Medicinal Mushrooms: How They Can Improve Your Health

The Forgotten Pharmacy: How Mushrooms Breathe Life into Modern Healing

My interest in mushrooms started at a very young age. In Czechia, where I am from, it is very common to go to the forest and collect mushrooms. Because mushrooms share our same respiratory process—inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide—I truly believe they are uniquely compatible with human biology and among the most healing substances on Earth. Following the natural cycle of the forest, plants then recycle this carbon dioxide to produce their own nutrients. The forest is a perfect ecosystem where every element works in harmony for the benefit of the whole.

Over two thousand years ago, Emperor Ti dispatched a fleet across the Eastern seas to find the Ganoderma mushroom (also known as Reishi or Ling zhi). At the time, it was sought after not just for its ability to extend life, but as a legendary source of immortality.

According to ancient Chinese herbal texts, the Ling zhi mushroom is said to sharpen the mind and memory, calm the spirit, and improve breathing. It is believed to strengthen the heart and liver while boosting overall stamina, helping the body defend itself against the toll of aging and disease. The Chinese knew. Nowhere else have mushrooms been explored as extensively as they have in China.

You will rarely hear your doctor or pharmaceutical companies talk about mushrooms, if at all, even though they have been explored for their ability to treat cancer with very successful results. In Japan, trials were conducted and early animal studies have shown they can extend survival times in cancer patients: 

PSK= proteoglycan extract from Trametes versicolor (TURKEY TALE)

Unlike human cells, mushrooms have a rigid cell wall made of chitin—the same substance found in crab shells—and polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are not just a passive outer layer; they are biologically active molecules.........this explains why they have such a huge effect on our immune system and anti-cancer properties.

Rich sources of pharmacologically active compounds

Mushrooms contain special fibers (polysaccharides) that dissolve in water. These fibers are the main reason mushrooms can "talk" to your immune system and keep it active—a fact that scientists have studied and confirmed many times.

Fungi are a source of medicinal drugs, such as statins and antibiotics like penicillin.

New studies show that the fibers (polysaccharides) in mushrooms act like fuel for your gut. They help "good" bacteria grow while crowding out the "bad" ones. This process changes the chemical balance of your digestive system in a way that likely boosts your overall health. 

The two main factors for a mushroom's anti-cancer effectiveness are:

1) Water solubility, because molecules that dissolve easily are better absorbed by the body, and

2) The degree of branching, specifically having the 'right' amount of branches (one branch for every 3–5 units) so the molecule can perfectly 'plug into' and activate the immune system.

Example of mushroom with highly branched polysaccharides. (Ramaria stricta)

Types of mushrooms and their specific uses

Flammulina velutipes- ENOKI MISHROOM 

Main Therapeutic Application: It is mainly used to help people prevent cancer or manage long-term viruses.

Dose: The preferred dosage of F. velutipes is 3–5g dried (30–50g fresh), offering a potent and affordable source of therapeutic proteins.

A 15-year study in Japan found that Enoki mushroom farmers had significantly lower cancer death rates than the general public. While about 160 out of every 100,000 people in the general population died from cancer, only 97 out of 100,000 farmers did. Researchers believe this was because the farmers ate many more Enoki mushrooms

Ganoderma lucidum- REISHI

Reishi is the world’s most famous medicinal mushroom, with annual sales exceeding $2 billion.

Main Therapeutic Application: inhibits the release of histamine, acts as a hepatoprotective (protects the liver), and provides anti-tumor and antimicrobial support while modulating the immune system. Specific conditions it can help manage include arthritis, cancer, PCOS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure.

Dose: traditional medicine suggests taking 3–15g of raw Reishi (G. lucidum) daily as a tea, or 1.5–3g if taken as a powder or pill. In some cases, people take up to 30g a day. Meanwhile, scientific studies (clinical trials) have used specific amounts like 5.4g of concentrated extract or 3g of spore powder to see results.

Armillaria mellea- HONEY MUSHROOM

While the Honey Mushroom (A. mellea) can kill trees and gardens, it is actually necessary for growing the famous Chinese herb Tian Ma. Interestingly, the mushroom has the same healing powers as the herb—treating things like dizziness, headaches, and strokes—but it is actually twice as strong

Main Therapeutic Application: Meniere’s syndrome, vertigo, epilepsy.

Dose - Mycelial tablets are used in China 3-4g/day

Lentinula edodes- SHIITAKE

This mushroom is not only delicious (I have personally tasted it), but it also contains Vitamin D2 and is an excellent source of B vitamins.Lentinan, a pure fiber from the Shiitake mushroom (L. edodes), is an officially approved cancer medicine in Japan. Shiitake is also a key ingredient in AHCC, a famous supplement that is the second most popular choice for cancer patients in Japan.

Main Therapeutic Application: Cancer, cholesterol control, especially as
an adjunct to statins.

Dose - 2-6g/day polysaccharide extract for immune support. 9g/day dried
fruit body for cholesterol control.

I personally love taking my daily dose of mushrooms in honey form—you can't even taste the mushrooms, and you get all the benefits in just one spoonful. If you're curious about this approach, feel free to check it out.  MEDICINAL HONEY  , discount code is BEA10

I hope you enjoyed my article about mushrooms and learned something new. Expect more articles about mushrooms coming soon, and feel free to follow me on Substack and Instagram, where I share holistic health information. My goal is to spread this knowledge so people can learn how to heal naturally:)

DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only.