Healthy mushrooms are among the 270+ edible mushroom species in the world. Many edible mushrooms are medicinal and have been used thousands of years by ancient cultures to help cure physical ailments.
Here are a few most popular medicinal mushrooms that can support a healthy body, mind and soul.
Lion’s Mane is often touted for its cognitive-enhancing properties, potentially supporting brain health and memory.
Studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane helps increase nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, which protects against degenerative brain diseases that contribute to memory loss.
While Lion’s Mane is best known for improving memory and concentration, studies now show it can reduce irritability and anxiety.
Maitake has long been hailed in Asia as a mushroom with vast healing properties. Ancient Japanese loved this mushroom so much that upon finding it, they named it Maitake, which means “dancing mushroom” as they were thrilled with its health benefits.
Recent studies have shown that Maitake mushrooms can help with heart and liver health, antioxidant, inhibit tumor growth, and dog skin and coat protection.
Shiitake mushrooms are loved worldwide for their superb taste and coveted for thousands of years by those looking to boost longevity, support bone health and reduce inflammation.
During the Ming Dynasty in China, Shiitake was deemed “the elixir of life.” The Shiitake have been cultivated in Japan for centuries and received their name from the shii trees (related to beech and oak) on which they were often found.
Turkey Tail contains one of the highest amounts of beta-glucans of all mushrooms, which can help keep the immune systems healthy when used over an extended period.
Turkey Tail mushrooms provide antioxidant protection, liver health, improve gut digestion and help treat various cancers.
This is not a popular gourmet or culinary mushroom, but Turkey Tail can be a tasty pet treat!
Reishi mushrooms can significantly support the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity. The mushrooms also support restful sleep, a calm mind, reduce occasional stress, support lung and respiratory health, as well as support balanced blood sugar levels.
In Chinese medicine, Reishi mushrooms were used to prevent aging, increase energy, and strengthen the immune system and treatment for various cancers. Reishi mushrooms contain higher levels of the beneficial compounds beta-D-glucans and triterpenes.










Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom
Mushroom for the Mind
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom
The Dancing Mushroom
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom
The Mushroom of Immortality
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom
The Mushroom of Life
Turkey Tail (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom
The Mushroom of Immunity
For your viewing pleasure, the LINK below features entertaining presentation by Jeff Dufresne entitled “There’s Fungus Among Us… The History and Benefits of Mushrooms”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaOfJlg_Ohg