For centuries, medicinal mushrooms have been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Indigenous healing traditions for their ability to support immune function, sustain energy, and promote longevity.
These ancient healing systems recognized that certain mushrooms do more than nourish the body—they help maintain vitality, cognitive sharpness, and resilience against aging.
Now, modern science is confirming what traditional wisdom has long known: some mushrooms contain powerful bioactive compounds that may help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support long-term well-being. Mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga have been used for generations to promote graceful aging, while Lion’s Mane is now being studied for its potential to enhance memory and support brain health.
This article explores the most beneficial mushrooms for overall health and longevity, their time-honored uses, and the best ways to incorporate them into your daily routine for maximum benefit.
1. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) – Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Maitake, meaning “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, has been treasured for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It was believed to promote longevity and vitality, and it was so valuable that, during feudal Japan, people would trade it for silver.
Ancient healers used Maitake to balance the body’s energy, improve digestion, stabilize metabolism, and support overall immune health.
Science-Backed Benefit
Maitake contains a unique beta-glucan compound called SX-fraction, which has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. A study found that Maitake extract significantly improved glucose tolerance, suggesting that it helps the body use insulin more efficiently.
By incorporating Maitake into meals or supplements, individuals may better regulate their blood sugar levels naturally, leading to sustained energy and reduced cravings.
Maximize Benefits
- Why it matters: Stable blood sugar prevents energy crashes, food cravings, and long-term metabolic issues like diabetes.
- Health concerns it may help with: Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and energy imbalances.
- How to consume: Best consumed as a tea, powder, or in whole food form. Pairing it with healthy fats enhances nutrient absorption.
2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Enhances Immune Function & Stress Resilience
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Reishi, also known as Lingzhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality” for over 2,000 years. Ancient Taoist monks and emperors consumed it as a tonic for longevity, believing it enhanced spiritual clarity and life force (Qi).
Traditional practitioners used Reishi to help strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep, making it a revered remedy for those seeking balance and long-term vitality.
Science-Backed Benefit
Reishi is rich in triterpenes and polysaccharides, which modulate the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity while also reducing excessive inflammation. Studies show that Reishi may help balance immune responses, meaning it strengthens defense mechanisms without triggering overactive inflammation, which can be harmful.
This makes Reishi especially beneficial for individuals who frequently get sick, have autoimmune issues, or want a natural way to help manage stress and stay resilient.
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- Why it matters: Reishi may help regulate immune responses while reducing inflammation, making it ideal for both immune boosting and stress relief.
- Health concerns it may help with: Chronic stress, autoimmune conditions, frequent colds, and sleep disturbances.
- How to consume: Best taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule. Since its active compounds are water-soluble, brewing it as a tea enhances bioavailability.
3. Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei) – Supports Gut Health & Digestion
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Himematsutake, originally from Brazil yet widely cultivated in Japan, was known as Cogumelo do Sol, or the “Mushroom of the Sun,” by Indigenous Amazonian tribes. They used it as a powerful healing tonic for digestive ailments, infections, and overall vitality.
In Japanese folk medicine, it became popular for its potential to improve digestion, increase energy, and balance gut health.
Science-Backed Benefit
Himematsutake contains powerful prebiotic fibers that help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting healthy digestion and overall gut function. Research confirms its role in enhancing gut microbiota balance and boosting digestive enzyme activity, which may help break down food more effectively.
Regular consumption may lead to less bloating, improved nutrient absorption, and better digestive health over time.
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- Why it matters: Gut health is linked to digestion, immunity, and even mental health.
- Health concerns it may help with: Bloating, poor digestion, leaky gut, and microbiome imbalances.
- How to consume: Best taken as a powder or tea. Consuming with probiotic foods like kimchi or sauerkraut enhances its prebiotic benefits.
4. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) – Strengthens Gut-Immune Connection
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Turkey Tail has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, where it is called Yun Zhi and is used to help strengthen the body’s defenses.
Native American healers also brewed Turkey Tail teas to boost endurance and fight infections. The mushroom’s colorful, fan-like appearance symbolizes protection, and it was often associated with resilience and longevity.
Science-Backed Benefit
Turkey Tail is rich in polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which have been studied for their ability to enhance immune system function through the gut microbiome. A study found that Turkey Tail increases beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, leading to improved immune responses.
This means that by supporting gut health, Turkey Tail may improve digestion and help the body fight off infections more efficiently.
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- Why it matters: A healthy gut strengthens the immune system and helps fight off infections more effectively.
- Health concerns it may help with: Immunity, frequent colds, gut dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation.
- How to consume: Best taken as a hot tea or powder. Pair with a source of vitamin C (e.g., lemon or berries) to enhance polysaccharide absorption.
5. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) – Supports Heart Health
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated in Asia for over 1,000 years and were once reserved for emperors due to their medicinal value. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiitake was used to promote circulatory health, boost energy, and enhance longevity.
Ancient practitioners recognized its potential to reduce blood stagnation, a concept linked to modern cardiovascular health.
Science-Backed Benefit
Shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, a compound that helps lower cholesterol levels by promoting its excretion from the body rather than allowing it to build up in arteries.
A study found that Shiitake has the potential to significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels and support overall cardiovascular health. By incorporating Shiitake into the diet, individuals may naturally support their heart health while enjoying a flavorful, nutrient-rich food.
Maximize Benefits
- Why it matters: Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and diet plays a major role in prevention.
- Health concerns it may help with: High cholesterol, hypertension, poor circulation, and cardiovascular disease.
- How to consume: Best consumed cooked in meals or as an extract. Cooking releases its beneficial compounds, making it more bioavailable.
6. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – Boosts Cognitive Function & Memory
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, often reserved for monks and scholars who sought mental clarity and focus.
Buddhist monks drank Lion’s Mane tea to enhance meditation and strengthen memory, believing it fostered spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. Traditional healers use it to treat neurodegenerative disorders, digestive issues, and general weakness.
Science-Backed Benefit
Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for brain plasticity and memory formation. A study found that consumption of Lion’s Mane significantly improved cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
This means that Lion’s Mane may help people stay mentally sharp, improve focus, and potentially slow down age-related memory loss.
Maximize Benefits
- Why it matters: Cognitive decline and memory issues are increasing with age, making brain-supportive nutrients essential.
- Health concerns it may help with: Brain fog, memory loss, neurodegeneration, and focus issues.
- How to consume: Best taken as a tincture, powder, or capsule. Pairing it with healthy fats enhances the absorption of its brain-boosting compounds.
7. Meshimakobu (Phellinus linteus) – Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Meshimakobu has been used in Traditional Korean and Japanese medicine for centuries as a remedy for inflammation, longevity, and liver protection. It was often brewed as a medicinal tea to detoxify the body and strengthen vitality, especially in older individuals.
Traditional healers prescribed it for ailments related to chronic inflammation, skin conditions, and fatigue, making it a valuable tool for maintaining overall health.
Science-Backed Benefit
Research highlights that Meshimakobu contains unique phenolic compounds that significantly reduce inflammatory markers, making it beneficial for reducing systemic inflammation.
This means that individuals with joint pain, autoimmune issues, or skin conditions like eczema may benefit from incorporating Meshimakobu into their wellness routine. By reducing inflammation naturally, it may help improve mobility, skin health, and overall vitality.
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- Why it matters: Chronic inflammation is linked to aging, autoimmune conditions, and many modern diseases.
- Health concerns it may help with: Arthritis, skin inflammation, chronic pain, and inflammatory disorders.
- How to consume: Best consumed as a hot tea or extract. Drinking it with turmeric or ginger enhances its anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – Powerful Antioxidant Protection
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Chaga has been used for centuries by Siberian and Indigenous North American tribes as a potent adaptogen and immune booster. The Khanty people of Siberia brewed Chaga tea to increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and protect against harsh winters.
In traditional medicine, Chaga was revered as the “Gift from the Gods” and was commonly used to enhance vitality, detoxify the body, and protect against illness.
Science-Backed Benefit
Chaga is one of the richest sources of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals and oxidative damage. A study found that Chaga extract significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity, protecting cells from premature aging and damage.
This makes it a powerful ally for maintaining youthful skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting long-term health.
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- Why it matters: Antioxidants slow aging, protect the skin, and prevent chronic disease.
- Health concerns it may help with: Oxidative stress, premature aging, and immune weakness.
- How to consume: Best consumed as a slow-brewed tea or extract. Avoid boiling it at high temperatures to preserve its antioxidants.
9. Zhu Ling (Polyporus umbellatus) – Supports Kidney Health & Detoxification
Traditional Use & Medicinal History
Zhu Ling has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years as a powerful diuretic and kidney tonic. Ancient practitioners prescribed it to eliminate fluid retention, improve urinary function, and cleanse toxins from the body. It was also used as a treatment for jaundice, edema, and kidney-related ailments.
Science-Backed Benefit
Zhu Ling is a natural diuretic that helps flush out toxins and supports kidney function, making it beneficial for maintaining hydration balance and reducing bloating.
A review found that its polysaccharides improve renal function and detoxification processes, aiding in water balance and toxin elimination. This makes it an excellent natural support for those looking to cleanse their system and maintain kidney health.
Maximize Benefits
- Why it matters: The kidneys filter toxins from the body, and supporting them enhances overall detoxification and fluid balance.
- Health concerns it may help with: Water retention, kidney health, toxin buildup, and bloating.
- How to consume: Best taken as a tea, capsule, or extract. Drinking plenty of water alongside Zhu Ling enhances its detoxifying effects.
Why Organic Mushrooms Matter
The healthiest mushrooms in the world will not do nearly as much good for your body if they are grown with pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or contaminated soil.
Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, meaning they absorb everything from their environment—including toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. If they are not USDA Certified Organic, they may contain harmful residues that offset their powerful health benefits.
Since many of the top mushrooms for immunity, brain health, heart health, and longevity work by reducing inflammation and supporting detoxification, it is crucial to avoid exposure to additional toxins.
Organic mushrooms are grown in clean, chemical-free conditions, ensuring you get only the beneficial compounds—like polysaccharides and triterpenes—without unwanted contaminants.
If you are consuming mushrooms for health, organic is non-negotiable—it’s the only way to ensure their full potency and purity.
Synergistic Power of the World’s 9 Healthiest Mushrooms
Each medicinal mushroom offers unique health benefits. However, their real power lies in how they work together.
When combined, they create a synergistic effect, amplifying each other’s strengths to provide enhanced support for immunity, brain function, metabolism, and overall vitality.
To get the full benefits of these mushrooms, they should be consumed consistently and in the right balance—which is exactly what Dr. Fuhrman’s Complete Greens does.
Dr. Fuhrman has been a trusted leader in nutritional science for decades, helping thousands live longer, healthier lives through evidence-based nutrition.
This physician-formulated Complete Greens blend combines all 9 of Earth’s healthiest mushrooms listed above, along with organic pea protein, organic turmeric, green tea for antioxidants and energy, and essential vitamins and minerals.
By incorporating Complete Greens into your daily routine, you’re taking an easy yet powerful step toward better health, stronger immunity, and graceful aging. Click Here to Get Complete Greens and Start Nourishing Your Body Today!