What Are Medicinal Mushrooms? A Beginner’s Guide to Functional Fungi
Discover Why Medicinal Mushrooms Have Been Valued for Centuries
Medicinal mushrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, appearing in everything from capsules and tinctures to coffees, teas, and wellness supplements. While they may seem like a modern health trend, these remarkable fungi have been used in traditional wellness practices for thousands of years, particularly throughout Asia.
Today, researchers continue to explore the unique compounds found in medicinal mushrooms and their potential roles in supporting overall health and wellness. As interest grows, more people are asking an important question:
What exactly are medicinal mushrooms?
This beginner-friendly guide explains what medicinal mushrooms are, how they differ from culinary mushrooms, which species are most commonly used, and how to choose high-quality mushroom products.
What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are fungi that have traditionally been valued for their naturally occurring compounds and their use in wellness practices.
Unlike mushrooms grown primarily for flavour and nutrition, medicinal mushrooms are often chosen because they contain unique compounds such as:
- Beta-glucans
- Polysaccharides
- Triterpenes (in certain species)
- Ergothioneine
- Naturally occurring antioxidants
Each mushroom species has its own unique combination of naturally occurring compounds, making every species different.
Rather than thinking of medicinal mushrooms as “better” than culinary mushrooms, it’s more accurate to think of them as serving different purposes.
For example:
- White button mushrooms are commonly enjoyed as food.
- Shiitake mushrooms are appreciated for both cooking and their naturally occurring compounds.
- Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail are most often used as functional mushroom supplements or wellness products.
Why Are They Called Functional Mushrooms?
You may hear the terms medicinal mushrooms and functional mushrooms used interchangeably.
The term functional mushrooms refers to mushrooms that are commonly incorporated into wellness routines because of their naturally occurring compounds.
Many companies prefer this term because it emphasizes their role in supporting a healthy lifestyle rather than implying they are medicines.
Today, both terms are widely recognized, although “functional mushrooms” has become increasingly common.
The Four Most Popular Medicinal Mushrooms
Although thousands of mushroom species exist, only a relatively small number are commonly used in wellness products.
Here are four of the most recognized.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Known for its distinctive bright orange fruiting bodies, Cordyceps has become one of the world’s most popular functional mushrooms.
It has traditionally been associated with vitality and endurance, and today it is commonly included in products designed for active lifestyles.
Read more:
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane is easily recognized by its long, white cascading spines that resemble a lion’s mane.
It has become increasingly popular among people interested in focus, memory, and cognitive wellness.
Related guides:
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Often called the “Mushroom of Immortality” in traditional Eastern practices, Reishi has been used for centuries.
Its glossy reddish-brown fruiting body is one of the most recognizable medicinal mushrooms in the world.
Related guides:
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Named for its colourful fan-shaped appearance, Turkey Tail is one of the most extensively researched medicinal mushrooms.
It naturally contains beta-glucans and other compounds that continue to be studied by researchers.
Related guides:
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
One topic you’ll often encounter when shopping for mushroom supplements is the difference between the fruiting body and the mycelium.
The fruiting body is the visible mushroom that grows above the substrate.
The mycelium is the underground network of thread-like cells that allows the fungus to grow.
Both are natural parts of the mushroom life cycle, but products can differ depending on which part is used.
To learn more, read our guide:
Fruiting Body vs Mycelium: What’s the Difference?
Common Types of Mushroom Supplements
Medicinal mushrooms are available in several forms.
Powders
Made by drying and grinding mushrooms into a fine powder.
Often mixed into smoothies, coffee, soups, or recipes.
Capsules
Provide a convenient, measured serving for people who prefer not to taste mushroom powders.
Tinctures
Liquid extracts made by soaking mushrooms in a solvent such as alcohol, water, or both.
Many people appreciate tinctures because they are easy to measure and use.
Extracts
Concentrated mushroom products created using extraction processes designed to isolate naturally occurring compounds.
Different manufacturers may use different extraction methods depending on the mushroom species.
How to Choose Quality Mushroom Products
Not all mushroom products are identical.
When comparing products, consider looking for:
✔ Clearly identified mushroom species
✔ Transparent ingredient lists
✔ Fruiting body or mycelium identified
✔ Appropriate extract information
✔ Beta-glucan testing when available
✔ Reputable manufacturers
A little research can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.