Medicinal Mushrooms: From Ancient Remedies to Everyday Essentials

Long before mushrooms were popping up in flat whites or added to your morning supplement routine, they were being passed down like sacred secrets. From monks in temples to warriors in forests, people across history have turned to fungi not just for food, but for serious health support. And now, thanks to a mix of ancient know-how and modern research, they’re stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight — and not just in your local health food shop.

Mushrooms are a different breed altogether. They're not plants, they’re not animals — they’re part of their own weird and wonderful kingdom. And in that kingdom lies a treasure chest of medicinal potential that’s only just starting to get the attention it deserves.

So, What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Think of medicinal mushrooms as nature’s pharmacy — but one that doesn’t come with a scary leaflet of side effects. Out of the thousands of mushroom species out there, only about 250 have made it into the ‘medicinal’ category. These are jam-packed with bioactive compounds — the sort of stuff that’s been shown to support everything from your immune system to your memory, stress response, and even your heart.

The key players? Compounds like beta-glucans (your immune system’s best mate), triterpenes (natural inflammation tamers), and polysaccharides (gut-loving prebiotics), to name a few more commonly known. For the less obvious but could be argued, more significant compounds there is cordycepin (from Cordyceps), which supports energy and recovery; hericenones and erinacines (from Lion’s Mane) that stimulate nerve growth for cognitive support; and ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant found in Chaga and Shiitake that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and ageing

These aren’t fluffy claims either. Peer-reviewed studies are backing up what healers have known for centuries — these mushrooms do something, and they do it well.

A Stroll Through Mushroom History

China: Ancient Wisdom on Tap - In China, mushrooms like Reishi weren’t just for flavour — they were the stuff of legends. Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi was brewed into teas by monks and prescribed by traditional healers to help people find balance, stay calm, and live longer. It even got a shout-out in the Shennong Bencao Jing — one of the earliest herbal texts — which classed it as a “superior herb.” Basically, something so good for the body that you could take it forever without any harm. That’s not something you hear about paracetamol.

Japan: Long Life in a Bowl of Soup - Meanwhile, in Japan, Shiitake was more than just a stir-fry staple. It was a go-to for supporting immunity and lung health — particularly useful during cold winters or when stress took its toll. Maitake, on the other hand, was like the wise old friend who helped keep blood sugar steady and immune cells fighting fit.

Siberia: Winter protection Tea - Chaga a tough-looking fungus that grows on birch trees — to soothe inflammation and boost their immune systems through freezing winters. 
Native America:  Infect me no more Turkey Tail and Birch Polypore were used long before Western medicine had a clue what they were. Whether it was used in poultices or decoction, teas or tonic, for wound care, inner cleansing or to fight off illness, this fungi was always on hand.

Even the ancient Egyptians were using mushrooms for healing and beyond. They associated mushrooms with royalty and the divine. They believed certain fungi were gifts from the gods, too sacred for common folk to eat, and used them in healing rituals and spiritual ceremonies. The Aztecs, on the other hand, took things in a different direction. While they respected the healing properties of mushrooms, they also used psychoactive species like Psilocybe mexicana in sacred rituals to communicate with the spirit world, receive visions, and connect with deities. These were called “flesh of the gods” — not your average soup ingredient. So, while Egyptians saw mushrooms as holy medicine, the Aztecs tapped into their mind-expanding, ceremonial side.

The Sciencey by Slightly Boring Bit (But We’ll Keep It Light)

Beta-Glucans – Your Body’s Immune Personal Trainer
These sugar-like molecules don’t spike your blood sugar — they train your immune cells to react in a smarter way. So, if your body tends to overreact (cue allergies or autoimmune issues), or underreact (constant colds, anyone?), beta-glucans help find that sweet spot.

Antioxidants – The Cell Clean-Up Crew
Fungi bring their own team of natural antioxidants like glutathione, ergothioneine, and selenium — basically your body’s bouncers against ageing, pollution, stress, and other modern nasties. They help reduce what’s known as oxidative stress, which is a fancy way of saying your cells get knackered and worn out from too much pressure.

Feeding the Gut – Mushrooms as Microbiome Superstars
Your gut is like a garden. Feed it right, and it’ll flourish. Medicinal mushrooms act like fertiliser for your beneficial bacteria, helping the good guys thrive — the ones that improve your digestion, balance your mood and stop your immune system from kicking off unnecessarily.

Adaptogens – Helping You Handle the Madness
Ever feel like you're running on empty or reacting to every little stress? Adaptogens are substances that help your body adapt to stress — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Reishi helps you unwind and sleep deeper. Cordyceps keeps your energy levels steady. It’s like your internal thermostat, dialing you up or down depending on what’s going on.

Get to Know the All-Star Mushrooms

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidium)
The ultimate chill-out mushroom. Helps with sleep, balances your immune system, and takes the edge off allergy responses. If your life feels a bit too “go-go-go”, this one’s for you.

Cordyceps (militaris or sinensis)
Need a pick-me-up that won’t make you crash? Cordyceps supports stamina, oxygen uptake, and even libido (oi oi!). Whether you’re an athlete or just trying to get through the week without reaching for your fifth coffee, it’s worth a try.

 

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Looks like a pom-pom and has similarities to the animal’s shabby mane, works like brain fuel. Encourages the growth of nerve pathways, supports memory, and helps with focus. It’s being studied for Alzheimer’s and dementia support, but even if you’re just struggling to remember where you left your keys, this one’s got your back.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
The dark, knobbly one that looks like burnt wood but works wonders. Antioxidant powerhouse. Good for the immune system and protecting your cells from environmental damage — think of it as nature’s detox tonic.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Famous in the kitchen, but also brings immune support, heart health, and cholesterol-balancing powers to the table. Bit of an all-rounder really.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Immune modulator and blood sugar balancer. Helps keep inflammation down and your metabolic systems ticking over.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Not just a pretty pattern. Packed with PSK — a compound so impressive it’s used in Japanese cancer treatment. A solid daily choice if you’re after a mushroom that quietly gets the job done behind the scenes.

Where Nature Meets the Lab: Modern Mushroom Magic

We’re not in the forest anymore. These days, mushrooms are turning up in supplements, capsules, powders, teas, and even skincare. They’re being trialed alongside chemo to ease side effects, used for brain health in dementia patients, and added to sports drinks for faster recovery.

Some pharmaceutical drugs like penicillin and lovastatin came from fungi, and newer compounds like cordycepin have been explored for long COVID recovery and inflammation.

Oh, and mushrooms are one of the only non-animal sources of vitamin D. Leave them out in the sun and they make their own D2 — no tanning bed required.

Why the Big Mushroom Comeback?

People are burned out, stressed, and looking for natural fixes that work. Medicinal mushrooms are backed by tradition and science, full of useful nutrients and compounds, gentle enough to use every day, and great for long-term wellbeing

And thanks to modern extraction techniques like dual-extraction and ultrasonic-assisted NordRelease technology, the benefits are stronger and easier to absorb than ever.

Final Thoughts: Mushrooms Are Having Their Moment

While medicinal mushrooms have thousands of years of traditional use behind them — and a growing body of research to back up their benefits — the truth is, we’re still just scratching the surface. There’s a lot we still don’t fully understand, especially when it comes to the specific compounds thought to trigger their powerful effects. Science is catching up, but more in-depth research is still needed to fully map out how these fungi work their magic inside the body.
 

On top of that, not all mushroom supplements are created equal — and this is where things get a bit murky. The market’s flooded with low-grade blends that throw in a sprinkle of this and a dash of that, claiming the world but delivering next to nothing. Some don't even contain the active parts of the mushroom (like the fruiting body), or worse, they’re bulked out with grain filler and barely tested for purity or potency.

So here’s the takeaway: do your homework. Make sure you know where your mushrooms are coming from. Look for transparent brands that use high-quality extraction methods and test their products properly. And be wary of “mixed blends” that boast ten different mushrooms but barely give you enough of any to make a difference. Don't waste your money on cheap stuff that just looks the part — when it comes to mushrooms, quality is everything.

 

References include:

1. The Role of Medicinal Mushrooms in Clinical Practice
   This review discusses the health benefits and pharmacological activities of medicinal mushrooms, including their antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities.
   PubMed ID: 33435246
2. The Association Between Mushroom Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore
   This study examines the relationship between mushroom intake and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults, suggesting that higher mushroom consumption is associated with reduced odds of having MCI.
   Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
3. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic SupplementationThis study investigates the effects of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on exercise performance, indicating improvements in tolerance to high-intensity exercise with both acute and chronic use.
4. PMC Article - Neurotrophic Properties of the Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from MalaysiaThis research explores the neurotrophic effects of Hericium erinaceus, demonstrating its potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and promote neurite outgrowth.
5. PubMed ID: 24266378 - Immune-Enhancing Effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) ExtractsThis study evaluates the immunomodulatory effects of Maitake and Shiitake mushroom extracts, finding significant stimulation of immune responses, particularly with the Maitake-Shiitake combination.
6. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Studies
   This comprehensive review published in Molecules (MDPI) highlights a wide range of bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, their traditional applications, and modern clinical studies exploring their potential therapeutic roles.
   Molecules (MDPI) – 2025, Volume 30, Issue 6, Article 1322