6 Kinds Of Medicinal Mushrooms And Their Health Benefits

Posted on 14th October 2022

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Mushrooms have a wide range of medicinal uses and health benefits dating back to ancient times. In recent years, as holistic nutrition is becoming mainstream and many are shifting to maintaining a healthy mindset, there’s an increasing interest in these superfoods.  

Although not all mushrooms are beneficial for human consumption, several species boast medicinal uses and several health benefits. Some of these include anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and hormone balance, to name a few. 

If you’re eager to know more about medicinal mushrooms and what they can do for your health, here are several worth checking out:

1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom or Lingzhi is a large-sized, rigid mushroom that has been utilized in traditional medicine in ancient China as a herbal treatment. Reishi can help promote better sleep at night and minimize stress to a manageable level. 

One of the health benefits of Reishi mushroom has something to do with immune function. When it’s taken over time, it can significantly support the immune system. 

Reishi can protect the body against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It can also delay the signs of aging. Essentially, the compounds in reishi mushrooms work internally and externally to minimize oxidation, which is responsible for the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging. 

Hence, if you’re looking for a natural way to lower your stress levels and sleep better at night, consider taking a reishi tincture or supplement from a reputable provider as a good starting point. 

2. Chaga Mushroom 

Chaga mushrooms resemble a dark-coloured lump of dirt with dark orange tissue within. Throughout the years, Chaga mushrooms have been recognized for having a high antioxidant content. It may also help lower bad cholesterol, reduce oxidative stress, and support immune function.  

Although Chaga is widely available as a supplement, some can consume it as tea or an infused drink. However, it’s crucial to remember that infusions lack the nutritional value of these mushrooms compared to when consumed whole. 

If you’re eager to try out a proven mushroom-based supplement, consider checking out online sources such as mushroomrevival.com and others to know more about the available choices. 

3. Oyster Mushroom 

As one of the widely cultivated edible mushrooms, oyster mushrooms are known for their high nutritional content while containing an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The mushroom is also low in fat and calories and a good source of protein. 

Over the years, oyster mushrooms have been associated with various health benefits. Aside from boasting several nutrients, it may help promote heart health and the immune system, encourage blood sugar control, and offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Generally, you can enjoy these health benefits by including oyster mushrooms in your diet in various dishes such as stews, pasta, and omelettes. 

4. Shiitake Mushroom 

For years, shiitake mushrooms have been a favourite addition to various dishes for their savoury and distinctive flavour. Shiitake mushrooms have been a food and supplement in different countries in Asia.

The mushroom is a good source of fiber, and its nutritional content provides several health benefits. Some benefits include boosting liver health and immunity while supporting heart health and healthy blood circulation. 

5. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Among the medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane mushroom is popular for its capability of supporting healthy brain function by promoting the generation of neurons. One source has shown an increasing preference for the potential health benefits of the Lion’s Mane mushroom. 

It has a distinctive cluster-looking appearance with cascading white-colored strands. Traditional Chinese medicine has employed the mushroom for several purposes, including anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antibacterial, and brain-boosting.

6. Cordyceps 

Another popular medicinal mushroom that you may have heard about is cordyceps. It has been used in ancient times and is recorded in old Chinese textbooks as a medicine. Essentially, it’s a type of fungus that thrives on insect larvae and develops extended brown-orange stems.

It often works as a natural energy booster if taken as a supplement. Cordyceps may also prevent various conditions such as inflammation, high blood pressure, and kidney issues, to name a few. Cordyceps can be expensive, especially those harvested from the wild. Due to this, most of the supplements available on the market are synthetic.

Final Thoughts 

Today, you have an array of medicinal mushrooms capable of providing several health benefits. Knowing the various types of medicinal mushrooms will help you choose which to incorporate into your daily routine. Depending on your health conditions or if you want to put your health back on track, mushrooms boast several benefits worth considering to give your health a positive boost.