Compiled by Torsten Peterson for our November Medicinal Mushroom Workshop. You can also listen to an audio recording of the workshop here.
I am not a doctor. No federal authority in the U.S. licenses herbalists. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Furthermore, each of these mushrooms has more qualities than can be summarized within a quick, non-comprehensive guide. For more information, please consult some of the recommended additional resources and/or consult an herbalist directly.
REGARDING BETA GLUCANS
Beta glucans are soluble polysaccharide fibers that make up much of the composition of mushrooms. Like other soluble fibers, they absorb and hold fluids within the mushroom and within our gut, regulating the pace of digestion and helping to bind up cholesterol in the digestive tract. They also slow the absorption of sugars within the digestive system, improving our blood sugar levels. Beta glucans also cannot be broken down by our bodies, and travel in the body and act as markers that assist the body in immune function and healthy inflammation response.
ALL mushrooms, when prepared properly, due to their beta glucan content, may assist with blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels, inflammation levels, and immune function. Beta glucans are bound up within the chitin protein of mushrooms, and must be processed with hot water to be released. The medicinal benefits of beta glucans cannot be reaped when consuming mushrooms raw. Nearly no mushroom should be consumed raw, as the chitinous proteins can be irritating to the gut lining, as opposed to the soothing soluble nature of beta glucans.
LION’S MANE – Hericium erinaceus
- Most known for supporting the
brain and nervous system and stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), usually taken as a long term support - Can be taken for mental support at doses 1-4g, but also praised in research for improving functioning in study participants with dementia at a dose of 5g/day for 6 months
- Not only a support to mental function, but also to our nerves within the body, they a top choice when dealing with nerve-based pain or degeneration. Shown to support myelin sheath around nerves, as well
- Promising research regarding anti cancer properties, esp. in digestive cancers
- Lion’s Mane pairs very well Turkey Tail to support gut health and nerve health, and pairs very well with Reishi to support the mind
- Pairs very well with herbs Gotu Kola, Bacopa, Ginkgo extract, Rosemary for brain
TURKEY TAIL – Trametes versicolor et al., formerly Coriolus versicolor
Powerful immune support and modulator in overactive immune states- Used in TCM for damp lung conditions, asthma, and to improve energy levels
- Arguably more highly researched than any other mushroom for anticancer properties
- Praised for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal benefits
- High in anti-inflammatory polysaccharides PSK (Polysaccharide-K) and PSP (Polysaccharopeptide). PSK is the source of anticancer drug Krestin
- Anti-inflammatory to the digestive system, respiratory system, liver, and urinary tract, and offers powerful support for chronic conditions
- Stimulates superoxide dismutase, our most powerful antioxidant enzyme
- Mineral rich, especially zinc and copper. This, combined with the polysaccharide content, vitamin D content, and more, make Turkey Tail a powerful topical soother, as well
REISHI – Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae
Traditionally revered for supporting meditation, spiritual pursuits, and to improve function of the mind and memory, it is described in TCM as the supreme Shen or spiritual tonic.- Praised for the ability to relax the heart and mind and protect us from stress. In western terminology, Reishi is considered both an adaptogen and nervine.
- Also taken as a longevity tonic and to support the physical heart, it is rich in antioxidants that soothe inflammation in the cardiovascular system and support iron building
- Powerful immune support and modulator in overactive states
- Cools inflammation in the lungs, pairs well with Cordyceps for this goal
- Like all shelf polypore mushrooms, Reishi can be a powerful support to blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
- Gentle bitter, both encouraging relaxation and improving liver function
- Ganoderic acids found in Reishi have unique antihistamine properties
- Widely researched for anticancer properties and preventing metastasis, and used safely alongside chemotherapy and radiation to improve outcomes
- Ideal choice in conditions with possible terminal outcome to mitigate the impact of stress on the healing process
- Pairs well with Tulsi to promote meditation, spiritual goals, and stress resilience. Pairs well with Astragalus in building immune system and protecting the heart
ARTIST CONK – Ganoderma applanatum
Gently bitter like her relative Reishi, also traditionally taken for moving energy downwards and promoting calm- Considered a cooling medicine, like Reishi, due to bitterness and antioxidant content
- Strengthens the immune systems of humans and forests! Grows on decaying trunks of hardwoods and conifers, they are a sign of a healthy forest
- Diuretic and antimicrobial, especially antimicrobial when found on conifers due to increased triterpenoid content. Mushrooms with both of these properties, such as Artist Conk and Poria, can be helpful in urinary conditions
- Be mindful if wildcrafting, as they could be 10 or even 50 years old!
CORDYCEPS – Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps sinensis
Traditionally taken by peoples living in mountains to improve lung capacity during mountain climbs and prevent elevation sickness due to ability to support respiratory function- Powerful support for chronic respiratory conditions
- Considered a rare tonic of both yin and yang conditions, as well as a kidney jing tonic
- Strengthens kidneys and adrenals
- Improves cardiovascular function
- Often sought after to support energy due to increased oxygen in body and brain
- Can support stamina during exercise, it is sometimes taken to support sexual stamina
- Pairs well with Reishi in soothing inflammation of the lungs, and pairs well with Tremella, as well, for dry lung states
CHAGA – Inonotus obliquus
Growing only on Birch trees in cold climates, Chaga live for decades and absorb minerals, tannins, salicylates, triterpenoids such as betulinic acid, and more from the Birch tree.- They are not easy to find, so use the lowest dose possible or seek alternatives when possible
- Concentrated source of antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory benefit to the whole body, especially the liver and digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
- Bitter flavor provides both relaxation and liver support
- High in fungal melanin, making it a sought-after protective support to the skin, protecting from the sun or taken to protect the body during radiation treatment
- Melanin as well as salicylate and antioxidant content make it a sought-after topical treatment for hyperpigmented, age, or precancerous spots on skin
- Highly researched for anticancer properties, it is approved as a formal anticancer treatment in Russia, especially sought after with breast, cervical, lung, and stomach cancers.
BIRCH POLYPORE – Fomitopsis betulina
Also growing only on Birch trees, this annual shelf polypore mushroom is widely available, unlike Chaga, and contains many compounds from their Birch hosts, as well- Sought after for antiviral benefits and for addressing acute illnesses of the lungs and digestive system
- Fluffed-up flesh of the fresh mushroom can be used as an absorbent and antiseptic staunch for bleeding wounds. This quality is reflected in its application as a simmered tea for bleeding ulcers
- Sought after for assisting blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity
- Birch Polypore is an excellent alternative to work with first if you are interested in Chaga, with many of the same benefits transferred from Birch trees. Think sustainability when wildcrafting.
RED BELTED POLYPORE – Fomitopsis pinicola
Powerful immune supporter and modulator, it is also powerful in acute response due to triterpenoid content transferred from its host conifer trees- One of the most accessible mushrooms in the forests of Maine
- High in antioxidants that are found in the red pigments of the mushroom
- Bitter flavor gives a calming action and support to the liver
- Has a long tradition in Maine and Appalachia of being made into “Logger’s tea,” which is a long-simmered tea taken to relax the body and mind after a long hard day at work and to support sleep.
AGARIKON – Ghost Biscuit, Laciriformis officinalis, Fomitopsis officinalis
Traditionally revered during ritual, this massive shelf polypore was carved into ritual masks and worn to protect leaders of rituals and protect people from diseases of the spirit. Indigenous people of the Northwest consider it deeply tied to Yaahl, the creation spirit. It is a deeply revered medicine associated with the Creator and with the creation and protection of women.- Perennial mushroom can grow for 50 years, it is not easily accessed in wildcrafting
- Applied in addressing tuberculosis, pneumonia, and viral infections, including small pox.
- Research continued by Paul Stamets further supports its antiviral and immune system benefits
- Like all mushrooms with prolonged sun exposure, Agarikon contains notable amounts of vitamin D
PORTOBELLO AND BUTTON – Agaricus bisporus, relative of Agaricus blazei
Support to the immune system, liver, and digestive system. Keep in mind that to access the medicinal properties of kitchen mushrooms, we must prepare them in simmered water for 2+ hours to unbind the polysaccharides from their chitinous proteins. We cannot expect profound benefits from sauteed mushrooms. Prepare as broth/stock for medicinal benefits.- Contains aromatase inhibitors, preventing an abundance of the enzyme aromatase that converts androgens to estrogens. This can be helpful in estrogen-sensitive conditions and cancers.
- Agaricus blazei or almond mushroom has received the most study within the Agaricus family, especially in Brazil and Japan, as an antiviral, antitumor, and immune medicine. Agaricus bisporus, our beloved button or portobello mushroom, has many of the same constituents, including aromatase inhibitors, and research into its benefits as an anticancer adjunct treatment continue
MAITAKE – Hen of the Woods, Grifola frondosa
Immune support wonder, activates our T cells, B cells, and macrophages- Traditional longevity medicine, it was worth its weight in silver in feudal Japan and offered to the shogun to support his long life
- Brings down inflammation in the digestive system, and is sometimes sought for inflammation of the urinary tract
- Highly praised for anticancer properties especially colorectal, breast, and prostate, but there are notable cases using maitake with other cancers, such as brain. Noted as synergistic with chemotherapy
- Often associated with bringing down excesses – high inflammation, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and supporting healthy weight
- Pairs incredibly well with Shiitake and Reishi to further support immune function, and pairs well with Tremella and Poria to support urinary health
OYSTER MUSHROOMS – Pleurotus ostreatus
Sought after for their cardiovascular benefits as they also are a natural source of lovastatin, they show significant reductions in cholesterol in animal studies - Anti-inflammatory to the digestive system, they pair well with Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, et al. in this pursuit
- Incredibly nutrient and mineral-rich and contain vitamin D, especially if exposed to sunlight during the growing process
- Accessible choice to support the immune system when prepared as broth. Consider pairing with seaweeds, shiitake, maitake, etc.
- Excellent support for overexcited or autoimmune states
ENOKI – Flammulina filiformis
Research not as extensive as some other mushrooms, but research so far shows benefits to cardiovascular system, immunity, and promising antitumor properties- Increases nitric oxide production, which helps to regulate blood pressure, cardiovascular function, and recovery
- Mouse studies show increase in cytokine immune cells, as well as reduced tumor size and increased life span
- High antioxidant content
- Tender and easy to consume
SHIITAKE – Lentinula edodes
Powerful immune support, as well as acute response- Antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral properties have been used in supporting infections in the lungs, addressing food poisoning, and to protect against influenza
- Slice of raw mushroom can be used under bandage to prevent infection
- Clinically used to combat tumors, especially in Japan, after antitumor properties were revealed in a 1969 study in mice
- Taken to improve immune function in those with severely depleted immune states
TREMELLA – Snow Fungus, Tremella fuciformis
Yin tonic, replenishing the vital fluids of the body, benefitting the kidneys, joints, eyes, skin, and mucous membranes of the lungs, digestive system, urinary tract, and vaginal canal- Powerful support to any dry condition where tissues lack fluid movement
- Natural source of Hyaluronic Acid – HA molecules hold roughly 1000x their weight in water, depending on length
PORIA – Fu Ling Wolfiporia extensa
Subterranean fungus, giving it the nickname of China Root- Yin tonic, most associated with supporting the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and urinary tract, most often applied in chronic kidney and urinary conditions and as a diuretic support for water retention
- High in triterpenoids from its host conifer trees, providing antimicrobial benefits and stimulating kidney function
- High antioxidant content
- Used in TCM to this day for stimulating stagnant menstruation
- Used in TCM and pursued in modern research for neurological benefits
- Pursued for research for anticancer benefits
MESHIMA – Black Hoof Fungus, Phellinus linteus
The Japanese name Meshimaboku means “Women’s Island Mushroom,” associated with an island of women who were renowned for harvesting it for their longevity. To this day, it is associated with women’s (esp. breast) health- Most associated with anticancer and immune properties, especially sought after for research in breast, prostate, colorectal cancers, and melanoma. Extracts of Meshima have been shown to increase apoptosis (cell death) in a variety of types of cancer cells. Pairs well with Maitake, Reishi, and others to support anticancer benefits
- Like Chaga and Reishi, Meshima is high in antioxidant content, making it particularly cooling to inflamed tissues.
- Pairs well with lymphatic herbs, such as Red Clover, Calendula, and lymphatic massage to improve breast health
6 PLACES TO START FOR FURTHER RESEARCH:
Books
Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness by Christopher Hobbs
Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets
Mycobotanicals by Paul Stamets
Online Reference Information
Henriette’s Herbal Homepage
Commonwealth School of Holistic Herbalism
Herbs with Rosalee, with Rosalee de la Forȇt
Photos sourced from Forest Flush Mushrooms and Wikimedia Commons.
Mushroom Class Source Material / Additional Reading:
Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials
Isolation of an antitumor compound from Agaricus blazei Murill and its mechanism of action
Poria / Fu Ling: White Rabbit Institute of Healing
Artist’s Conk: Albuquerque School of Herbalism
Medicinal Mushroom Phellinus Linteus / Meshima
Biochemical effects of Phellinus Linteus
Red Belted Conk: Herbs with Rosalee Interview with Logan Keister
We are not doctors. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. There are no state or federal authorities in the U.S. that license herbalists. The staff at Blue Hill Co-op do not prescribe, offer medical opinions, or practice medicine. Please reach out to your primary care provider or seek emergency support if you require medical care.
