Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are also known as therapeutic or healing mushrooms and have a long history of use. We provide an overview and explain their unique characteristics, effects, and practical applications.
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Mycotherapy and Its History
The positive effects of certain types of mushrooms on health and well-being have been known in Far Eastern cultures for several thousand years. As a result, they are frequently used, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The primary functions of medicinal mushrooms are to strengthen the immune system and promote detoxification processes.
In Europe, knowledge about the effects and uses of medicinal mushrooms has only grown in recent years. There are primarily 10–13 mushrooms that are classified as medicinal, therapeutic, or healing mushrooms. These mushrooms have a particularly significant impact on our well-being. Since the 1990s, the term “mycotherapy” has also become established to describe the therapeutic use of these mushrooms.
An Overview of Medicinal Mushrooms
There are many types of medicinal mushrooms. In mycotherapy, the following mushrooms are most commonly used:
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, chinesischer Raupenpilz)
- Coriolus (Trametes versicolor, Schmetterlingstramete)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, Glänzender Lackporling, Ling Zhi)
- Hericium (Hericium erinaceus, Igelstachelbart)
- ABM (Agaricus blazei murrill, Mandelpilz, Sonnenpilz, Himematsutake)
- Auricularia (Auricularia auricula, Judasohr, Holunderpilz, Mu-Err)
- Champignon (Agaricus bisporus, Zweisporiger Egerling)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa, Klapperschwamm, Laubporling)
- Pleurotus (Pleurotus ostreatus, Austernpilz, Seitling)
- Chaga (Ininotus obliquus, Schiefer Schillerporling)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes, Hua Gu)
- Polyporus (Polyporus umbellatus, Eichhase)
- Coprinus (Coprinus comatus, Schopftintling)
Quality Criteria for Medicinal Mushrooms
From our perspective, the three main criteria—bioavailability, purity, and concentration—are crucial. Only in this way can the desired (therapeutic) effect be achieved. In addition to using organic-quality mushrooms, the processing method also plays an important role.
The primary function of mushrooms in nature is detoxification. Like a sponge, they absorb harmful substances from their environment, thereby purifying the soil. For this reason, organically grown mushrooms from controlled cultivation are used in therapeutic applications to ensure the highest possible purity. This detoxifying ability is also utilized in mycotherapy. Regardless of their specific areas of focus, medicinal mushrooms always initially have a cleansing effect on the entire body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicinal Mushrooms
This is primarily due to the very high content of micronutrients such as minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes. They also often contain many polysaccharides with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Amino acids play a central role as the building blocks of proteins. They are necessary for muscle synthesis and skin development. Amino acids are also essential for a healthy immune system, as they are components of enzymes, hormones, and DNA. In addition, amino acids influence metabolic processes. Last but not least, they serve as important signaling molecules for the brain.
Essentially, the use of medicinal mushrooms is intended to support the body’s detoxification processes and help the immune system help itself. Anti-inflammatory properties, for example, can help curb excessive allergic and autoimmune reactions of the immune system.
Antioxidant properties serve to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and thereby support cellular health. Depending on the composition of its micronutrients, each medicinal mushroom has its own “special function” in strengthening specific organs or bodily functions.
A 2017 study conducted at Jagiellonian University in Krakow confirmed that medicinal mushrooms do indeed possess such beneficial properties. Specifically, their anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated.
The authors conclude that these mushrooms are indeed a "superfood." They suggest incorporating medicinal mushrooms as a valuable component of one's daily diet. However, it must also be noted that not all of the properties attributed to medicinal mushrooms based on thousands of years of experience have been scientifically proven.
Studien-Quelle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29146352
Some medicinal mushrooms, such as the shiitake mushroom, are highly sought after as edible mushrooms because of their excellent flavor and health benefits. They are sold fresh or dried. Other mushrooms, on the other hand—such as the reishi mushroom—are less suitable for cooking. They are consumed as dietary supplements, in extract or powder form, as tea, or in capsules.
Medicinal mushrooms are dietary supplements with potent effects. They should always be taken as directed and on a regular basis. Medicinal mushrooms are not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.
In general, consuming mushrooms or mushroom extracts is virtually free of side effects. Depending on individual sensitivity, reactions such as indigestion, nausea, headaches, or skin reactions may occur initially, especially at higher doses. This is due in no small part to the general cleansing and detoxifying effects of medicinal mushrooms. After all, that is their purpose in nature. In such cases, it is essential to reduce the dose and proceed gradually. To be on the safe side, a doctor or therapist should be consulted.
The Whole-Life-Cycle Method ensures that, for the mushroom product, not only the fruiting body or mycelium of a mushroom is processed, but all aspects of the mushroom are utilized: including spores, primordia, and the extracellular matrix. This corresponds to the natural life cycle of mushrooms, during which the full spectrum of constituents is formed.
Mushroom products produced using the whole-life-cycle method therefore contain all the important nutrients in their maximum quantities. This eliminates the need for additional extraction, which would result in a loss of nutrients.