Mushroom

Mushrooms Have Some Amazing Health Benefits

Maitaki - Shitaki - Lion's Mane - Cordyceps - Reishi - Turkey Tail - Oyster Mushrooms - Chaga

Background: As many people know, mushrooms are a form of fungi. Fungi began to inhabit the Earth about eight million years ago and have continued to evolve. To non-biology, non-science-oriented people, the concept of "fungus" may sound gross. Others may believe that mushrooms (other than the little white button mushroom from the store) are probably toxic. Not so! If you want to know more about mushrooms, there is a surprisingly entertaining and pretty cool movie available called Fantastic Fungi.

Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In fact, in 1991, when the famous 5,000-year-old mummified iceman, Otzi, was discovered in the Alps, they found two types of mushrooms in his possession - one to keep his fire going and another, which they found hanging on a string around his neck and also in his stomach. This is a birch polypore with medicinal properties. It kills intestinal parasites, reduces fever, and reduces inflammation. When examined,  Otzi was noted to have a number of ailments, including intestinal parasites, and likely used these mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

Mushrooms are rarely given the credit they deserve. Not only are they powerful immune boosters with great medicinal properties, but they also contain many vitamins. In fact, studies show that a number of mushrooms have antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective and antiviral properties. Consider penicillin. It was discovered from a simple fungus. Tetracycline, neomycin, and cephalosporins (i.e., Omnicef type) were initially developed from fungi. Maybe science needs to develop a closer relationship to these.

There are 50,000 mushroom species in existence. You can't exactly go out and pick any mushroom you see and eat it. That is not a good idea because some are toxic. If you forage or pick mushrooms with the intent to eat, you need to know what you are doing. You can also grow them yourself or buy from a reputable seller of mushroom-related items like tinctures, teas, dried mushrooms, fresh mushroom capsules, powders, and tablets.

The following briefly outlines a few of the more familiar mushrooms and their possible benefits. Again, you should not go out foraging mushrooms (with the intent to eat) without knowing what you are doing. Also, do not try to treat a condition, like cancer, with mushrooms without discussing these things with your healthcare provider. While mushrooms are proving to be of great benefit, a lot is still not known about their specific benefits. Studies tend to be lacking.

MAITAKI (Grifola frondosa)

See more on this link with maitake photos and recipes 

PROPERTIES:

Adaptogen, antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Possibly anti-allergy and may support cold/flu symptoms

Cardiovascular: May help lower blood pressure

Gastrointestinal: Contains fiber, which helps with digestion and bowels, possible prebiotic properties (turns into probiotic)

Musculoskeletal: It may support bone health and is anti-inflammatory.

Neurologic: Mental clarity may help with mild cognitive impairment.

Skin: Dermatitis, hydration, inflammation, burns, and wounds may help aging skin and skin elasticity, and may reduce hyperpigmentation.

Mental Health: May help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and possibly depression.

Glucose: Helps control blood sugar.

Cholesterol: Lowers cholesterol

Immunity: Supports immunity - helps fight off disease

Cancer: May help prevent cancer and slow tumor growth.

Infectious Disease: May help lessen symptoms in HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Side Effects: Nausea

Caution/Contraindications: Antidiabetic medication (may make blood sugar too low), blood thinners (Warfarin/coumadin), blood pressure medications (may lower blood pressure too much)

Forms: Extracts, powders, capsules, tablets, tinctures, fresh, dried whole

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations at this time

Dosage: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• 12 to 25 mg of the extract and 200 to 250 mg or 500 to 2,500 mg of whole powder daily.

SHITAKE (Lentinula edodes) "the Elixer of Life"

See more about Shitake mushrooms with photos and recipes

PROPERTIES:

Immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antifungal, adaptogen, antiviral

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Colds and flu

Cardiovascular: Assists in cardiovascular health, decreases blood pressure

Gastrointestinal: Supports liver function, hepatitis B, and stomachache.

Genitourinary: Balances hormones

Musculoskeletal: Joint and possibly muscle inflammation, muscle building, and bone building

Neurologic: Improvement in mental clarity is questionable. May slow down Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Skin: Prevention of herpesvirus (HSV) I and II, acne, skin conditions, hair and nail growth

Mental Health: May support mood, help with depression, possible calming effects

Glucose: Helps control blood sugar

Cholesterol: Lowers cholesterol

Immunity: Supports immunity

Infectious Disease: HIV support

Cancer: Prostate and breast cancer

Other: May increase longevity and considered anti-aging, weight loss, and satiety, and it provides vitamins, minerals, and tablets.

Side Effects: Possible allergic reaction (especially dermatitis); raw product may cause stomach upset.

Caution/Contraindications: Autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants, P450 2D6 medications – shiitake may change the concentration of these medicines in the body, hypereosinophilic syndrome

FORMS: Dried, fresh, powdered capsules, extract

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations at this time

DOSAGES: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• 3-6 grams by mouth daily – up to 6 months with larger doses - longer if lower dose (3 gm)

LIONS MANE (Hericium erinaceus)

See link to learn more: Photos and information

PROPERTIES:

Immune modulator, neuro-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. anti-cancer

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory:  COVID–19 (more studies needed) may help decrease lung inflammation

Cardiovascular: Heart disease; promotes heart health

Gastrointestinal: Ulcers, chronic gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease

Musculoskeletal: May help fatigue, muscle repair, endurance, may enhance athletic performance, decrease inflammation

Skin: May enhance Wound healing.

Glucose: Helps regulate blood sugar

Cholesterol: May help support healthy cholesterol levels

Immunity: Increases activity of the immune system

Neurologic: Cognitive function, Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s, increase brain function, mental clarity, focus, and memory, stimulates the growth of nerve cells (including the brain), peripheral neuropathy, possibly helps in the repair of neuronal (nerve cell) damage, increases myelin (protective coat on nerve cells), overall may support the nervous system.

Mental Health: May help improve mood: depression, anxiety, stress

Cancer: Reportedly kills cancer cells and may slow the growth of certain tumors, anti-cancer

Other: Helps stop bleeding (styptic), might help with obesity

Side Effects: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, allergic reaction

FORMS: Fresh, powdered, extract, capsules, dried coffee, teas

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

• Real Mushrooms® Lion's Mane capsules (order through Fullscript link here)

• Host Defense Lions Mane Mushroom Capsules (from Fungi Perfecti) 1000 mg (order form Amazon link here)

• Gaia Lion's Mane capsules 450 mg (order from Amazon link here)

• Om® Mushroom Superfood Lion's Mane Powder (order from Fullscript link here)

Caution/Contraindications: Diabetes (if you are on diabetic medications, this may lower your blood sugar too much), blood thinners (if you are on blood thinners, your blood may become even thinner, placing you at higher risk for bleeding), autoimmune disorders

DOSAGE: As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

CORDYCEPS

See photos and learn more about cordyceps here

PROPERTIES Anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, immunomodulators, antitumor

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: This may help improve lung function with its anti-inflammatory effects. Possibly helps in asthma.

Cardiovascular: May improve blood flow, possibly a blood thinner, heart health

Gastrointestinal: Possibly liver problems

Genitourinary: May support kidney problems, kidney protectant.

Musculoskeletal: Anti-inflammatory

Skin: May add hydration and enhance skin

Glucose: May help regulate

Immunity: Proposed to enhance immunity

Cancer: May help fight cancer- especially lung and kidney, with possible anti-tumor effects

(always discuss use with your healthcare practitioner before use)

Neurologic: Helps protect the brain from cell damage and improves cognitive function, learning, and memory.

Other: May enhance athletic performance, may enhance sexual performance, increased energy, anti-aging

Side Effects: Mainly potential stomach problems - nausea, upset stomach,  constipation, diarrhea

Contraindications: Cancer, Diabetes, autoimmunity, immunosuppressant drugs, bleeding disorders, allergy

FORMS: Fresh, powdered, extract, capsules, dried coffees, teas

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations at this time

DOSAGE: As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

REISHI (Ganoderma lingzhi) "The Mushroom of Immortality"

See photos and learn more about reishi here

PROPERTIES

Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, adaptogen

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, influenza, allergies

GI: Promotes liver function, helps digestion, stomach ulcers, leaky gut, colon polyps

GU: Kidney disease helps balance hormones

Musculoskeletal: Helps decrease blood pressure.

Skin: Improves skin disorders, herpes papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Cholesterol: Decreases cholesterol

Immunity: Immune support/stimulates the immune response

Neuro: Promotes sleep, chronic fatigue

Psych: Calming, felt to help fatigue, depression

Cancer: May slow tumor growth, fights cancer

Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS

Other: Promotes longevity, prevents aging, altitude sickness, weight loss

FORMS:  Fresh, powdered, extract, capsules, dried coffees, teas

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

• Nature's Way® Reishi capsules (order from Fullscript link here)

• Om Reishi Powder (order from Fullscript link here)

DOSAGES: As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

TURKEY TAIL (Trametes versicolor)

See photos and learn more about turkey tail here

PROPERTIES

Immune-modulator, antioxidant, anti-tumor/anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogen

CONSIDERED USES

Cardiovascular: Promotes heart health

Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, influenza, allergies

Gastrointestinal: Promotes liver function, helps digestion, stomach ulcers, leaky gut, and colon polyps.

Genitourinary: Kidney disease, helps balance hormones, hepatoprotective

 

Musculoskeletal: Helps decrease blood pressure.

Neurologic: Promotes relaxation and sleep, chronic fatigue.

Skin: Improves skin disorders, herpes papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Mental Health: Calming, felt to help fatigue, depression and other mood problems

Glucose: May help regulate blood sugar

Cholesterol: Decreases cholesterol

Immunity: Immune support/stimulates the immune response

Cancer: May slow tumor growth, fights cancer

Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS

Other: Promotes longevity, prevents aging, altitude sickness, and weight loss

Forms:  Fresh, powdered, extract, capsules, dried, coffees, teas

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations at this time

Dosage: As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

OYSTER MUSHROOMS (Pleurotus ostreatus)

See photos and learn more about oyster mushrooms here

PROPERTIES

Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Fever, flu

Cardiovascular: Lowers blood pressure, helps protect against heart disease, atherosclerosis

Gastrointestinal: Reduces stomach acid, helps build strong teeth, gastritis.

Musculoskeletal: May support bone health, arthritis, osteoporosis, healthy functioning of muscles,

inflammation, gout

Skin: Moisturizer, acne, anti-aging

Cholesterol: Lowers bad, raises good (contains a chemical similar to a statin)

Glucose: Helps maintain glucose levels

Immunity: Immune booster

Neurologic: Enhances brain function, mild cognitive impairment, may improve mood,

Mental Health: May stimulate the production and action of neurotransmitters-dopamine and serotonin, may help  with depression

Cancer: Helps fight cancer (reported especially in breast and colon cancers) - Discuss with healthcare provider before use

Other: These contain different vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and calcium. Vit B1, B3, B5, B12, Folic acid, Vit C and D. Protein. Fiber, anemia

Side Effects: Dizziness, allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, nausea, stomachache

Cautions/Contraindications: Allergy to mushrooms; little information available

FORMS  Fresh, powdered, extract, capsules, dried coffees, teas

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations at this time

DOSAGE As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

CHAGA MUSHROOMS (Inonotus obliquus)

Explore this link to see photos and learn more about the chaga mushroom

HISTORY: Centuries-old remedy in Russia, Korea, China, Japan, Baltic States. They only grow on birch trees.

PROPERTIES:

Anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: This may help reduce the incidence of cold and flu.

Cardiovascular: Helps lower blood pressure and may protect against heart disease

Gastrointestinal: Digestive problems, IBS, chronic gastritis, ulcers, intestinal parasites (worms)

Musculoskeletal: Decreases inflammation.

Neurologic:  May boost serotonin

Mental Health: May help improve mood

Cholesterol: May help lower cholesterol (lowers "bad" cholesterol LDL and increases "good" cholesterol)

Glucose: Helps lower sugar levels

Immunity: Helps build immunity (increases cytokines)

Cancer: May help kill cancer cells and slow the growth of cancer cells

Other: It may slow the aging process. It is vitamin-rich (vitamin B complex, vitamin D) and contains essential elements like potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and cesium. In addition to these, chaga contains amino acids and fiber. Tb. Possibly helps with allergies.

Caution/Contraindications:   Autoimmune diseases and medications used for those  (discuss with your healthcare provider), bleeding disorders,  be careful in diabetes, and blood thinners.                                                                      

FORMS: Dried, powder, teas, tincture. Sometimes used as an additive to coffee, "mushroom coffee" (usually chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, or reishi) (there may be a double benefit of caffeine/coffee and a particular mushroom.

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

• Planetary Herbals® Full Spectrum™ Chaga (order from Amazon link here)

• Bulk Supplements 1000 mg powder (order through Amazon link here)

DOSAGE: As directed

Doses may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

Please Note: We only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, quality, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links — like those to Amazon or Fullscript— are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support my website, Web Guide to Healthcare. Plus, these links often offer discounts for you, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.