Lee Carroll is the Chief Medical Herbalist for Real Mushrooms.

I’m excited to share insights on a topic at the heart of what Real Mushrooms does: quality. While it might seem like a nerdy or complex subject, ensuring you get the best functional mushrooms that will be both effective and safe for you, your family, and your pets is critical.

Why Quality Matters

Quality is everything when it comes to functional mushrooms. It’s not just about making a product that’s easy to sell—it’s about respecting the centuries of traditional use, incorporating clinical insights, and being guided by rigorous scientific research. At Real Mushrooms, we’re committed to creating products that genuinely benefit your health, free from shortcuts or compromises.

In This Article

  1. Why Quality Matters
  2. The Rich Tradition of Functional Mushrooms
  3. Best Functional Mushrooms: Essentials of Quality
  4. A Closer Look at Reishi
  5. Tradition Meets Science
  6. The Real Mushrooms Guarantee
  7. Final Thoughts

The Rich Tradition of Functional Mushrooms

The use of functional mushrooms is far from a modern phenomenon. Take Reishi, for example, one of my personal favorites. This remarkable mushroom boasts a history spanning over 4,000 years, deeply rooted in traditional practices. To honor this heritage, Real Mushrooms combines ancient wisdom with modern science to create products that are not only effective but also authentic.

Best Functional Mushrooms: Essentials of Quality

A worker in a lab coat and mask processes the best functional mushrooms on a tray. Text highlights mushroom quality essentials: raw material, extraction/processing, and verification/testing.
The Real Mushroom organic cordyceps growing facility follows the three essentials of quality in daily operations.

1. The Raw Material

Everything starts with the mushroom itself. It’s crucial to use the correct species, avoid substitutions or adulterations, and harvest the right part of the mushroom. For example:

2. Extraction and Processing

The way mushrooms are processed plays a significant role in their efficacy. Key factors include:

3. Verification and Testing

To ensure quality and consistency, we employ advanced testing methods, including:

The Example of Reishi

Reishi, often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” exemplifies our commitment to quality. The best reishi grows in shaded, moist conditions similar to its natural forest environment. At Real Mushrooms, our reishi is cultivated on logs—a process that enhances the development of triterpenes, the compounds responsible for its characteristic bitterness and potent health benefits.

The Role of Bitter Compounds

Interestingly, the bitterness of reishi is a hallmark of its quality. The more bitter the mushroom, the higher its triterpene content, making it more effective as a health supplement.

Note: Reishi is a functional mushroom that is more costly to grow and extract than most. As a result, few reishi supplements on the market meet the highest quality standards, and several products have been found not to contain reishi at all!

Reishi mushroom powder extract with shop reishi text

Tradition Meets Science

Functional mushrooms have long been valued for their ability to support wellness, from boosting immunity to promoting longevity. Today, modern science validates these traditional uses, confirming the benefits of beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other compounds unique to mushrooms.

By honoring tradition and integrating cutting-edge research, Real Mushrooms ensures that every product delivers meaningful health benefits. Whether you’re taking reishi for immune support, lion’s mane for cognitive health, or cordyceps for energy, you can trust that our products are rooted in integrity.

The Real Mushrooms Guarantee

Yellow mushrooms growing on a log. Text beside them features "The Real Mushrooms Guarantee," highlighting verified potency, sustainability, and transparency of the best functional mushrooms.
Golden Oyster mushrooms growing on natural substrates at the Real Mushrooms growing facility.

When you choose Real Mushrooms, you’re choosing:

Final Thoughts

Quality is not just a buzzword for us—it’s the foundation of everything we do. From sourcing the finest raw materials to employing rigorous testing and adhering to traditional practices, Real Mushrooms is committed to delivering the best functional mushrooms.

Stay tuned for more insights as we dive deeper into the world of mushrooms in future posts. Together, let’s honor the tradition, embrace the science, and support our health with the best nature has to offer.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Here’s to your health and wellness!

mushrooms with shop mushrooms text

Related Articles

  1. Where are Functional Mushrooms Grown?
  2. Unlocking the Power of Ergothioneine: The Cognitive Benefits of Mushrooms
  3. The Art of Mushroom Extraction: Methods for Maximum Extract Potency

As we embrace the new year, many of us set goals to improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In 2025, the focus on health resolutions continues to grow, with trends like mindfulness, sustainable living, and natural health solutions taking center stage. Here's how mushrooms, nature’s versatile gems, can help you achieve your wellness aspirations this year.

In This Article:

1. Enhance Mental Clarity and Focus

reishi mushroom, reishi capsules and reishi supplement bottle
Reishi mushrooms are known for their support of overall relaxation.

With the increasing complexity of our lives, achieving mental clarity is a top priority. The best-known mushroom for brain benefits is lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus). However, there are other multi-functional mushrooms for supporting brain health, cognition, and mood. These mushrooms include reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris).

Incorporation Tips:

2. Support Physical Fitness and Recovery

Random images of cordyceps, water bottle, avocado
Cordyceps are known to support better oxygen uptake, making them a favorite among athletes as a pre-workout for boosting endurance​​. It can either replace caffeine or be used to enhance its effects.

For those focusing on physical goals, mushrooms like cordyceps can support energy and endurance. Cordyceps have been used traditionally to enhance athletic performance and aid post-workout recovery. Add them to your smoothies or pre-workout routines to stay on top of your fitness game​​.

Fitness enthusiasts can benefit from incorporating mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi into their routines.

Cordyceps for Endurance and Energy:

Reishi for Recovery:

Incorporation tips:

Did You Know? Compounds in cordyceps (primarily, cordycepin) can increase the availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-storage molecule. Since enhancing ATP production can have cognitive-enhancing effects, and overall anti-fatigue effects, cordyceps can be an ally for supporting focus and cognitive energy.

3. Grow Your Mindfulness Through Mushroom Gardening

This year, activities that combine mindfulness and sustainability are in demand. Mushroom gardening—a beginner-friendly and rewarding hobby—is an excellent way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and grow your own food. Cultivating your own mushrooms can also be a sustainable way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich produce​​.

Getting Started:

4. Boost Immunity Naturally

Immune health continues to be a priority, and functional mushrooms like reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) are among the most effective natural tools for supporting your body’s defenses. These mushrooms have been revered for centuries in traditional medicine and are now celebrated in modern wellness for their potent immune-modulating properties.

Turkey Tail for Immune Support

Reishi: The Mushroom of Immortality

Incorporation tips:

5. Super-Charge Your Diet & Culinary Adventures

Cooking with mushrooms is a resolution that combines the joy of culinary exploration with nutritional health benefits. Numerous mushrooms contain B and D vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy.

Cooking with mushrooms is a resolution that combines the joy of culinary exploration with nutritional health benefits. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, offering a unique array of flavors and textures, from the meaty satisfaction of lion’s mane to the earthy richness of shiitake. Whether you’re a gourmet chef or a home cook, mushrooms can elevate your meals while supporting your healthy diet.

Nutritional Highlights of Mushrooms

Protein:
Dried mushrooms, such as shiitake and oyster, can contain up to 30 grams of protein per 100 grams, rivaling many animal-based protein sources. Moreover, mushrooms are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids needed for optimal health and recovery​. Since fresh mushrooms contain protein, have a dense texture and satisfying umami flavor, they make an excellent meat substitute and are ideal for keto diets.

Vitamins (B & D):

Fiber:
Mushrooms are an excellent source of dietary fiber, including beta-glucans, which promote gut health, improve digestion, and help regulate cholesterol levels. Their fiber content also contributes to feelings of fullness, making mushrooms a great addition to weight-management diets​.

Antioxidants:
Functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and golden oyster contain high levels of antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory markers, and support overall cellular health​​ and longevity.

Creative Ways to Consume Mushrooms

Explore our recipes to learn how easy and delicious it is to indulge in culinary creativity with fresh, dried, or extracted​​ mushrooms.

Did You Know? Mushrooms are one of the only natural, non-animal-based sources of vitamin D! You can easily enhance the vitamin D content of mushrooms at home—just place them gill-side up in direct sunlight for a few hours before cooking!

Setting Intentions with Mushrooms

As you set your intentions for 2025, consider incorporating mushrooms into your wellness routine. Whether it's through supporting your workouts, enhancing your diet, or boosting brain power, mushrooms offer a natural, versatile way to attain your personal goals.

Let this be the year you grow with mushrooms!

Related Articles:

Nootropic mushrooms, also known as functional mushrooms, have gained popularity for their potential to support brain health and cognitive function. These mushrooms are made into mushroom supplement products, earning their nickname “smart mushrooms.”

Nootropic mushroom supplements offer various benefits, which may affect memory, focus, and mental clarity. Some examples of these dietary supplements include capsules or bulk powders made from reishi mushroom extract or lion’s mane mushroom extract.

This article explores the different types of nootropic mushrooms, their benefits, safety, and how they can be incorporated into daily life.

In This Article

What are Nootropic Mushrooms?

Nootropic mushrooms, also known as "smart mushrooms," are fungi believed to support cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and motivation. These are often sold as mushroom supplements, which are an easy purchase and consumption method for customers.

These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that interact with the brain to affect mental performance and overall brain health.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

Cordyceps are known for their potential to boost energy levels and anti-tiredness effects. They may affect oxygen utilization and physical performance, and are used to support mental stamina and endurance.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Golden Oyster (Grifola frondosa)

Bioactive Compounds in Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms contain various bioactive compounds that contribute to their cognitive-enhancing properties. Some of the key compounds include:

How Do Nootropic Mushrooms Work?

Nootropic mushrooms work through various mechanisms that contribute to enhanced brain function and overall cognitive health.

These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that interact with the brain and nervous system in several ways:

Neurogenesis and Neuroprotection

Certain compounds in nootropic mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines found in lion's mane mushroom, promote the growth and repair of neurons.

These compounds stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is essential for the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons [7].

Antioxidant Properties

Nootropic mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By neutralizing free radicals, these antioxidants protect brain cells from damage [8].

Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response

Chronic inflammation in the brain is associated with various cognitive disorders. Based on several studies on mice, compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids in mushrooms such as reishi and chaga can help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline [19,20].

Enhanced ATP Production

Compounds in cordyceps (primarily, cordycepin) can increase the availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-storage molecule [9]. Since enhancing ATP production can have cognitive-enhancing effects [21], and overall anti-fatigue effects [22], cordyceps can be an ally for supporting focus and cognitive energy.

Improved Blood Flow and Oxygenation

Some mushrooms, like cordyceps, improve blood flow and oxygenation in the body, including in the brain. This increased circulation ensures brain cells receive adequate nutrients and oxygen, essential for optimal cognitive function [10, 11].

Modulation of Neurotransmitters

Functional mushrooms can influence the levels of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

For instance, lion's mane has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels, which are important for memory and learning. Similarly, Reishi can modulate serotonin levels, contributing to improved mood [23].

These mechanisms collectively contribute to the cognitive-enhancing effects of nootropic mushroom supplements, making them a natural option for supporting brain health.

Benefits of Nootropic Mushrooms

Nootropic mushrooms are known for their potential to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. Below are some of the key benefits associated with nootropic mushrooms:

Cognitive Enhancement

Nootropic mushrooms are often praised for their ability to boost cognitive function. These include:

Lion's Mane, a nootropic mushroom, in a pouch as a powder extract
Lion's Mane mushrooms are known for their potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.
They may also boost memory and cognitive function as well as mental clarity and focus.

Mental Health Benefits

In addition to cognitive support, functional mushrooms may offer several mental health benefits:

Neuroprotection

Functional mushrooms may also offer protective benefits for the brain:

Physical Health Benefits

While primarily known for their cognitive and mental health benefits, functional mushrooms can also contribute to overall physical well-being:

Do Nootropic Mushrooms Have Any Scientific Backing?

Nootropic mushrooms have garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to their potential cognitive benefits. Various studies have been conducted to explore their efficacy and mechanisms of action.

Below are some key findings from the research:

Research on Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Research on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi mushrooms may help in managing stress and sleep, and are often used for its calming effects and potential mood-lifting properties. They may also promote overall brain health by supporting a healthy inflammation response.

Research on Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

Overall, multiple studies indicate the potential of functional mushrooms to enhance cognitive function and be neuro-protective. However, further research, particularly large-scale human clinical trials, is necessary to fully understand their efficacy.

Are There Side Effects to Using a Functional Mushroom Supplement?

Functional mushrooms, while generally considered safe for most people, can have side effects that vary depending on the type of mushroom and the individual's health condition. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and potential interactions with other medications.

Here are some common side effects you may experience when taking mushroom supplements:

Gastrointestinal Issues

Some individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming nootropic mushrooms. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include itching, rash, or swelling, particularly in individuals with known mushroom allergies.

Headaches

Some users report headaches, especially when first starting to use nootropic mushrooms or when taking higher doses.

Drug Interactions: Taking mushrooms can interact with medications such as blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and certain antidepressants. These interactions can either enhance or diminish the effects of the medications. Discuss with your medical care provider before begining to use nootropic mushrooms if you are pregnant or taking medications.

Are Nootropic Mushrooms Safe for Long-term Use?

The long-term safety of taking functional mushrooms is a topic of ongoing research. Current studies suggest that many nootropic mushrooms, such as lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), are generally safe for extended use when consumed in recommended dosages.

However, the long-term effects can vary depending on the specific type of mushroom and individual health conditions. Here are some variables that you should consider before you add mushroom supplements to your wellness regimen:

Research Findings

Populations to Consider

Certain populations should exercise caution when using functional mushrooms long-term:

While functional mushrooms appear to be safe for long-term use for most individuals, it is essential to consider individual health conditions and consult healthcare professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.

Types of Nootropic Mushrooms

Several nootropic mushrooms are recognized for their cognitive-enhancing properties. The most effective ones include:

Several nootropic mushrooms are recognized for their cognitive-enhancing properties. These include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Golden Oyster.

How To Take Functional Mushrooms: These mushrooms are often consumed in various forms, including powders, capsules, and tinctures. For those looking to enhance their cognitive function naturally, it’s important to take a high-quality supplement made from 100% mushrooms and not mycelium grown on grain.

Can Nootropic Mushrooms Be Taken with Other Supplements or Medications?

Nootropic mushrooms can often be taken with other supplements or medications, but it is essential to consider potential interactions and consult with a healthcare provider before combining them. The interactions between functional mushrooms and other substances can vary based on the specific mushroom and the supplement or medication in question.

Supplements that Complement Nootropic Mushrooms

Elevate Your Brain Health with Real Mushrooms

For those seeking to enhance cognitive function naturally, Real Mushrooms offers high-quality, 100% mushroom supplements you can trust. Mushrooms contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides, compounds known to support well-being. In contrast, many other supplements use mycelium grown on grain, and therefore have fewer medicinal compounds.

Real Mushrooms is committed to delivering supplements that are effective, pure, and true to nature. Focusing solely on the mushroom (fruiting body) ensures that our products provide the full benefits of nootropic mushrooms.

Whether you're looking to support memory, sharpen focus, or support overall brain health, Real Mushrooms has a supplement to meet your needs. Explore our wide selection of 100% organic mushroom supplements today and discover the difference that real quality makes.

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References

  1. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
  2. Smith, D. (2023) Scientific Research & Medicinal Fungi, North American Mycological Association. Available at: https://namyco.org/scientific-research-medicinal-fungi/
  3. Das, G. et al. (2021) ‘Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.602364.
  4. Ern, P.T. et al. (2023) ‘Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (chaga mushroom): A Review’, Mycology, 15(2), pp. 144–161. doi:10.1080/21501203.2023.2260408.
  5. Cheah, I. K., Ng, L. T., Ng, L. F., & Halliwell, B. (2016). Ergothioneine is a potential marker for cognitive impairment and dementia in humans. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 25(10), 559-576.
  6. Smith, M. A., Cheah, I. K., Halliwell, B., & Ng, L. F. (2017). Ergothioneine in cardiovascular health: Risk factors and associations. Cardiovascular Research, 113(5), 513-524.
  7. Villanueva, V. (2020) Hericium Erinaceus: Erinacine A. thesis. Faculty of the Agricultural Education and Communications Department.
  8. Li, J. et al. (2013) Oxidative stress and Neurodegenerative Disorders, International journal of molecular sciences. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876121/
  9. Jędrejko, K.J., Lazur, J. and Muszyńska, B. (2021) ‘Cordyceps militaris: An overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity’, Foods, 10(11), p. 2634. doi:10.3390/foods10112634.
  10. Wang, L. et al. (2022) ‘Bidirectional regulatory effects of cordyceps on arrhythmia: Clinical Evaluations and network pharmacology’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.948173.
  11. Medicinal mushroom cordyceps: Topics by science.gov. Available at: https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/medicinal+mushroom+cordyceps
  12. Hataway, L. (2024) Are magic mushrooms a safe treatment for depression?, UGA Today. Available at: https://news.uga.edu/magic-mushrooms-can-treat-medication-resistant-depression-are-they-safe/
  13. Docherty, S., Doughty, F.L. and Smith, E.F. (2023) ‘The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study’, Nutrients, 15(22), p. 4842. doi:10.3390/nu15224842.
  14. Mori, K. et al. (2008) ‘Improving effects of the mushroom yamabushitake (hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial’, Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), pp. 367–372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634.
  15. Guo, L. et al. (2017) ‘Neuroprotective effects of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis’, Neural Regeneration Research, 12(6), p. 953. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.208590.
  16. Yuan, G. et al. (2018) ‘Improvement of learning and memory induced by cordyceps polypeptide treatment and the underlying mechanism’, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018(1). doi:10.1155/2018/9419264.
  17. Tsai-Teng, T. et al. (2016) ‘Erinacine a-enriched hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1DE9 transgenic mice’, Journal of Biomedical Science, 23(1). doi:10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z.
  18. Nguyen T, Alzahrani T. Ginkgo Biloba. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/
  19. Murphy, E. J., Fehrenbach, G. W., Abidin, I. Z., Buckley, C., Montgomery, T., Pogue, R., Murray, P., Major, I., & Rezoagli, E. (2023). Polysaccharides-Naturally Occurring Immune Modulators. Polymers, 15(10), 2373. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102373
  20. Mi, X., Zeng, G. R., Liu, J. Q., Luo, Z. S., Zhang, L., Dai, X. M., Fang, W. T., Zhang, J., & Chen, X. C. (2022). Ganoderma Lucidum Triterpenoids Improve Maternal Separation-Induced Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors in Mice by Mitigating Inflammation in the Periphery and Brain. Nutrients, 14(11), 2268. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112268
  21. Owen, L., & Sunram-Lea, S. I. (2011). Metabolic agents that enhance ATP can improve cognitive functioning: a review of the evidence for glucose, oxygen, pyruvate, creatine, and L-carnitine. Nutrients, 3(8), 735–755. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu3080735
  22. Chai, X., Pan, M., Wang, J., Feng, M., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., & Sun, Y. (2022). Cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect via activating TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 637, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.010
  23. Matsuzaki, H., Shimizu, Y., Iwata, N., Kamiuchi, S., Suzuki, F., Iizuka, H., Hibino, Y., & Okazaki, M. (2013). Antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia in rats. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 13, 370. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-370
  24. Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. (2023). The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients, 15(22), 4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842
  25. Saitsu, Y., Nishide, A., Kikushima, K., Shimizu, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 40(4), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125
  26. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
  27. Chai, X., Pan, M., Wang, J., Feng, M., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., & Sun, Y. (2022). Cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect via activating TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 637, 127-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.010
  28. Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 31(4), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231
  29. Tang, W., Gao, Y., Chen, G., Gao, H., Dai, X., Ye, J., Chan, E., Huang, M., & Zhou, S. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53

As the new year unfolds, many of us are focused on setting and achieving personal goals. In the quest for improved well-being, mushrooms – both culinary varieties and functional extracts – emerge as unsung heroes. Their unique properties and health benefits align seamlessly with the top five resolutions of 2024, as outlined in Forbes' "New Year’s Resolutions Statistics 2024" article.

According to the Forbes 2023 survey of 1000 Americans, the following resolutions were the top 5 most common responses:

  1. Improved Fitness
  2. Improved Finances
  3. Enhanced Mental Health
  4. Weight Loss
  5. Diet Improvements

Let's delve deeper into the science behind how mushrooms can support these aspirations.

1. Improved Fitness with Cordyceps

A bag of cordyceps mushroom powder on a counter
A cordyceps mushroom supplement is an ideal replacement for caffeine if you want extra energy for fueling your workouts.

Cordyceps, a mushroom revered in traditional medicine, has garnered attention in the fitness world. Studies reveal that the cordyceps mushroom makes for an ideal pre- and post-workout supplement: It enhances aerobic capacity, delays fatigue, and improves endurance by influencing the body’s exercise utilization of oxygen and energy production [1]. This is attributed to its ability to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, the primary energy currency of the cell, thus providing extra energy for longer, more intense workouts [2]. Moreover, as an adaptogen, a good quality cordyceps supplement can help the body manage and adapt to stress. These properties help promote better recovery post-exercise by balancing muscle inflammation and oxidative stress [3].

2. Improved Finances through Culinary Mushrooms

A scale holding button mushrooms on one side and dollar bills on the other
Mushrooms are a power-packed food source that makes an ideal and affordable meat replacement.

In the context of financial wellness, culinary mushrooms offer an economical and nutritious alternative to meat. Economically, they are less costly to produce and purchase, helping consumers save money without compromising nutritional value. Nutritionally, mushrooms are rich in proteins, vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals (like selenium, potassium, and copper), and antioxidants [4]. This makes them a nutrient-dense food choice that provides essential nutrients without the high costs associated with meat. Incorporating mushrooms into your recipes can help stretch the food budget while contributing to a balanced diet.

3. Enhanced Mental Health with Mushroom Extracts

A woman holding a bag of lion's mane mushroom supplement powder
Lion’s mane mushroom supports healthy brain function and mood.

For mental health, reishi mushrooms and lion's mane are particularly noteworthy. Reishi, often termed as the "mushroom of immortality," is known for its calming properties. It contains triterpenes, which have been shown to induce sedation and decrease anxiety [7]. Studies suggest that a quality Reishi supplement can improve sleep quality by modulating the sleep-wake cycle, which is crucial for mental health and daily functioning [8].

Lion's mane has unique neuroprotective properties. It contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines that stimulate the growth of brain cells and can potentially improve cognitive function [5]. This mushroom has been linked to enhancing memory and brain function, which is crucial in the fast-paced, stress-inducing modern lifestyle [6]. A good quality lion’s mane supplement can be the key to enhancing your mental clarity.

4. Weight Loss Support with Mushrooms

Reishi mushroom pills being poured out from a bottle into a hand
Reishi is a traditional medicinal mushroom that has positive effects on weight management and sleep quality.

Mushrooms are a low-calorie, high-volume food, meaning they provide a lot of food with few calories, making them ideal for weight loss. Their high fiber content promotes satiety, reduces food intake, and aids in digestion. Some mushroom varieties, like Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), have been studied for their potential to manage obesity. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that can alter fat metabolism and regulate the expression of genes related to obesity [9].

As mentioned in section 4, Reishi can also improve sleep quality and promote a calm mood.

5. Dietary Improvements with Culinary Mushrooms

Image of dried oyster mushrooms
Mushrooms are considered a superfood because they are nutrient-dense, high in fiber and proteins, and low in calories.

In terms of dietary improvements, mushrooms are an excellent source of several key nutrients. They are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function [10]. They also contain B vitamins, vital for various metabolic processes, including energy production. Additionally, the antioxidants present in mushrooms, like ergothioneine and selenium, help combat oxidative stress and promote a healthy inflammation response, contributing to overall wellness and longevity [11].

In summary, mushrooms, in their various forms, stand as powerful allies in achieving the common New Year’s resolutions of 2024. They are not just a means to an end but a sustainable, health-promoting choice that benefits both personal well-being and financial health. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness regime, manage finances wisely, support mental health, lose weight, or improve your diet, mushrooms offer a versatile and effective solution for your journey toward personal growth and wellness.

"Shop Mushrooms" button

References

  1. Hirsch, K. R., & Smith-Ryan, A. E. (2018). Journal of Athletic Enhancement.
  2. Ko, G. et al. (2004). Cordyceps Sinensis as an ergogenic aid. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
  3. Patel, S., & Goyal, A. (2013). 3 Biotech.
  4. Feeney, M. J., Miller, A. M., & Roupas, P. (2014). Nutrition Today.
  5. Mori, K., Obara, Y., & Hirota, M. (2009). Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin.
  6. Sabaratnam, V., Kah-Hui, W., Naidu, M., & Rosie, D. P. (2013). Neuronal health – Can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help? Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.
  7. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.
  8. Cui, X. Y., Cui, S. Y., Zhang, J., Wang, Z. J., Yu, B., Sheng, Z. F., Zhang, X. Q., & Zhang, Y. H. (2012). Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
  9. Friedman, M. (2016). Foods.
  10. Urbain, P., & Jakobsen, J. (2015). Dose response of vitamin D2 and D3-enriched mushrooms in rats to raise serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Food & Function.
  11. Cheung, P. C. K. (2010). Nutrition Bulletin.

There is no denying it – reishi mushroom extracts are garnering huge interest among pet parents and veterinarians. They are multi-benefit additions to dog and cat diets and supplement protocols. But why are experienced veterinarians and pet carers turning to the reishi mushroom for dogs in particular?

When it comes to functional mushrooms for pets, the most popular one has been the turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor). This interest has occurred in part because there are two compelling veterinary clinical studies that researched the impact of an extract from pure turkey tail mycelium on dog health.

There is another mushroom that rivals the turkey tail in the clinical study department, but it is on the “human” side. This highly-studied mushroom is Ganoderma lucidum, a.k.a. Reishi. Reishi (Lingzhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine) is a wonderful mushroom to consider for your dog, and possibly your cat. We will get to the “possibly your cat” explanation later on in this blog.

In This Article:

  1. Reishi’s Historic & Traditional Medicinal Use
  2. The Compounds That Make Reishi Beneficial
  3. 3 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom For Dogs
  4. Dispensing & Dosing Reishi Mushroom For Dogs
  5. Know Your Reishi Product!
A quick primer by holistic veterinarian Dr. Rob Silver about why reishi is ideal for your furry friend.

Reishi’s Historic & Traditional Medicinal Use

Reishi, often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve health and longevity for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular functional mushrooms in China, Japan, and Korea.

TCM practitioners have long prescribed reishi to influence the Heart, Lungs, Liver, and Kidney channels, balance Qi (the body’s life force), calm the mind, and relieve cough and asthma.

This reishi mushroom was and is revered in China, in particular, because of its multi-faceted and storied health-supporting properties, so much so that it is common to see reishi represented in ancient and modern art, literature, and architecture.

The Compounds That Make Reishi Beneficial

Reishi contains over 400 different beneficial compounds. These include triterpenoids, polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), nucleosides, sterols, steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, and trace elements [1].

Many of these beneficial compounds are secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are natural products synthesized by bacteria, fungi, and plants. They are not essential for growth (in contrast to primary metabolites like chitin and beta-glucans), and many of these secondary metabolites have been used in the creation of drugs.

An example of this is Taxol, an antitumor agent derived from plant secondary metabolites [2, 3]. These secondary metabolites send complex messages to the cells that are primed to receive these signals. It is somewhat like the alphabet, where the more letters that are available, the more sentences can be written.

When Bitter Is Better: Reishi’s Unique Triterpene

In Reishi's case, a triterpene called ganoderic acid is the secondary metabolite receiving the most attention and research. Some of the benefits of this reishi triterpene include antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-malaria, antihepatotoxic, and blood pressure reduction activity [4]. There are many more triterpenes in reishi in addition to ganoderic acid. These triterpenes work on their own to provide specific health benefits and act synergistically with the beta-glucans in the reishi mushroom.

These triterpenes are also what give Reishi its distinctive bitter taste. Reishi is definitely the most bitter of the popular functional reishi mushrooms. This bitterness is something to be aware of when considering using this reishi mushroom in our pet protocols. It is a rare dog or cat that doesn’t shy away from any taste. Bitter is often associated with something being poisonous, so animals instinctively shy away from bitter tastes [5]. Later in this blog, we will discuss some ways to “hide” the bitter taste so that reishi is more palatable for pets.

3 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom For Dogs

One of the more challenging aspects of working with reishi mushrooms is the lack of actual clinical data or studies related to veterinary medicine. There are very few studies focusing on dogs and, as far as I know, none on cats. It is for this reason that we have to turn to human clinical studies, to in vitro (test tube or petri dish) and in vivo (lab animal, usually rat or mouse) studies. We can also consider the evidence from the abundance of anecdotal feedback from pet parents touting the health benefits they are seeing when they add reishi mushrooms to their pets' lives.

Here are some of the health benefits that have compelled veterinarians and pet parents to begin using reishi mushrooms for dogs:

Let’s dive deeper into a few of these health benefits...

Reishi For Calming the Nervous System

Reishi has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and may be helpful for anxious pets or during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks.

TCM practitioners have long utilized reishi to help alleviate insomnia and anxiety and as a support for meditation. Mouse studies have shown reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration with Reishi [6].

This is one reason Dr. Rob Silver added reishi to Real Mushrooms’ “Relax” pet chews: for its potential to be an excellent calming agent for dogs and cats. It is also a wonderful synergistic mushroom to lion’s mane, which is also in the “Relax” chews.

Overall, Reishi exhibits broad neuroprotective effects. Reishi should be considered in the case of animal neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, degenerative myelopathy, spinal cord injury, stroke, or epilepsy [7].

Calming Reishi for dogs with anxiety
A pet chew with reishi extract is ideal for helping anxious animals.

Reishi For Balancing Histamine Levels & Alleviating Allergies

An exciting and promising use for reishi in veterinary medicine is in relation to allergies, asthma, and possibly mast cell cancer.

Dogs and cats with seasonal allergies may benefit from the immune-modulating and antihistamine activity of Reishi. Ganoderma (Reishi) helps to stabilize the mast cells to inhibit their release of histamine. Histamines are released by mast cells in reaction to allergens or pathogenic invaders. An overactive response—such as we find with allergies—can cause itching, runny nose, eye irritation, and redness of mucous membranes. In our pet population, this can look like excessive scratching/chewing, sneezing, wheezing, or runny discharge from the eyes or nose.

A 2010 study involving mice showed that the extract of G. lucidum can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells in vitro, suggesting that G. lucidum extract has anti-allergic activity and could be effective against mast cell-mediated itch [8].

Martin Powell, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, biochemist, author, and mushroom expert, weighs in on administering reishi mushrooms for dogs with allergies:

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) as immunonutrition, with its unique array of compounds working in concert, could play a major role in current treatment practices for histamine-mediated allergic response. Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) is an effective agent to restore the normal balance between the TH1 and TH2 immune states in patients with histamine-mediated immune responses. Such an approach treats the underlying cause for the TH2 condition.” [9]

Holistic veterinarian, Dr. Judy Morgan, featured Real Mushrooms’ reishi as part of her multi-benefit beef ball recipe for pets.

Reishi Mushroom & Anti-Cancer Protocols For Dogs

PubMed is an excellent free resource to explore clinical studies. When “Ganoderma and cancer” is entered into the PubMed search engine, 683 results are available. This is an indication of how much attention reishi is receiving when it comes to cancer research.

Reishi acts as a biological response modifier (BRM): it can modulate the immune response needed by the body. The reishi mushroom’s antioxidant properties and compounds can stimulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Reishi interacts in a positive way with natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, and stimulates cytokine expression and secretion.

A good example of this BRM activity is in relation to cancer. In general, Reishi triterpenes could directly suppress the growth and invasive behavior of cancer cells, whereas reishi polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, could synergistically modulate immune anti-cancer activity. The result is the activation of Natural Killer T cells and the production of anti-neoplastic cytokines [6].

Reishi For Easing the Side-Effects of Cancer Treatments

Reishi may be a good mushroom to consider if you have opted to have chemotherapy or radiation treatment for your pet. Radiation and chemotherapy can kill stem cells for red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. This results in anemia and a deficit of the important white cells needed to maintain health and freedom from infections.

Reishi can support animals undergoing cancer treatment by helping to protect their stem cells from the toxicity of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. An interesting study induced immunosuppression in mice and then treated them with a water-soluble extract from reishi. The researchers found the reishi-treated mice had increased red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), NK T cells, splenic NK cells, and a number of bone marrow cells [10].

Additionally, reishi has the potential to enhance the effects of chemotherapy by increasing the dose of a chemotherapeutic agent that accumulates within a cell. A study using Ganoderic acid, the triterpene mentioned earlier, found it enhanced the accumulation of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in tumor cells [10].

DO remember that not all mushrooms are the same. These are all either human, in vitro, or in vivo studies. There are currently no clinical studies of reishi in veterinary medicine. Regardless, if I had a dog or cat that was dealing with cancer, I would definitely consider adding reishi extract to the protocol along with turkey tail mushroom extract. This can be done by using these single mushrooms alone or by utilizing our 5 Defenders(™) mushroom extract complex for pets that contains reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, and chaga.

Pure reishi extract in a capsule format is ideal when you want to tap into the full spectrum of its medicinal value for your dog.

Dispensing & Dosing Reishi Mushroom For Dogs

Unlike some of the other therapeutic mushrooms, reishi is not a culinary mushroom. It needs to be given as a natural supplement because it is too tough and leathery to be eaten as food.

It’s also important to remember that reishi is very bitter. The easiest way to administer the reishi is either in capsule form or as a pet chew. Dr. Rob Silver, Real Mushrooms Chief Veterinary Officer and product formulator, created 2 wonderful Real Mushrooms pet chews containing reishi! Our Relax chews for pets are calming and our Immune chews are for supporting the dog’s immune system.

Reishi mushrooms for dogs chart - dosage table
Here’s a rundown of all the Real Mushrooms products that contain reishi. As you can see, its versatility makes it beneficial to use for a number of health concerns: from supporting the immune system to helping calm anxious pets. Our chart lays out the base dose you can give your pet based on their weight.

Can Cats Have Reishi?

There are some cats that will accept being given the reishi capsules, and quite a few enjoy the pet chews. However, do be aware that it could be difficult to get Reishi into a very finicky cat, because of its bitterness. Milder-tasting mushrooms like lions mane or cordyceps might be the better choice for the picky kitty.

Know Your Reishi Product!

Finally, do your homework when purchasing reishi mushrooms in the supplement marketplace.

According to a 2017 study published in the journal Scientific Reports, 74% of Reishi products did not live up to the package claims.

Before purchasing reishi mushroom supplements, or any supplement for that matter, it is highly recommended that you do some research. Know what to look for in a good quality reishi mushroom supplement.

Here is some good information on what to look for in a reishi product: How to I.D. the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement.

Do reach out to the Real Mushrooms Pet team if you have any questions about buying and using an extract of reishi mushroom for dogs:

Real Mushrooms provides veterinary-grade reishi extracts in a pill format or a yummy chew, to give you options suitable to your pet. 
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Related Articles On Functional Mushrooms For Pets

References

1) Zhou, L.-W. et al. 2015. ‘Global diversity of the Ganoderma lucidum complex (Ganodermataceae, polyporales) inferred from morphology and multilocus phylogeny’, Phytochemistry, 114, pp. 7–15. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.09.023.

2) S. Sanchez, A.L. Demain. 2014. Secondary Metabolite - an overview.

3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/secondary-metabolite

4) https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=99724

5) https://academic.oup.com/emph/article/9/1/431/6395358

6) Xia Feng, Yan Wang. April 30, 2019. Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and sedative-hypnotic activities of lucidone D extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31078150/

7) Xiangyu Cui, Yonghe Zhang. 2019. Neuropharmacological Effect and Clinical Applications of Ganoderma (Lingzhi). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777017/

8) Inhibitory Effects of the Methanol Extract of Ganoderma lucidum on Mosquito Allergy–Induced Itch-Associated Responses in Mice111123 Tsugunobu Andoh , Qun Zhang , Takumi Yamamoto , Manabu Tayama , Masao Hattori , Ken Tanaka ,and Yasushi Kuraishi. DOI: 10.1254/jphs.10180fp

9) https://www.mycologyresearch.com/articles/view/28?utm_campaign=PNL%2020%20%28T8qGiB%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Practitioner%3A%20Newsletter%20Sequence&_kx=bL9S6QskVAqy0hm7niluqiuPq-JYxdvNxQCw9GnYr4k%3D.L3MBgQ

10) Sanem Bulam, N Şule Üstün, Aysun Peksen. April, 2019. Health Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum as a Medicinal Mushroom. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335032099_Health_Benefits_of_Ganoderma_lucidum_as_a_Medicinal_Mushroom

11) Evaluation on quality consistency of Ganoderma lucidum dietary supplements collected in the United States https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-06336-3 Ding-Tao Wu, Yong Deng, Ling-Xiao Chen, Jing Zhao, Anton Bzhelyansky & Shao-Ping

Reishi (Ganoderma sessile), also known as the "mushroom of immortality" or "herb of spiritual potency," is a functional mushroom from the Ganoderma species revered for its scarcity and unique health benefits. In nature, there are no toxic reishi species lookalikes, but on the market, there are indeed supplements that can be confused as being made from real reishi when they’re not.

Unfortunately, a recent study conducted by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) and Nature found that only 26% of reishi mushrooms as supplements on the market today contain the bioactive components unique to reishi [1]. This means it's easy to purchase low-quality reishi mushrooms inadvertently.

Harvesting reishi mushrooms can be challenging due to their scarcity, and they are expensive to cultivate. Therefore, many manufacturers use reishi mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms), or other types of mushrooms altogether in their reishi supplement lookalikes.

Today, we want to help you identify authentic Ganoderma sessile or reishi mushrooms from diluted or fake lookalikes to ensure proper reishi mushroom identification.

In This Article

Real Reishi Mushroom Benefits

Reishi mushrooms have numerous health benefits. They can:

When foraging reishi mushrooms, it’s essential to ensure that they have matured properly to capture their full range of benefits. Reishi species is the “King of Mushrooms” because of its wide applications in health maintenance and its complex of unique compounds. 

Key to reishi’s power as a natural health booster is its beta-glucans and triterpenes. These compounds become key indicators of the quality of the supplement you are considering buying, as we will discuss below.

The following list of 4 characteristics will help you identify a true, quality reishi supplement from weak or fake lookalikes.

1 - Check for a Strong Bitter, Earthy Taste

Identify Real Reishi mushroom extract
Quality Ganoderma mushrooms extract should taste bitter. The more bitter, the better.

Although reishi mushrooms grow with a subtly sweet aroma reminiscent of cocoa, they have a strong earthy, bitter taste.

The bitter taste is a quality indicator that signifies the availability of beneficial polysaccharides called triterpenes. Therefore, you can leverage this to tell whether your supplements are authentic.

Triterpenes, specifically ganoderic acids, are behind the bitter flavor of reishi. Reishi mushrooms mature fully in nature with these beneficial compounds intact. Hemlock reishi is known to have a particularly bitter taste, which is why it’s highly valued. Reishi is the only source of ganoderic acids. These acids are active polysaccharides with a molecular structure similar to steroid hormones [2].

The absence of the bitter flavor in your supplements means you’ll miss out on the following benefits offered by triterpenoids:

When purchasing reishi mushrooms as supplements, whether in powder or extract form, check the product label for an analysis of the amount of triterpenoids in the product.

Expert Tip: The potency of reishi supplements is partly based on the level of triterpenoids, which you can determine simply by tasting. The more bitter your reishi tea or capsule, the higher the quality and levels of beneficial triterpenoids.

2 - Check for Beta-D-Glucan Content on the Label

Beta-d-glucans are the primary source of health benefits in functional mushrooms. They are long chains of sugar molecules that compose the cell walls of mushrooms, and they activate innate and adaptive immunity.

Beta-d-glucans are at the top of the list of active beneficial compounds in mushroom extracts, as they help to support immune defense.

The product label must indicate the percentage of beta-d-glucans. This data is necessary because the levels of beta-d-glucans in mushroom products suggest its potency.

If a reishi mushroom extract lacks beta-d-glucans, you can best believe that it also lacks other compounds, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are typically not measured.

At Real Mushrooms, we offer high-quality mushroom extracts from 100% pure organic mushrooms produced without any grain, fillers, or additives. Our reishi mushroom supplements provide you with all the benefits of the “mushroom of immortality” and have the individual beta-d-glucan content indicated on the product labels.

The following table highlights all our reishi supplements and reishi mushroom blends, the percentage of beta-d-glucans in each, and the amounts of other beneficial active compounds.

Reishi table
Really know what you’re putting in your body. This table indicates the amount of key active compounds in all the products containing reishi mushroom extracts in the Real Mushrooms lineup.

Unlike most supplement manufacturers, we boldly list the active compounds and ingredients in our mushroom extract products.

Is It Real Reishi Mushroom, Or Is It Mycelium?

Extracts made from the mushroom (fruiting body), as opposed to the mycelium (root structure), will have high levels of beta-d-glucans.

Mycelium-based supplements have very high levels of alpha-glucans (filler starches like glycogen cellulose) and low levels of beta-d-glucans.

Therefore, you need to ensure the product indicates that the reishi mushrooms (fruiting body) are used and not mycelium if you want to enjoy all the health benefits of this fungus.

Since 1976, the American Food and Drug Administration has a regulation regarding mycelium products:

FDA policy on reishi mycelium products
The FDA is clear on what constitutes a mushroom product. Make sure your supplement actually contains wild mushrooms and not just mycelium. Many companies sell “mushroom” products that only contain mycelium grown on grain.

Mycelium-based products are reishi mushroom lookalikes with misleading marketing. Always look at the product ingredient label and make sure that it is explicit about whether the extract contains chopped reishi mushrooms (sometimes labeled as “fruiting body”) or reishi mycelium.

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3 - Ignore Polysaccharide Numbers

Unbeknownst to many supplement consumers, polysaccharide content is not an indicator of quality in mushroom extracts. In fact, it can indicate a poor-quality mushroom product.

Polysaccharides can include both alpha-glucans and beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are the desirable health-supporting polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms. Whereas, alpha-glucans are polysaccharides that derive from starches.

It’s not uncommon to find supplements boasting high polysaccharide content. However, in truth, they feature low beta-d-glucans and high levels of alpha-glucans.

Such supplements are posing as reishi mushrooms, but they are just myceliated grain pumped with useless starches. Fillers from myceliated grain dilute the active compounds in your mushroom product.

Reishi mushroom lookalikes - mycelium
Supplements made from fungal mycelium grown on grain are not made from actual reishi mushrooms. You will get more beneficial compounds for your health from the apple than from the tree branch it grows on. The same goes for reishi and mycelium.

So, what should be measured instead of total polysaccharide content? The beta-d-glucan percentage shows the amount of beneficial fungal compounds in the extracts.

Buyer Tip: Many reishi mushroom lookalikes say “mushroom extract” or “mushroom supplement” on the label. However, they will actually only contain mycelium grown on grain and no mushrooms at all. These products will often boast a high polysaccharide content without indicating true beta-glucan content. So, make sure the beta-glucan and triterpenoid levels are listed on the product label.

Real reishi beta glucans
Quality reishi products will list the levels of beta-glucans and triterpenoids. If the levels of beta-glucans are at least 20%, you likely have a product made from real reishi mushrooms.

4 - Look Out for Verification From Third-Party Labs

A third party should evaluate reishi mushroom supplements for authenticity, sourcing, and potency. These evaluations determine whether the supplements are extracted from high-quality, health-promoting reishi mushrooms in their purest form.

Third-party labs need to ascertain the potency based on the levels of beta-d-glucans in the product and the ingredients used (true reishi instead of other types of mushrooms).

For instance, Real Mushrooms’ Organic Reishi 415 Mushroom Capsules were evaluated by ConsumerLab alongside 6 other reishi supplements. Believe it or not, Real Mushrooms’ Reishi extract came in first place thanks to the high amounts of beta-d-glucan and ganoderic acid concentration, high purity levels, and exclusive mushroom (fruiting body) content.

In addition, our supplements:

Avoiding Reishi Mushroom Look Alikes

It’s time to end your search for the best reishi mushrooms. Real Mushrooms has exactly what you need to help you support your immune system, longevity, sleep, and state of mind: Organic Reishi Mushroom Capsules and 100% Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder.

Like many of our other clients, you’ll love our supplements for their wholesome benefits that are obtained from 100% real mushrooms sourced from organic farms in China. This means the foundation of our supplements is as sustainable as nature intended.

I started using reishi as a form of health maintenance ... I have been using Real Mushrooms’ reishi for 5 years now. Real Mushrooms reishi is what I buy because I feel theirs is the most potent.” - Paul

I take the reishi capsules every evening, a couple of hours before going to bed. I have found that it helps me wind down and makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.” - Jon

Not only can you trust Real Mushrooms reishi products for your own health, but your pets’ health also!

Your pet’s health and longevity can also benefit from the unique complex of compounds that a quality reishi supplement can provide.
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Learn More About the Benefits & Uses of Reishi

References

  1. Wu, DT., Deng, Y., Chen, LX. et al. Evaluation on quality consistency of Ganoderma lucidum dietary supplements collected in the United States. Sci Rep 7, 7792 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06336-3
  2. Benkeblia, Noureddine. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides and Terpenoids: Profile and Health Benefits. Journal of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics. 01. 10.19104/jfnd.2015.101. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296631943_Ganoderma_lucidum_Polysaccharides_and_Terpenoids_Profile_and_Health_Benefits

What would we do without our furry friends?

Those gentle snuggles after a stressful Monday and giant welcome-back hugs at the airport make life all the better.

Simply put, pets are family. This is why we’re always looking to keep them healthy, and mushroom extracts are a versatile way to do that.

Unfortunately, not all mushroom supplements work. Some contain diluting fillers that limit their bioactive compounds and functional benefits.

To help you pick the best mushrooms for dogs and cats, we’ve gathered information about three types of mushroom extracts: Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane. As we go over their features, you’ll learn:

But first, let’s look at the different types of mushroom supplements and their uses.

3 Types of Mushroom Supplements

There are various options for mushroom supplements with different bioactive compounds and benefits.

However, all medicinal mushrooms contain beta-glucans that can stimulate your pet’s immune system.

The following table highlights three mushroom supplements and the various needs they support:

Table - best mushroom supplement for pets by benefit
Benefits for 3 top mushroom supplements for pets.

Let's delve into these mushroom supplements and their features.

1 - Organic Lion’s Mane Extract Capsules for Pets

Best lion's mane mushroom supplement for pets
Lion’s Mane Extract from Real Mushrooms can support your pet’s gut health, cognition, and immune system.

Lion’s Mane Extract from Real Mushrooms is produced using hot water to break down the fibrous cell walls and release this mushroom's bioactive molecules.

This method is called hot water extraction and results in concentrated levels of beta-glucans, which have important immune health benefits. Beta-glucans help train your pet's immune health to be vigilant and defend against possible challenges, among other benefits.

Why Lion’s Mane Could Be the Best Mushroom Supplement For Your Pet

Real Mushrooms’ resident naturopathic veterinarian, Dr. Rob Silver, explains why lion’s mane could be beneficial for your dog or cat.

Important Features of Real Mushrooms’ Lion’s Mane Extract

How Lion’s Mane Extract Compares With Other Supplements

To get an idea of how pet owners have been using Lion’s Mane for their furry loved ones, read their reviews and latest prices:

CHECK REVIEWS & LATEST PRICE

2 - Organic Reishi Mushroom Capsules

Best reishi mushroom supplements for pets
Reishi Extract from Real Mushrooms can support your pet’s gut cellular health, longevity, and immune support. It can also promote relaxation, which is why reishi is an ingredient in our Mushroom Relax blend for pets.

Reishi Capsules from Real Mushrooms are produced using hot water and alcohol. The hot water extracts the water-soluble compounds of Reishi mushrooms while the alcohol pulls out the water-insoluble components.

This procedure leads to a wholesome supplement with various bio-actives, from immune-boosting beta-glucans to triterpenes that promote a healthy inflammation response in your furry one.

Why Reishi Could Be the Best Mushroom Supplement For Your Pet

Real Mushrooms’ resident naturopathic veterinarian, Dr. Rob Silver, explains why reishi could be beneficial for your dog or cat.

Important Features of Reishi Mushroom Capsules

How Reishi Mushroom Capsules Compare With Other Supplements

For instance, Reishi Capsules have triterpenes (defensive compounds) such as ganoderic acids, which are non-water soluble and best extracted using alcohol.

The Reishi Capsules give you additional active ingredients, but if you want to learn more, read their reviews and latest prices.

CHECK REVIEWS & LATEST PRICE

3 - Turkey Tail Extract Capsules

Best turkey tail mushroom supplement for pets
Turkey Tail Extract from Real Mushrooms can support your pet’s immune system and can help support their recovery if they are undergoing cancer treatments.

Similar to Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail Extract by Real Mushrooms is also produced by hot water extraction.

This process keeps beta-glucan levels high (at over 30%). Turkey tail is the subject of more scientific studies than any other functional mushroom. Time and again it has shown its effectiveness in supporting the immune system, even among animals.

Why Turkey Tail Could Be the Best Mushroom Supplement For Your Pet

Real Mushrooms’ resident naturopathic veterinarian, Dr. Rob Silver, explains why turkey tail could be beneficial for your dog or cat.

Important Features of Turkey Tail Extract Capsules

How Turkey Tail Extract Compares With Other Supplements

You’ll get more beta-glucans with Turkey Tail Extract, but if you want to learn more, check out the reviews and latest prices.

CHECK REVIEWS & LATEST PRICE

Advantages and Benefits of Mushroom Supplements for Pets

Enhances Gut Health

Mushroom supplements such as Lion’s Mane Extract can enhance your pet’s gut health. They contain oligosaccharides, which are natural carbohydrates that act as prebiotics (food for the good bacteria in your pet’s gut).

One study confirmed this fact when it concluded that feeding oligosaccharides to companion animals improved their microbial ecology and stool quality [1].

There are also human clinical studies showing Lion’s Mane can be highly beneficial in relation to gastrointestinal issues, and ulcers [2,3,4].

Supports the Immune System

Mushroom supplements such as Turkey Tail Extract support your pet’s immune system by boosting the production of cytokine and T cells (one of the primary lymphocyte cells that form the immune response).

These supplements contain polysaccharide-Krestin (PSK), a compound that one study found to support T cell production.

Supports Neurological Health

Holistic vets like Dr. Rob Silver DVM, and Dr. Donna Kelleher DVM recommend Lion’s Mane extract for slowing the progress of neuro-degenerative ailments in dogs and cats such as Degenerative Myelopathy (a.k.a. Dog Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (a.k.a. Dog dementia).

Using Lion’s Mane extract as a natural solution for pet neurological support is based on human and animal studies that have demonstrated the positive effects of this mushroom on protecting cognitive function, stimulating nerve growth, and even helping regenerate damaged nerves [5,6,7,8,9].

Giving your dog or cat a Lion’s Mane supplement is also a good preventative step for protecting their cognition and supporting healthy brain function as they age. Reishi is also useful as a stellar source of antioxidants for keeping neurons healthy as pets age.

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Standard Features of the Best Mushroom Supplements

The best mushroom supplements feature various bio-actives with different health benefits, but they also share some features and advantages—for instance, they use the mushroom itself, not mycelium or fillers, and they have high beta-d-glucans content.

Here’s a deeper look at these features and their advantages.

1 - No Mycelium or Fillers

For these fungal organisms, the mushroom, sometimes referred to as the fruiting body, is just one stage in its life cycle. It’s what you see growing above the ground and what you are buying in the supermarket. However, many so-called mushroom supplements sold in North America do not have mushrooms in them at all!

Instead, these companies use the root system of the mushroom, which is called the mycelium. Why? Because it is far more economical to produce mycelium than to grow mushrooms in full.

Mycelium for supplements is typically grown in a grain-based substrate (the medium the mycelium grows on). When harvesting the mycelium, the grain is not separated from the mycelium and goes straight into the final product. This grain is just filler and provides no health benefits.

Between the grain-based filler and the lack of mushrooms, many supplements contain low concentrations of beneficial compounds from fungi, and high concentrations of starch.

We provide a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the mushroom (fruiting body) and the mycelium (vegetative body) in our article Functional Mushroom Benefits: Mycelium vs Fruiting Body.

Top mushroom supplements are processed without mycelium, chemical additives or preservatives. They use only the mushroom.

Here’s an example of a label from Real Mushrooms that clearly indicates the product is made of 100% mushrooms, not mycelium, and with no added fillers or starches of any kind (green arrow).

Ensure your pet’s mushroom supplement label clearly indicates that it is made with the mushroom, not the mycelium

2 - Beta-D-Glucans

These are common polysaccharides (carbohydrate arrangements) found within the cell walls of mushrooms and in supplements.

Beta-d-glucans serve your pet by turning the immune system up or down (immunomodulation), among other health benefits, but this effect isn’t consistent across all mushroom species and supplements.

Immunomodulation depends on factors such as:

Expert Tip: Check the label on your mushroom supplement before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the highest quality. The best manufacturers document the levels of bio-actives present in their products.

What Others Say About Mushroom Supplements for Pets

The most common talking points on mushroom supplements for pets among users were regarding:

"My dog has been taking Turkey Tail for three weeks and I see a dramatic improvement in her energy level." Ellie, Turkey Tail Reviewer

"My dog is almost 17 and I am excited to find a supplement that has taken years off his age." Stacy, Lion’s Mane Reviewer

"My senior foster is very unsettled at certain times of the day. These chews help her relax and settle down." Beth H, Mushroom Relax Pet Chews Reviewer

FAQs About Mushroom Supplements for Pets

Can I Give My Pet Mushroom Supplements With Food?

Yes, you can. In essence, mushroom supplements are functional foods and work best when combined with a balanced diet.

How Long Do Mushroom Supplements Take To Kick In?

This timeline is variable, but mushroom supplements like Reishi and Lion’s Mane can take effect after 2–3 weeks of daily use.

How Many Times a Day Should I Give Mushroom Supplements?

Most mushroom extracts can be taken once a day and still be effective. Check the labeling on your supplement to confirm the recommended dosage.

Why Give My Pet Mushroom Supplements Instead of Just Fresh Mushrooms?

Some of the functional mushrooms are too tough to be edible (i.e., reishi and turkey tail). Also, mushroom supplements are made with an extraction process that makes the natural compounds within the mushroom more accessible to your pet’s body. 

Otherwise, these valuable compounds would remain trapped behind chitin fungal walls—the same tough substance that makes up crustacean shells—and undigested.

Mushroom supplement pet chews
Real Mushrooms pet chews are an easy and tasty way to give your pet his or her daily dose.

Get the Real Stuff

So there you have it—three needs uncovered by three types of mushroom supplements: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail.

Whichever option you choose, consider the following:

At Real Mushrooms, our goal is simple: to offer high-quality supplements from actual mushrooms. This stems from the industry problem of diluted supplements.

A recent study of mushroom supplements found that 74% of Reishi products are inauthentic. Most contain diluting fillers such as grain and mycelium.

Dilution causes higher concentrations of alpha glucans and lower levels of crucial beta-glucans. As such, these supplements offer little value to your pets.

An explanation of the problem of diluted mushroom supplements. This video will help you understand what to look for to buy the best mushrooms for dogs for your money and your pet’s health.

Real Mushrooms supplements are made solely from mushrooms (the fruiting body). This reality is why we list the scientifically verified ingredients and active compounds on our products. unlike most companies.

We also offer cordyceps mushrooms, another functional mushroom that may help regulate oxygen flow and energy levels for humans and pets. Cordyceps mushrooms are gaining recognition for their potential to boost endurance and promote active movement in animals.

shop mushroom pet products

Related Articles On Functional Mushrooms For Pets

References

  1. Flickinger, E. A., & Fahey, G. C., Jr (2002). Pet food and feed applications of inulin, oligofructose and other oligosaccharides. The British journal of nutrition, 87 Suppl 2, S297–S300. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJNBJN/2002552
  2. Ali Durmus, Ilgim Durmus, Omer Bender, et al. The effect of Hericium erinaceum on the prevention of chemically induced experimental colitis in rats. https://www.kjim.org/upload/kjim-2019-050.pdf
  3. Wang M, Konishi T, et al. Anti-Gastric Ulcer Activity of Polysaccharide Fraction Isolated from Mycelium Culture of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(11):1055-60.
  4. Qin M, Geng Y et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(3):227-34.
  5. Hirokazu Kawagishi et al. Erinacines E, F, and G, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mycelia of Hericium erinaceum. Tetrahedron Letters, Volume 37, Issue 41,1996 Pages 7399-7402
  6. Lai PL, Naidu M et al. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54.
  7. Kevin Spelman, Elizabeth Sutherland, Aravind Bagade. December 1, 2017. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). https://journal.restorativemedicine.org/index.php/journal/article/view/109/126
  8. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
  9. Saitsu, Y., Nishide, A., Kikushima, K., Shimizu, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 40(4), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125

Deemed “The King of Mushrooms,” reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi) is living up to its name. 

It’s been shown to have many effects that are uncommon in other functional mushrooms, such as alleviating occasional stress. This is just one of the many reasons that drinking reishi mushroom tea is beneficial for health maintenance.

So, what really makes this mushroom special?

In This Article

  1. Reishi’s Health Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine
  2. Reishi Tea Helps Improve Your Skin’s Appearance
  3. Reishi Mushroom Is a Functional Food
  4. Reishi Mushroom Tea Helps Activate the Wound Healing Process
  5. Reishi Mushroom Tea Can Help Improve Hair Health
  6. When Should I Drink Reishi Mushroom Tea?
  7. Experience Reishi Mushroom Tea Benefits Today With Real Mushrooms

Reishi’s Health Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Let’s take a journey back in the history of reishi as a component of traditional medicine practices:

Ancient Chinese herbalists called reishi Lingzhi (灵芝) because it means “herb of spiritual potency.” It was revered by Chinese emperors because of its scarcity and reputation for being one of the most celebrated herbs in the Chinese “bible” of medicinal plants: Shennong Ben Cao Jing (a.k.a. Materia Medica).

Of reishi, the author writes, “If eaten customarily, it makes your body light and young, lengthens your life, and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies.”

Reishi mushroom tea
Reishi mushroom tea is an ancient health tonic, and modern science has been confirming its multiple wellness benefits.

For thousands of years, reishi has been used as a functional and therapeutical solution throughout Asia for various problems such as:

Luckily, you can now enjoy these benefits more conveniently through our Reishi Mushroom Powder, which you can use to make your own reishi tea.

Instead of simply trusting reishi’s roots, modern research into the effects of reishi can help us determine how it can improve a person’s health and wellness. Recent studies that we share below have also discovered new benefits of reishi mushrooms, making reishi mushroom tea

1 - Reishi Tea Helps Improve Your Skin’s Appearance

Skin aging and deterioration intrinsically occur when the production of certain hormones, like estradiol and testosterone, decreases. Extrinsically, overexposure to solar radiation may lead to sun damage, causing premature aging [1].

These issues often lead to symptoms such as skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, collagen degradation, and wrinkle formation. Because these issues can’t be avoided, cosmetic companies are constantly searching for natural compounds and extracts that will help delay the aging process.

reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are abundant in antioxidants that help protect the skin against free-radical damage and premature aging.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, the reishi mushroom recently found its way into the skincare industry as a functional cosmetic ingredient.

Ganoderma lucidum can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and neutralize free radicals in the body, which damage healthy skin cells and create oxidative stress [2].

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) also contains beta-glucans—the long chains of sugar molecules that help to promote the skin’s ability to store water—keeping the skin hydrated from within.

What Are Beta-Glucans? Beta-glucans are soluble fibers from plants, fungi, yeasts, and certain bacteria. They help fight diseases by activating innate immune cells, boosting immune system response and improving overall well-being.

Table: Reishi Benefits For Skin Health

The table below outlines the specific properties of reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) that make its tea great for the skin [3].

Reishi mushroom benefits for skin - table
These compounds in reishi support skin health.

2 - Reishi Mushroom Is a Functional Food

The Institute of Food Technologists describes functional foods as those whose ingredients provide added benefits beyond their basic nutritional value [4].

Historically, people consumed the reishi mushroom because of its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This historical claim has led to a recent research project exploring reishi’s bioactive components and therapeutic values [5].

The study revealed that the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) contains water-soluble proteins, dietary fiber, minerals (such as sulfur and phosphorus), and vitamins (including riboflavin and thiamin), all of which contribute to its nutritional benefits.

Additionally, reishi’s bioactive components, including alkaloids and polysaccharides like beta-glucans, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, and lactones, are known to help promote therapeutic effects like supporting cognitive functions and alleviating occasional stress.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has also been associated with numerous health benefits, including [6] [11] [12]:

These benefits combined make the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) a functional food with positive effects on the body, increasing the value of drinking reishi tea to improve wellness.

The Quality of Reishi Matters

The quality of products containing reishi mushroom extracts affects its potency. Note that one study found that 74% of reishi products are not authentic, and this calls for extreme keenness when making your purchase.

Fortunately, Real Mushrooms offers the highest-quality mushroom extracts produced in their purest form, without any fillers, carriers, or additives.

So, for any purchase you make, you’re certain to receive all the potential benefits that reishi mushrooms have to offer.

"... I was blown away by how effective it is at reducing anxiety, racing night thoughts and insomnia." HikerMom13, Verified Real Mushroom's Reishi Mushroom Extract Buyer

3 - Reishi Mushroom Tea Helps Activate the Wound Healing Process

Collagen, the body’s most abundant protein, plays a critical role in the wound repair process. How fast a wound heals depends on collagen's production, accumulation, and maturation in the wounded area.

Collagen accumulation significantly depends on the presence of hydroxyproline. A higher hydroxyproline concentration means higher collagen production, leading to faster healing.

Results from a recent study indicated that reishi mushroom aids in activating the concentration of hydroxyproline and hexosamine [7]. Both hydroxyproline and hexosamine give strength to repaired tissues and in turn help to activate the wound healing process.

Another study reported similar results, attributing reishi’s role in activating wound healing to its high polysaccharide content [8].

Natural polysaccharides have previously been linked to faster wound healing as they help to facilitate the activation of the immune system. It’s believed that this process results from the ability of reishi polysaccharides to help activate macrophages, one of the major inflammatory cells in the body that clean up the wound site after injury [9].

Reishi powder for making reishi mushroom tea
A concentrated extract of reishi simplifies the process of making a tea that will help promote immune health, wound repair, skin health, and hair health, among other benefits.

How Do You Make Reishi Tea?

Eating the mushroom in its raw form is unpleasant because its texture is so tough and leathery. However, you can still enjoy all of its benefits by adding an extract of this mushroom to hot water to make reishi tea.

Adding either dried reishi filtered to make tea bags or reishi powder directly into the hot water will add a subtle earthy flavor.

Instead of using a full tea bag to create tea, you can use one tablespoon of reishi mushroom powder added to a cup filled with boiling water.

The bitter mushroom taste won’t be as pronounced if you add your usual tea regimen. For example, you can mix in one tablespoon of reishi mushroom powder into jasmine tea.

4 - Reishi Mushroom Tea Can Help Improve Hair Health

Reishi mushroom extract powder
Using reishi mushroom powder extract by Real Mushrooms is the easiest way to make your reishi tea.

A poor diet, hormonal changes and medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss.

Male pattern baldness, for instance, is one of the major reasons for hair loss in men. It occurs when testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT then sticks to the hair follicles in your head and kills them through miniaturization.

Fortunately, reishi mushrooms have recently been found to have several health benefits for hair.

They Help to Promote Hair Growth

Men with male pattern baldness have scalps that are sensitive to DHT. Luckily, it’s possible to inhibit DHT production and reduce hair loss thanks to the benefits of reishi mushrooms.

A recent study suggests that the reishi mushroom is a great inhibitor of 5α-reductase, which helps to lower the amount of DHT produced in the body [10]. This, in turn, reduces DHT levels on the scalp, protecting the hair follicles from miniaturization.

Reishi mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, which may help shield the scalp from toxins and damage from free radicals. Less damage results in a healthier scalp and a conducive environment for regenerating hair follicles, bringing forth thicker, stronger hair.

Antioxidants and Hair Growth: Besides promoting healthy blood pressure, antioxidants from functional mushrooms such as reishi also protect the cuticles from sun damage.

Reishi Mushrooms Can Help Reduce Scalp Inflammation

Reishi mushrooms are well-known as antioxidant powerhouses that support a healthy inflammation response.

They help to improve blood circulation, allowing the smooth flow of nutrients and oxygen into the scalp. This promotes the growth of healthy hair and reduces the chances of scalp conditions, such as dandruff and psoriasis.

They Help to Retain Hair Color

Reishi mushrooms help retain your hair’s sheen and vibrant hue for longer, preventing premature or age-related graying [5].

Also, as a strong antioxidant, reishi mushroom helps lower normal oxidative stress, allowing your hair to remain strong and retain its color.

When Should I Drink Reishi Mushroom Tea?

You can drink your mushroom tea at any time throughout the day. To achieve the optimal amount of reishi mushroom benefits, ensure you take it consistently.

We recommend adding a half teaspoon of Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder to your tea twice a day—one cup in the morning and another cup in the evening.

Because the reishi mushroom can help regulate your digestive health, it’s a great supplement to start the day with.

It may also promote relaxation, thanks to its mood-lifting properties, making it the perfect addition to your evening routine as you wind down after a long day. Many people take reishi tea before bed and report having an easier time falling asleep.

Ganoderma tea for sleep
Reishi’s calming properties make it ideal to take at bedtime.

Sleep and Stress: Having trouble sleeping can contribute to higher stress levels and vice-versa

Experience Reishi Mushroom Tea Benefits Today With Real Mushrooms

Many companies in the functional mushroom industry claim to sell products that are extracted from pure mushrooms. But this is not always the case.

These products often use mycelium, the mushroom’s root system, which contains fewer health and nutritional benefits than the mushroom (fruiting body) itself.

That’s why it’s important to purchase your mushroom supplements from a trusted source that uses the highest-quality, health-promoting mushrooms extracted in their purest form.

Reishi mushroom extract powder
A high-quality reishi extract is the easiest and most reliable way to get the health-supporting compounds from this multi-benefit mushroom.

At Real Mushrooms, we live up to our name, producing mushroom extracts from real mushrooms (fruiting bodies) directly sourced from organic farms in China, the birthplace of mushroom cultivation. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can extract mushrooms in their purest form.

"I am impressed after switching from other brands that I found were mycelium and fillers. The difference has been quantifiable." - Patrick, Real Mushrooms Customer

Our Reishi Mushroom extracts have no added starch, mycelium, or grain and are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Order today to enjoy all the benefits that reishi mushroom tea brings.

Remember to check out our other organic mushroom extract capsules from functional mushrooms like chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane, which provide these and more benefits.

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Related Articles

 

 

References

  1. Matts, P. J., & Fink, B. (2010). Chronic sun damage and the perception of age, health and attractiveness. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 9(4), 421. https://doi.org/10.1039/b9pp00166b
  2. Yin, Z., Yang, B., & Ren, H. (2019). Preventive and therapeutic effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on skin diseases and care. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 311-321. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_14
  3. Institute of Food Technologists. (2004, December 1). Functional Foods: Opportunities & Challenges. Please Wait... | Cloudflare. https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2004/december/features/functional-foods-opportunities-and-challenges
  4. El Sheikha, A. F. (2022). Nutritional profile and health benefits of Ganoderma lucidum “Lingzhi, Reishi, or Mannentake” as functional foods: Current scenario and future perspectives. Foods, 11(7), 1030. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11071030
  5. Pattanayak, S., Das, S., & Biswal, G. (2020, February). Ganoderma: The wild mushroom with wonderful health benefits. ResearchGate | Find and share research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343057303_Ganoderma_The_wild_mushroom_with_wonderful_health_benefits
  6. Gupta, A., Kirar, V., Keshri, G. K., Gola, S., Yadav, A., Negi, P. S., & Misra, K. (2014). Wound healing activity of an aqueous extract of the Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Higher basidiomycetes). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 16(4), 345-354. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v16.i4.50
  7. Sharifi-Rad, J., Butnariu, M., Ezzat, S. M., Adetunji, C. O., Imran, M., Sobhani, S. R., Tufail, T., Hosseinabadi, T., Ramírez-Alarcón, K., Martorell, M., Maroyi, A., & Martins, N. (2020). Mushrooms-rich preparations on wound healing: From nutritional to medicinal attributes. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.567518
  8. Mapoung, S., Umsumarng, S., Semmarath, W., Arjsri, P., Thippraphan, P., Yodkeeree, S., & Limtrakul (Dejkriengkraikul), P. (2021). Skin wound-healing potential of polysaccharides from medicinal mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.). Journal of Fungi, 7(4), 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7040247
  9. Liu, J., Kurashiki, K., Shimizu, K., & Kondo, R. (2006). undefined. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(2), 392-395. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.39
  10. Liu, J., Kurashiki, K., Shimizu, K., & Kondo, R. (2006). undefined. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(2), 392-395. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.39
  11. Hossen, S. M. M., Islam, M. J., Hossain, M. R., Barua, A., Uddin, M. G., & Emon, N. U. (2021). CNS anti-depressant, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of Ganoderma applanatum (mushroom) along with ligand-receptor binding screening provide new insights: Multi-disciplinary approaches. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 27, 101062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101062
  12. Lin ZB. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum. Journal of pharmacological sciences. 2005;99(2):144-53.

Shockingly, the reishi mushroom supplement market is filled with fake products. Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about products that are labeled as reishi but contain completely different (and cheaper) mushrooms.

The market is also filled with products that don’t contain reishi mushroom but rather the “root system” called mycelium. This results in supplements with lower potency. Additionally, these supplements often end up containing undesirable starch filler.

Our Real Mushrooms 100% certified organic reishi mushroom powder supplements will provide you with the maximum potential health benefits. Below, you’ll find out how we’ve done that. You’ll also learn what to look for when shopping for the best reishi mushroom supplement for your money.

In This Article

  1. Reishi Mushroom vs. Mycelium
  2. 74% of Reishi Products are Not Authentic
  3. Reishi Extraction - Reaping All the Mushroom Benefits
  4. The Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement for Real Results
  5. Testimonials About the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement Available
  6. Learn More About Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom versus mycelium
Many reishi mushroom supplements sold in North America contain only the reishi mycelium and not the reishi mushroom (the fruiting body) itself. This has a great impact on the potency and effectiveness of the product.

Reishi Mushroom vs. Mycelium

Real Mushrooms was founded in part due to a significant problem we discovered in the functional reishi mushroom supplement industry. The market is dominated by products that make you think they contain reishi mushrooms, but actually contain little to none at all.

Most of these supplements are made using the root system of the reishi mushroom, which is called the mycelium. This network of roots contains very little of the active compounds when compared to the reishi mushroom (fruiting body). However, mycelium is inexpensive to grow for the production of supplements.

The fruiting body is what you would typically think of when you hear the word “mushroom.” It’s what you see growing above the ground. We provide a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the mushroom (fruiting body) and the mycelium (vegetative body) in our article Medicinal Mushroom Benefits: Mycelium vs Fruiting Body.

Also, large commercial growers typically grow the mycelium on a grain-based substrate (the medium it grows on). When harvesting the mycelium, the grain is not separated from the mushroom and goes straight into the final product.

This grain is just filler and provides no health benefits. Between the grain-based filler and the lack of mushrooms, many supplements contain very few beneficial compounds of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract.

At Real Mushrooms, we strive to create the highest-quality supplements that contain only the reishi mushroom and zero mycelium or grain fillers. That way, people using our products will truly experience the overall health benefits of taking reishi mushrooms they hope for.

Giant reishi mushroom
When it comes to functional reishi mushrooms, size doesn’t matter, but purity does. Many reishi supplements contain only reishi mycelium and grain rather than the reishi mushroom itself, and some don’t contain reishi at all.

Supplements Should Contain Whole Organic Reishi Mushrooms

Ideally, the reishi supplement you are considering buying should be made of reishi mushrooms instead of mycelium. However, ensuring you get the best reishi mushroom supplement also means knowing the origin and purity of the reishi mushroom itself. If the product label indicates that it uses USDA Organic Certified mushrooms, then you can rest easy that you’re getting a product free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or other potential contaminants.

In the video below, Real Mushrooms’ founder and Chief Funguy, Skye Chilton, shows and tells about our organic reishi farm at peak picking time.

The brand of reishi product you are considering buying should be transparent about the source of their reishi fungi. Ideally, the product would be certified organic and made of whole reishi mushrooms versus mycelium.

74% of Reishi Products are Not Authentic

A new study entitled “Evaluation on quality consistency of Ganoderma lucidum dietary supplements collected in the United States” was recently published by Nature, which releases the most prestigious scientific journals. The study was performed in partnership with the US Pharmacopeia (USP), which sets standards for pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and dietary supplement ingredients.

In the study, they tested 19 different reishi mushroom supplements sold in the United States and compared the bioactive components found in each product to those that exist in the reishi mushroom itself. The study’s results indicated that only 5 of the 19 samples (26%) actually contained what the reishi product label claimed.

USP concluded by saying, “The quality consistency of Ganoderma lucidum dietary supplements in the U.S. market was poor, which should be carefully investigated.”

That is quite the statement.

Since day one, Real Mushrooms has been telling people about the difference in supplement product quality on the market and how many products aren’t made from mushrooms and contain high amounts of grain filler. This is reassuring for us as it confirms what we already know.

Third Party Confirmation of Authenticity and Potency

Ideally, you would buy a reishi supplement that has been evaluated by a third-party lab for authenticity to confirm that the product actually contains reishi. Not only that, but the lab should also confirm the potency (based on the concentration of beta-glucans in the product), and ingredients (mushrooms and/or mycelium content).

ConsumerLab conducted its own research into reishi mushroom supplements and concluded that Real Mushrooms’ Reishi 415 product was their choice among the 7 popular reishi supplements they tested. Their recommendation was based on the purity, beta-glucan concentration, and exclusive fruiting-body content of the Real Mushrooms reishi product.

Consumer Report on Reishi Supplements
ConsumerLab’s research into reishi mushroom supplements identified Real Mushrooms Reishi Extract as the superior product among the 7 they tested.

Reishi Extraction - Reaping All the Mushroom Benefits

There are two methods of extracting the active compounds in mushrooms for supplements: hot water extraction and alcohol extraction.

Hot water extraction is done by heating the reishi mushroom in water to extract any water-soluble compounds, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans. The liquid can either be taken directly or evaporated to leave behind a reishi powder containing only the beneficial compounds.

Alcohol extraction follows a similar process but uses alcohol instead of water to remove any non-water-soluble compounds such as triterpenes.

Reishi Double Extraction

Which extraction method is best–hot water or alcohol—depends on the reishi mushroom. Because reishi contains compounds that are both water-soluble and insoluble, Real Mushrooms uses double (a.k.a. dual) extraction to create our potent reishi mushroom extract.

The reishi mushrooms are run through both processes, and the resulting liquids are combined and evaporated to make one final extract powder that provides maximum potency and health benefits. This dual extraction method ensures that we capture all the key compounds, from polysaccharides to triterpenes, which are crucial for overall health and well-being. The extract also retains the natural antioxidants found in reishi, which may further enhance its health benefits.

The Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement for Real Results

Real Mushrooms offers two products derived from organic reishi mushrooms. Both of these are excellent and convenient ways to add reishi’s potent benefits to your daily routine:

Reishi 415 - Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder

Our 100% certified organic reishi extract is available in powdered form for a variety of uses. It is created with the dual extraction method tested by third-party labs and confirmed to contain the valuable beta-glucans and triterpenes Reishi is loaded with. The reishi mushroom powder form has mait and is guaranteed to contain no fillers, starch, or myceliated grains. This product has many uses in recipes and is a great way to add reishi to your diet. 

Recommended dosage: Adults, take ½ to 1 gram per day.

Reishi 415 - Organic Mushroom Capsules

Our capsules provide all the benefits of our Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder, with the added convenience of being in encapsulated form. If you’re looking for the health benefits of reishi without having to think about how to add it to a recipe, this is a great option for you.

Recommended dosage: Adults, take 2 capsules per day.

We’re confident in the efficacy and safety of our products. However, you should consult with a physician before starting any new supplement routine to make sure it’s the right option for you.

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Testimonials About the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement Available

Many of Real Mushrooms’ customers have shared how taking our reishi supplements regularly enhances their health and their lives. Below are just a few of their hundreds of testimonials.

Keep reading to also learn why one of North America’s leading clinical herbalists recommends reishi as one of the best natural supplements you can rely on for comprehensive health support.

“After 4 or 5 weeks we noticed that we both felt more ambitious and alert. We have also been sleeping better, which may account for the above vitality. Our goal of a hardy immune system is getting a real boost from reishi.” - Ric

“I don't need caffeine anymore. As a health care worker it gives me a boost of energy and clarity both physically and mentally. No crashing effect. No fillers which is excellent. Just pure and real. No side effects.” - Mu

“It helps with digestive issues and helps me to sleep. Overall improves my health and energy.” - Leilani

“It really helps! I take it every day before bed.” - Ruth

“Real Mushrooms’ reishi are the real deal with no mycelium or substance it’s grown on. I will continue to take these regularly.” - Lisa

Clinical Herbalist Dr. Terry Willard states that he has recommended Reishi the most to patients in his decades-long practice because of its sheer versatility and capacity to enhance our physical, emotional, and even spiritual health.

Dr. Willard calls it “the Merlin of the herbal world” and dives into why he has given it this auspicious title in the video below:

Learn More About Reishi Mushroom

Read one of our other articles about reishi mushroom to learn about its incredibly diverse applications for health and wellness:

Despite their sterling reputation as a potent functional mushroom, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms have far less prestige in the culinary world. They are rarely used as the star ingredient in dishes because reishi’s flavor is commonly due to its earthy, bitter taste while having a chewy and rubbery texture.

Overall, reishi mushrooms are not exactly pleasing to the palate, so it’s no surprise that they aren’t stocked at your local grocery store. Not to worry, reishi mushroom powder to the rescue!

While some Chinese cuisine has managed to utilize Ganoderma lucidum to some degree, it’s far more convenient (and tasty!) to use our reishi powder extract to boost delicious recipes.

In This Article

  1. Recipes with Reishi Powder Extract
  2. Reishi Mushroom Coffee Recipes
  3. Learn More About Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushroom
Fresh or dried whole reishi mushrooms have a texture that is too dense and fibrous for use in a reishi mushroom recipe containing plenty of health benefits. However, reishi extract powder is an easy way to level up your daily drinks and meals.

Recipes with Reishi Powder Extract

Many healthy concoctions that use reishi mushroom can help with overall health since the ingredient contains beneficial compounds.[1] This includes recipes for reishi tea, reishi-infused coffee, and a wide range of savory and sweet dishes as well.

Here are some convenient recipes from our collection that show off our Reishi 415 Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder.

Click the title of any of the recipes for the ingredients and instructions.

Mushroom Nighttime Golden Milk

Imagine that when bedtime rolls around, you experience no “tired & wired” or restlessness. You fall asleep easily and even get the good stuff—the deep REM sleep, where true healing lies, all without sleep aids. [2]

No sedating “drugs.” Our delicious golden milk recipe for nighttime uses reishi mushroom powder to help you nod off and get the restful sleep you need while also supporting your immune system.

Paleo Special Brownies

Reishi’s natural bitterness needs to find some balance somewhere. This bitterness plays perfectly with the sweetness of cacao in this delectable dessert recipe. The taste of reishi mushroom powder is very reminiscent of highly concentrated dark chocolate, so including it in chocolate treats is a natural pairing.

Reishi Bounty Bars

Coconut fans are already familiar with the delicious Bounty chocolate bars. This recipe will help you make a healthier version that provides all the immune-boosting benefits of our reishi mushroom powder. A perfect snack to take with you on a hike!

Fungi Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are a nutritional superstar in their own right, and this recipe for a delicious pudding pairs them with both reishi and cordyceps extract powder for an amazing, nutritional dessert or snack. Flavored with raw cocoa and your choice of vanilla or peppermint extract, this pudding is not to be missed.

Nourishing Mushroom Elixir

To help kick-start your immune system to support a healthy inflammation response, this elixir features our reishi mushroom powder along with a host of other beneficial ingredients. It’s an especially potent drink for the colder winter months.

Reishi Mushroom Coffee Recipes

If you want to keep your reishi-infused dish simple, you c add a ½ tsp of our Reishi 415 Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder to your favorite morning coffee or tea and adjust as needed.

The method you use to get your functional mushroom’s benefits is totally up to you, but you may want to peruse our DIY mushroom coffee recipes for inspiration!

Learn More About Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms have been used historically in traditional Chinese medicine since its full of nutritional benefits. This makes it an excellent dietary supplement to add to your wellness regimen.

At Real Mushrooms, we use 100% organic mushroom extracts found in our reishi mushroom supplement catalog. They can be used for a wide range of reishi mushroom recepies, from beverages such as reishi mushroom tea to all kinds of deserts.

Read one of our other articles about reishi mushrooms to learn more about their incredibly diverse applications for health and wellness:

 

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Related Articles

References

  1. (2024) Peacehealth.org. Available at: https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2156000 (Accessed: 23 August 2024).
  2. Qin, Y., Zhao, Y., Hu, X., Chen, X., Jiang, Y.-P., Jin, X.-J., Li, G., Li, Z.-H., Yang, J.-H., Zhang, G.-L., Cui, S.-Y., and Zhang, Y.-H. (2024) 'Ganoderma lucidum spore extract improves sleep disturbances in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1390294.

Documented references to reishi’s reputation as a human health booster date back as far as 2,400 years, and depictions of it frequently appear in ancient Chinese and Japanese artwork. However, the mushroom (fruiting body) has likely been in use as a functional herb for over 4,000 years across the Eastern hemisphere, including both Korean and Indian cultures [1]. Read on to learn about reishi mushroom history and why it came to be so revered in Asian culture.

In This Article

Reishi Chinese Art
Reishi is and has been so revered in Chinese culture that it can be found represented in art across the centuries.

Reishi: The “Mushroom of Immortality”

Ancient Chinese herbalists called reishi Lingzhi (灵芝) because it means “herb of spiritual potency.” Emperor Yan, the first (and most legendary) in the line of ancient China’s rulers, is the founding father of the farming practices and tools that became the foundation of China’s agriculture. He is also the attributed author of the “bible” of medicinal plants: Shennong Ben Cao Jing (a.k.a. Materia Medica). Of reishi, he wrote, “If eaten customarily, it makes your body light and young, lengthens your life, and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies.”

Reishi History - Yan and Huang
Real Mushrooms founder Skye Chilton (right) and his master mushroom-cultivator father, Jeff Chilton, stand before the statues of two of China’s most esteemed ancient emperors, Yan and Huang. The emperors are depicted holding reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), a signal of how revered this mushroom has been in Chinese culture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians adopted the phrase “the mushroom of immortality” to describe the all-encompassing health support that they deemed reishi could provide [2]. Reishi was revered for its health-promoting effects and medicinal properties in ancient China, yet it was relatively rare in nature, so for a long time, it was reserved exclusively for nobility.

Reishi in Historical Art and Literature

Since reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) was and still is considered one of the most prized medicinal herbs in Chinese medicine, it has often been depicted alongside other powerful symbols in art. For example, in a 16th-century silk painting by Qiu Yang, reishi is presented as a gift to the most worshipped goddess in Chinese mythology, the Queen Mother of the West. Another example is the wall painting ChaoYuanTu from the Ming dynasty. In it, there are maids holding reishi as gifts to the emperors.

Many Chinese folk tales, myths, and poems also feature reishi. For example, the myth of Magu tells of a beautiful folk woman who lived on Guyu Mountain and practiced Taoism. Magu used the water from the 13 springs on the mountain to brew reishi wine. After 13 years, the wine matured, and Magu became immortal [5]. Magu features in both Chinese and Korean literature. She is typically portrayed as having healing powers and as having gifted the world with the healing herbs of cannabis and reishi.

Reishi in Myth
Magu is a mythical figure in both Chinese and Korean cultures who gave reishi and cannabis to the world as healing herbs. Here you can see her represented holding a reishi mushroom.

Cultural reishi mushroom history is filled with the wonder this unique mushroom evoked in people. Thematically, reishi consistently appeared as a transformative, healing, and even divine medicinal herb for its health benefits.

Traditional Uses of Reishi

Ancient Chinese texts discuss the six colors of reishi with the most common and well-known being the red variety; other colors include blue, yellow, black, white, and purple.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners prescribe Lingzhi to influence the heart, lungs, liver, and kidney channels, balance Qi (the body’s life force), calm the mind and relieve cough and asthma.

As we discuss in our article, The Benefits of Red Reishi and the 5 Other Color Types, mushroom expert Zhi-Bin Lin notes that modern pharmacological studies show reishi’s potential for supporting cardiovascular health. He goes on to suggest that these benefits could possibly relate to the “heart-boosting” effects recorded in Traditional Chinese Medicine texts [3].

Reishi mushrooms are included in China’s State Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2000) and are touted to balance Qi, ease the mind, and support respiratory health [4].

Reishi remains a cornerstone of natural medicine in Eastern cultures. With globalization and the growing number of people looking for natural solutions to support their health, scientists are now investigating the validity of the health claims surrounding this traditional herbal remedy.

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Reishi Mushroom History: A Timeline

Reishi Mushroom History Timeline

Learn More About Reishi Mushroom

Read one of our other articles about reishi mushroom to learn about its incredibly diverse applications for health and wellness:

References

1. Wasser, Solomon P., 2005. Reishi or Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. DOI: 10.1081/E-EDS-120022119. 16. Kanmatsuse, K., Kajiwara, N., Hayashi, K., Shimogaichi, S., Fukinbara, I., Ishikawa, H., & Tamura, T. (1985). Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 105(10), 942–947. https://doi.org/10.1248/yakushi1947.105.10_942

2. Loyd, A. L. et al. (2018) ‘Identifying the “mushroom of immortality”: assessing the ganoderma species composition in commercial reishi products’, Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, p. 1557. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01557.

3. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. 2011. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A medicinal mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; Chapter 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

4. Lin, Z. (2009). Lingzhi: From mystery to science.

5. Du, Q., Cao, Y., Liu, C. (2021). Lingzhi, An Overview. In: Liu, C. (eds) The Lingzhi Mushroom Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75710-6_1

Are mushrooms good for dogs? The general consensus is technically yes, with some reservations.

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plants and animals. This is why it is common for commercial dog food to contain not only meat but also grains and vegetables. However, mushrooms are technically not vegetables (nor plants, for that matter).

Mushrooms belong to their own kingdom called “Fungi.” We don’t find mushrooms as ingredients in pet food, so you may be wondering: can you feed mushrooms to your dogs safely?

The answer to that question is a qualified “Yes,” depending on the type of mushroom. Mushrooms that are edible or used for wellness for humans are also safe for dogs to eat. However, there are some species of mushrooms (e.g., poisonous mushrooms and psychedelic mushrooms) that are not safe for dogs to eat because they can cause mushroom poisoning, which can lead to serious adverse reactions and even death.

Can dogs eat mushrooms

The mushrooms that are safe for our dog and cat friends to consume are also highly BENEFICIAL for their health. However, it is important to only feed them non-toxic mushrooms you can buy from the store.

Supplementing your dog’s diet with cooked mushrooms and dishes infused with mushroom extracts can promote their wellness and longevity and can help a pet who has specific health concerns.

This article explains which types of mushrooms are safe for dogs and cats to consume and which are definitely NOT safe. Also, you will learn which mushrooms you should consider giving to your pet as a supplement.

In This Article:

Can Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms?

Maybe you’ve been asking yourself, “Can my dogs eat mushrooms they encounter on hikes or in my backyard?” Your four-legged friend may be very curious about those wonderfully unusual and sometimes smelly fungal organisms (mushrooms) it sees on walks.

Have you ever noticed that certain mushrooms in the wild have been gnawed on by some creature or other and wondered if your dog can safely nibble on these?

Wild mushrooms can be safe to eat, or could be poisonous, and many times it takes an expert in mushroom identification to separate the safe from the toxic mushrooms.

My advice, as a veterinarian who has tried to treat many wild mushroom poisonings over my 30 years in clinical practice, is that it is not safe for your dog to eat ANY wild mushrooms. For this reason, it is better to err on the side of safety than to find out that the mushroom your dog ate was not safe and eating it may have cost its life or the health of its liver.

This is why it’s always best that dogs eat cooked mushrooms or store-bought mushrooms instead.

Are There Any Safe Wild Mushrooms for Dogs?

Can dogs eat raw mushrooms from the wild? The answer to that is sometimes.

There are safe wild mushrooms, but unless you are an expert on identification, again, I recommend avoiding them. Even experts in mushroom identification can make errors and find themselves in the emergency room with a liver that has been destroyed by mushroom toxins.

Ultimately, the best way to prevent your dog from eating mushrooms in the wild is to keep a close eye on them (sometimes the impossible dream when you are on a hike!), and to steer them away from mushrooms growing wild.

Wild mushrooms and dogs
Your dog might be tempted to taste test some wild fungi, like this edible cauliflower mushroom. However, it is best to keep them from eating any wild mushrooms as many are toxic, and identification can be tricky. Photo credit: Brianna Cashin.

If you do see your dog eating a mushroom, stop them immediately. Assess how much they may have ingested and collect the remaining mushrooms for identification. It’s important to recognize the mushroom for identification in case it is toxic, so an antidote to that toxic mushroom species, if available, can be used for your dog in the veterinary emergency room.

How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Mushroom Poisoning?

If your dogs eat toxic mushrooms, they may not show signs of it for hours, long after the mushroom toxicity has already started, and possibly too late to induce vomiting or use any antidote, if available.

Inducing vomiting in your pet immediately upon finding it eating an unknown mushroom may help expel the toxic mushrooms from their digestive system. But, if you are on a hike, you may not be carrying any hydrogen peroxide, which you could give to your dog to induce vomiting. A teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide administered into the back of your dog’s mouth will foam and induce it to vomit. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again with a larger volume.

Mushroom poisoning in dogs
Signs of mushroom poisoning in your dog include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Mushroom toxicity can ultimately lead to liver failure and even death.

The most common first sign of mushroom toxicity is vomiting. If your dog is lucky, it will vomit the entire mushroom before it gets into their system.

However, it is more common for a dog to vomit due to the mushroom toxins already impacting their system. Following the vomiting, diarrhea is possible, as is loss of appetite and lethargy, in the short term, and it is possible that the mushroom toxins will make your dog’s liver fail, and death may result.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Wild Mushroom

If you suspect mushroom toxicity in your pet following a hike, get them to an animal emergency room as soon as you can, and bring some of the mushrooms with you, if possible. If you can induce vomiting immediately, as described above, be sure to do that.

At the animal ER they will provide supportive therapy, with IV fluids and anti-nausea drugs to help control the symptoms. In Europe where people love to hunt wild mushrooms, they keep their ERs stocked with the injectable antidote to mushroom toxicity from the Amanita species.

Silymarin is the name of the Amanita poisoning antidote. Milk thistle seed is the main ingredient in Silymarin. However, you may not be so lucky in the US or Canada.

But, you can give your dog silymarin capsules orally if they hold them down, and that can substantially help the liver overcome this mushroom toxicity. There are other treatments as well, which are beyond the scope of this article.

Dr. Rob Silver, holistic veterinarian
Take your dog to the pet E.R. if they eat a wild mushroom, and bring a sample of the mushroom with you.

Are Store-Bought Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Dogs can safely eat any culinary or store-bought mushrooms that are also safe for you to eat. In general, it’s recommended for both humans and their pets to cook mushrooms first before eating them. This is due in part to the high fiber and indigestible fiber found in raw mushrooms, and cooking improves their digestibility.

Safe Edible Mushrooms for Your Dog

There are many types of mushrooms that are edible and also beneficial for your dog’s diet dand health. Here are three culinary mushrooms that also have health benefits for your dog:

  1. Oyster mushroom - This mushroom is particularly tasty and has very healthy levels of the important immune-supporting beta-glucan compounds that give all mushrooms many health benefits. It also contains ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps support healthy cell function by protecting against oxidative stress [1]. Researchers have speculated that this could help mitigate the impacts of aging.
  2. Shiitake mushroom - Can dogs eat shiitake mushrooms? Absolutely! A prized edible mushroom contains lentinan, a polysaccharide that has shown great promise as an immune-boosting agent [2].

Lion’s Mane mushroom - This culinary mushroom contains unique constituents called hericenones and erinacines that may help with the growth and health of nerve cells, as well as with cognitive function and motor function especially in our aging pets [3] [4].

Edible mushrooms for dogs
King Oysters, seen here, are one of the kinds of culinary mushrooms you could feed your dog. As with all edible mushrooms, simply ensure you cook them so your pet can digest them.

Are mushrooms good for dogs, even if they’re in powdered form? Absolutely. Adding mushroom supplement capsules and powder to their meals also makes it easier to overwrite the bitter taste of some mushroom species.

Mushroom extracts increase the digestibility and absorption of the important healthy molecules found in mushrooms. The fresh mushroom is first dried, and then the dried mushroom is subjected to a hot water extraction process that breaks down the fiber and releases all the health-supporting “goodies” that the mushroom contains.

Some mushrooms have a large component of fat soluble medicinal molecules like terpenes, and for those mushrooms (Reishi is one example), a dual extraction process involves using both hot water extraction and extraction using ethanol will include these fat soluble molecules in the final mushroom extract.

It is safe for dogs and cats to ingest these mushroom extracts at amounts that have been found to be healthy for people in experimental studies.

If you want to include mushrooms in your dog’s food, consider one or more of these three options:

  1. Use fresh, culinary mushrooms and be sure to cook them so your dog can digest them.
  2. Purchase dried mushrooms and soak them for a few hours in water to reconstitute them before cooking.
  3. Use mushroom powder extracts and sprinkle them on your dog’s regular food.

Health Benefits of Supplementing Your Dog’s Diet with Functional Mushroom Extracts

There are many benefits to the use of medicinal mushrooms in all animals, two-legged and four. Mushrooms have been in use by people for thousands of years, and have helped many achieve a higher plane of health. Some of the benefits have been documented in controlled research studies, but many more applications for health can be found in the historical body of knowledge documented in many herbal medicine texts.

The most common uses for mushrooms leverage the potency and benefits of the beta-glucan molecules that are characteristic of all fungal organisms, and also found in seaweed. For the fungi and seaweed, the beta-glucans are structural components that lend strength to their cell wall. When mammals such as dogs, cats, horses and humans consume mushrooms, they receive a dose of beta-glucans that give their immune systems quite a bit of benefit.

Turkey Tail is one of the most helpful kinds of mushrooms to give to your dog to support its immune system, but it’s best to administer it in powder form to regulate dosage and ensure safety standards. Photo credit: Andrea Were.

Besides immune system support, some of the historical uses of mushrooms for health and wellness are:

Additional uses of mushrooms are due in part to the other unique active molecules they contain. In the next section, you will find more details about a variety of functional mushrooms and how they can support your dog’s health when given as an extract.

What Varieties of Medicinal Mushroom Extracts Should You Feed Your Dog?

The five mushrooms that can have the most benefit for your pet include:

There are a few other species of mushroom that have good applications for pets, but these 7 above really are the most important to know about. The first two, Reishi and Turkey Tail, have the largest body of research, but the other four also have good amounts of studies supporting their value and mechanisms of action.

Turkey Tail Health Benefits for Dogs

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) has the highest beta-glucan content of any medicinal mushroom. It also contains triterpenes and other like molecules that help to create its beneficial effects. Turkey Tail can help your dog with any immune system issue, including improving protective response to vaccinations, recurrent infections, and immune-mediated disease, as well as addressing the many factors that lead to malignant cell growth tailets.

Turkey Tail mushroom is a very hejunct for helping dogs undergoing cancer treatments. It also helps healthy dogs maintain a strong immune system.

Learn more about the health benefits of Turkey Tail by reading our article, Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits & Usage: A Complete Guide.

Turkey Tail Extract Dosing for Dogs

Real Mushrooms discloses the beta-glucan content in all its mushroom extract products. Given that its Turkey Tail extract powder contains >30% beta-glucans, there are 300 mg of beta-glucans in each 1g (1/2 tsp) of Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail powder. Use the following guidelines to determine how much of the product to give based on your dog’s health needs and weight:

  1. The highest doses of beta-glucans (20-30 mg/kg of body weight daily) have been found to be more effective for serious immune system failures in pets, such as tumors and cancer. So, a 10 kg dog (22 LBS) will require 200-300 mg of beta-glucans daily, which will require administration of about 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail powder.
  2. Moderate doses of beta-glucans (10-20 mg/kg of Body Weight daily) are considered effective for moderately serious pet health conditions like recurrent infections and immune-mediated disease, to name a few. A 10 kg dog will require 100-200 mg of beta-glucans daily, which will require administration of about 0.5 grams (1/4 tsp) of Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail powder.
  3. Wellness and maintenance doses of beta-glucans (5-10 mg/kg of Body Weight daily) are given as part of your pet’s wellness protocol to help keep their systems stable. A 10 kg dog will require 50-100 mg of beta-glucans daily, which will require administration of about 0.25 grams (1/8 tsp) of Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail powder.

Lion’s Mane Health Benefits for Dogs

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), other than being a rather tasty edible mushroom, has special compounds in addition to its beta-glucan content that provide support for nervous system health. Researchers have discovered that these compounds, called hericenones and erinacines, can help maintain healthy cognition in animals as they age by protecting brain cells and providing nerve growth support [5] [6].

Interestingly, lion’s mane looks like a brain and that is the organ it helps keep healthy.

For our pets, Lion’s Mane can help with their brain function when they get older and develop a bit of senility or dementia. It can also help following closed head trauma, especially when combined with CBD and/or CBG.

Learn more about the health benefits of Lion’s Mane in our article, Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: A Complete Supplement Guide.

Lion’s Mane Extract Dosing for Dogs

Dosing of Lion’s Mane extract for your dog should be based on the mushroom powder’s content of beta-glucans. That information can be found on every package of Lion’s Mane powder extract from Real Mushrooms. If you are not using a Real Mushrooms product, then look for the beta-glucan content on the label of the product you are using, ato determinedelines below in determining the amount to give your own pet.

Real Mushrooms’ Lion’s Mane powder contains >25% beta-glucans, which means there are 250 mg of beta-glucans in every 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of powder.

The highest dosing tier for your dog should be 25 mg/kg of beta-glucans per day. In that case, a single gram of Lion’s Mane powder (1/2 tsp) would be sufficient for each 10 kg (22 LBS) of body weight of your pet, administered daily.

Reishi Health Benefits for Dogs

Reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, is called the “Mushroom of Immortality.” Its use predates written history by thousands of years, and modern uses based on scientific studies have greatly expanded its applications for people and their pets. Traditionally, Reishi was used to enhance focus during meditation and for longevity. It was prized among the Chinese emperor and high-ranking individuals in his court for these properties.

Reishi is an adaptogen, a type of nutraceutical that supports the adrenal glands in their management of stress. It has anti-histaminic properties, which when combined with its immune modulating properties makes it a good candidate as an ingredient in a formula for allergies for dogs and cats.

Reishi for dogs
While Reishi is one of the most comprehensive mushroowell-beingomoting health and wellbeing, it is on the bitter side, so it is best to administer it to your dog in capsule form.

Its strong beta-glucan content, along with its associated triterpenes and other active molecules, allows it to address a number of health conditions in pets. It can help resolve acute and chronic infections in dogs, can complement pet cancer therapies, and its calming properties also makes it ideal as a sleep aid and to help anxious pets relax.

Learn more about the health benefits of Reishi by reading our article, Reishi Mushroom Benefits & Usage: A Complete Guide.

Reishi Extract Dosing for Dogs

Dose Reishi for pets just as you would Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane and the rest: by using the measured beta-glucan content to dose your dog or cat by weight. Just like its Lion’s Mane product, Real Mushrooms’ Reishi extract powder has >15% beta-glucans, or 150 mg for each gram of powdered extract.

Administer 1.5 grams (3/4 tsp) of Real Mushrooms Reishi powder to your pet for every 10 kg (22 LBS) of its weight daily.

Chaga Health Benefits for Dogs

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an unusual fungus - however, it’s not technically a mushroom. It grows primarily on birch trees in Siberia, eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and northern Canada. Chaga is a hardened mass of mycelium (fungal “root” structures) and wood lignins. It develops into a hard “canker” as it feeds on its host tree (in other words, it’s a tree parasite). The bioactive molecules that the Chaga absorbs from the birch tree as it grows are what gives it medicinal properties.

Modern uses of Chaga for supporting human health that have been backed by scientific research include:

Chaga for dogs
Chaga grows on birch trees and contains the health-promoting compounds from that tree.

Few studies have been published in dogs or cats to date, but as with most of our mushrooms, what works for people can usually work to some extent in our pets.

Most pet parents I speak with think of Chaga for serious problems like cancer, but it can also help with digestive and immune issues.

Learn more about the health benefits of Chaga by reading our article, Chaga Mushroom Benefits: A Science, Health, & Supplement Guide.

Chaga Extract Dosing for Dogs

Administration of the Real Mushrooms Chaga powder, either in bulk or provided in capsules is based on potency. Chaga, being made up mostly of mycelium, will typically have a much lower content of beta-glucans than mushrooms. However, the other “power” molecule in this unusual type of mushroom, betulinic acid, is derived directly from the birch tree and has potent immune system-supporting power.

One study used a beta-glucan dose of 6 mg/kg of Chaga extract in laboratory animals with experimentally induced cancer [7]. Using that as guidance, a 25 pound dog would receive 68 mg of beta-glucans from Chaga which is the equivalent of 8.5 grams (about 4 tsp) of the bulk powder daily.

Chaga, unlike other mushrooms, is high in oxalates. These can be found in other foods such as rhubarb, and spinach and can, in very large quantities lead to kidney stones. If your dog or cat has a history of bladder or kidney stones, then it is wise not to use this species of fungus.

Shiitake Health Benefits for Dogs

The Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms in the world. It’s very tasty! Originally from Japan, where it grows on the evergreen Japanese Shia oak tree, it is now cultivated globally. Other than its fantastic taste, the Shiitake mushroom is one of the most widely studied as well, with thousands of high-quality controlled studies of its multiple potent constituents and their benefit to living beings.

Shiitake mushrooms for dogs
Shiitake has benefits for the immune system and for protecting cell DNA from damage. It also helps the body adapt to environmental stressors.

For instance, one well-documented human study demonstrated that the daily consumption of Shiitake mushrooms in healthy adults, produced enhanced immunity based on cellular and antibody immunity [8].

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, a uniquely powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms. Ergothioneine helps protect cell DNA from the damage that oxidative stress can cause, keeping the body more resilient to the effects of environmental stressors and aging. Like many functional mushrooms, Shiitake is an adaptogen, in that it supports the adrenal glands and helps the body to adapt to stressors, both acute and chronic.

Learn more about the health benefits of shiitake and ergothioneine in our article, Ergothioneine Supplement Guide: Facts, Benefits, and Usage.

Shiitake Extract Dosing for Dogs

Administration of Shiitake extracts to pets is optimal when given according to the beta-glucan content of the mushroom’s extract. You can find Shiitake extract in addition to Reishi, Maitake, Chaga, and Turkey Tail oyster extract in the Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders powder. This product has >20% beta-glucans, or 200 mg for each gram of powdered extract.

Administer about 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders powder to your pet for every 10 kg (22 LBS) of its weight, daily.

How to Feed Your Dog Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

Mushroom extracts are usually provided in a dosage form such as capsules or powder. Some pets don’t care what you put in their food that is good for them, but other pets are really suspicious.

For this reason, Real Mushrooms will be launching a line specifically for pets, formulated by myself, an integrative veterinarian with 30 years of experience as a practicing veterinarian in Boulder, CO, and a recognized expert in herbal medicine for pets, which includes the use of mushrooms, and nutraceuticals (also known as “supplements”)

Mushroom extracts are best given to pets based on the concentration of the active constituents in the product. The common denominator active ingredient for mushrooms is the beta-glucans. 

All mushrooms have beta-glucans, and dosing should be based on the beta-glucan content of the mushroom product you are using and your dog's weight. This is the most effective way to give to your pet, as there are so many sizes of pets, from Chihuahuas to Giant Mastiffs, that using weight as a guide is a “no-brainer.”

Mushroom Extracts & Supplement Quality: What to Look For

The most potent extracts of mushrooms in products are the hot water extracts. For some mushrooms, like Reishi, also combining that with a dual extraction method is optimal. Dual extraction involves using hot water and alcohol will remove all the water soluble and fat soluble ingredients of reishi into the extract.

If a “mushroom” extract comes from mycelium grown on grain (MOG), then it won’t be as potent. Worse still, 30-60% of what you will be giving your dog will be grain carbohydrates, which, if your dog is on a grain-free diet or being treated for cancer, is inappropriate to feed. Also, myceliated grain has only a fraction of the potency as the active ingredients found in the mushroom (fruiting bodies).

How to Pick the Right Mushroom Product for Your Dog

If you would like to try mushrooms for your pet, you could go ahead and try any one of the single mushroom extracts from Real Mushrooms that I have described above. The use of a single mushroom allows you to escalate that dose to fairly significant levels for that single species of mushroom. Each mushroom species contributes its specific blend of active beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other active molecules to your pet.

However, providing a multiple mushroom blend can introduce a variety of healing molecules that wouldn’t naturally be combined if you were using single functional mushrooms. When combined into a multiple mushroom blend, there is a synergy among the multiple mushroom ingredients so that the sum of the parts is greater than any one of its parts individually.

5 Healthy Mushrooms for Dogs
Click here to learn more about the Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders blend of healthy mushrooms.

For Real Mushrooms, that combination product is called 5 Defenders. It contains 5 potent mushroom species: Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Turkey Tail and Chaga. It’s a simple way to begin providing your pet with excellent mushrooms for its health. As you become more familiar with how your pet responds to this mushroom blend, you could consider adding a single mushroom to the mix. The addition of a single-mushroom powder product such as Reishi, Chaga, or Turkey Tail can be beneficial if you are looking at your pet’s cancer problem, for instance.

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Related Articles

RESOURCES

  1. Cheah, I., Halliwell, B., Tang,R . 2018, ‘Ergothioneine – a diet-derived antioxidant with therapeutic potential’, FEBS Letters, Volume 592, Issue 20, pp. 3357-3366.
  2. Bisen, P. S., Baghel, R. K., Sanodiya, B. S., Thakur, G. S., & Prasad, G. B. (2010). Lentinus edodes: a macrofungus with pharmacological activities. Current medicinal chemistry, 17(22), 2419–2430. https://doi.org/10.2174/092986710791698495
  3. Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., Abdullah, N., & Malek, S. N. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6), 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30
  4. Spelman, K., Sutherland, E., & Bagade, A. (2017). Neurological activity of Lion’s Mane (hericium erinaceus). Journal of Restorative Medicine, 6(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.14200/jrm.2017.6.0108
  5. Mori, K., Obara, Y., Moriya, T., Inatomi, S., & Nakahata, N. (2011). Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid β (25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. Biomedical Research, 32(1), 67-72.
  6. Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., ... & Shiao, Y. J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of biomedical science, 23(1), 1-12.
  7. Arata S., Watanabe J., Maeda M., Yamamoto M., et al. Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice. Heliyon 2 (2016) e00111; doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00111
  8. Dai X., Stanilka J.M., Rowe C.A., Esteves E.A., et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-87; doi:10.1080/07315724.2014.950391

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