The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

I remember the first time I learned about medicinal mushrooms- I was in herb school, and our class topic for the day was Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our instructor began telling us about all the properties of reishi, otherwise known as “the mushroom of immortality”. Wow- what a lofty title to be bestowed upon something as seemingly simple as a humble mushroom. What I soon came to find out was that mushrooms were anything but simple.

Reishi slices simmering in the soup pot

Reishi is a mighty medicinal mushroom, though it is not the only one to hold these properties and constituents. After that first TCM class, I discovered that there are myriad mushrooms that can either be eaten as food or taken as a supplement, and that these fungi can bring a great deal of health and wellness to our bodies and lives. Many of these mushrooms contain high levels of polysaccharides, which are one of the main components known to assist in harmonizing the immune system. Certain mushrooms can provide us with nutrients such as Vitamin D, while others can help to support the nervous system, boost antioxidant activity, and help with the regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol. Mushrooms can also act similarly to adaptogens, helping our bodies adapt more easily to the different types of stress that are so common in our modern lives. I highly advise looking into the different health aspects of medicinal mushrooms if this is something that interests you- it’s a hot topic these days, and more and more studies continue to be published and shared.

There are a number of different ways to work with medicinal mushrooms, and this is often based on just what mushroom you plan to work with. While many are delicious when cooked and eaten in meals, others may be too fibrous for digesting properly, and can better be taken as a supplement, or added to broths and soups.

Mushrooms for Cooking

Some of my favorite mushrooms to add into cooked dishes include maitake, shiitake, chicken of the woods, lobster, and lion’s mane. I find that maitake and shiitake are both great prepared in stir-fries and Asian soups, or roasted and added to pizzas and pastas. Chicken of the Woods is a great option for those who don’t eat meat, as it actually has a similar heartiness and flavor of chicken, and can be used as a sort of meat substitute in dishes. {Side note- my husband and I were dining at a local vegan restaurant one time and he literally almost asked them if the Chicken of the Woods dish was really mushroom-based, and not actually chicken!} Lobster and lion’s mane mushrooms both remind me of seafood, especially when sauteed in a bit of ghee or coconut oil. Lobster mushrooms are delicious added to paella, and I’ve actually eaten lion’s mane as I would crab meat- with a bit of drawn butter and herbs. Lion’s mane is also one of the mushrooms known to be incredibly beneficial for the nervous system, and can actually help to stimulate nerve growth and repair damaged nerves.

Mushrooms to Add to Broths + Stews

Any time I make homemade broth or soup, I almost always add reishi and/or shiitake, depending on what I have on hand. Reishi is available for purchase in dried slices that look like bacon, and can easily be incorporated in this way. Add 4-6 slices to your pot, and just strain out at the end. Reishi is too fibrous and tough to eat, so I prefer to work with it in this way, or as a powder that I can add to my smoothies and nourishing beverages (mushroom hot cocoa, anyone?!). Turkey Tail mushrooms are another variety that excels at boosting immune function, and can be added in the same way as reishi. Shiitakes are delicious AND edible, and can be sliced up and added right into your soup/stock/broth- no straining necessary! To get the most out of your medicinal mushrooms when adding them to broths and soups, I’d recommend keeping the temperature at a simmer, as the heat of a full boil can denature some of the medicinal compounds, rendering them less effective.

There are SO many medicinal mushrooms, and these days you can find them in niche products such as coffee, hot cocoa, and even energy drinks and kombucha. With all the options available, it’s super easy to add these natural powerhouses to your daily routine!

*While many mushrooms are harmless, tasty, or even medicinal, some are also deadly poisonous. Always do your research and have a 100% positive identification before ingesting any plant or mushroom.