insidious disease. Tremella has anti-inflammatory effects, helps lower blood pressure, facilitates breathing, and promotes skin hydration, which is why it is sometimes nicknamed the beauty mushroom.

Maitake slows down aging and fights osteoporosis

Maitake, or hen-of-the-woods, is a parasitic fungus that grows on the lower edges of tree trunks or stumps, most often oak trees. It is native to Asia and North America, but today it grows all over the world. It is best known as a mushroom that slows down aging, as it harmonizes immunity and metabolism. In addition, it supports bone tissue health and thus helps prevent osteoporosis. The mushroom also supports healthy spleen and stomach function. It can also help with cancer or infertility problems.

Recommendations and precautions when consuming medicinal mushrooms

Contraindications

Before consuming medicinal mushrooms, you should always check whether you have any illness or condition that the mushroom could worsen. These are mostly bleeding disorders or cases where you are taking immunosuppressants. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid medicinal mushrooms, mainly due to the lack of research in this area. Of course, people with mushroom allergies should not consume mushrooms either. However, always find out what contraindications the specific mushroom you want to use has, as this may vary from mushroom to mushroom.

Increasing vitamin C intake

We have already mentioned a few times that it is advisable to increase your vitamin C intake while using medicinal mushrooms. This applies to absolutely all medicinal mushrooms. Vitamin C supports the absorption of beneficial substances from mushrooms, thereby fully utilizing their beneficial effects. You can increase your vitamin C intake by eating more fruits and vegetables or by taking dietary supplements.

Choosing the right medicinal mushrooms

If you are looking for mushrooms to treat specific problems, it is particularly important to choose the right type of mushroom so that you do not harm yourself. If you are unsure about your choice, you can always consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are not so much concerned with solving specific problems, but rather with overall vitality and health support, you can reach for a mixture of several different mushrooms, which will provide you with the widest possible range of positive effects.

Side effects of medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms rarely have side effects, but of course it can happen. However, these are not serious problems – they usually include nausea, digestive problems, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or a minor skin rash. Most of these side effects occur when you take too many mushrooms. If you happen to experience them, just try reducing the dose of mushrooms you are taking.

What form of mushrooms should you choose?

Most mushrooms are available in capsule form, which contain a fine powder made from ground mushrooms. Mushrooms in this form are popular because they are effective, the body can process them well, and the capsules are easy to take. Another common form is classic powder, which you can use to make teas or decoctions. This method is based on the traditional use of mushrooms, but in order to achieve therapeutic effects, a large amount of powder is needed, so it is not the most effective form.

Another option is mushrooms in the form of oils or drops. This form is especially appreciated by people who do not like to swallow capsules and tablets. Extracts, which can be in liquid form or in capsules, are very suitable. Extracts are produced in such a way as to preserve as many active ingredients as possible and to allow the body to make the most of them. Extracts are suitable for people who want to combat a problem as effectively as possible. Classic powder in capsules is suitable for prevention.

When using mushrooms in the kitchen, it is important to remember that heat treatment causes mushrooms to lose some of their beneficial substances, just as it does with vegetables and fruit. In this case, it is better to treat mushrooms as a tasty ingredient, and if you want to take full advantage of their health benefits, it is better to reach for one of the dietary supplements.