Medicinal Mushrooms: Their History and How to Use Them for Success

In my last article about medicinal mushrooms, that you can find HERE, I wrote about the therapeutic benefits of Asian mushrooms such as Reishi and Shiitake and their amazing uses, especially against cancer. For example, in Japan, treating cancer patients with medicinal mushrooms is approved as prescription anticancer drugs or products (especially extracts from Turkey Tail).

Numerous clinical trials in Japan have shown that patients receiving these mushroom extracts alongside standard treatments may experience improved immune function, better quality of life, fewer side effects from chemotherapy, and in some cases, improved survival rates for certain cancers (e.g., gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer).

While in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Turkey Tail or PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition, regulating them as "dietary supplements" instead. (By the way, every time a doctor prescribes chemotherapy to a patient in their private practice, the practice receives a 6% margin on it).

Because the payment is a percentage of the drug's price, a 6% margin on a $10,000 drug ($600) is much higher than a 6% margin on a $100 drug ($6)... something to think about.....

History of mushrooms: Where did they come from?

The first written records of mushrooms date back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Among the most popular mushrooms were truffles, boletes, and toadstools. Even though Ancient Greeks and Romans had a positive approach to mushrooms, the medieval population had very different opinions about fungi—mostly negative. They often considered mushrooms to be something "evil''.

What Compounds Make Mushrooms so Healing?

Mushrooms are low in calories (which makes them a great weight-loss aid), but they contain a significantly high amount of nutrients. They provide essential nutrients that humans require for proper function, including fats, amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Interestingly, the younger the mushroom, the more protein it has!

Mushrooms also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, D, K, E, and C. If you are low on Vitamin D, I highly encourage you to get mushrooms from sources where you know they were exposed to sunlight. Many mushrooms available in supermarkets are grown in places where they never come into contact with sunlight, so they will not contain Vitamin D. The best way to ensure this is to learn about different types of mushrooms and pick them yourself:) They also contain minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

Probably the most potent healing substances in mushrooms are polysaccharides, specifically a type called beta-glucans. These complex sugars act as "immunomodulators," meaning they don't just "boost" the immune system—they can actually "talk" to it. They help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively while reducing harmful inflammation.

One thing that is very important is to collect your mushrooms from untouched, "virgin" nature, because mushrooms can accumulate high amounts of heavy metals and radiation. Avoid picking mushrooms around factories or even near roads, since they absorb chemicals from car exhausts...

A Deep Dive into Medicinal Mushroom Varieties

My goal is to help you choose which mushroom is right for your specific needs. (Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. My insights are drawn primarily from extensive research in medicinal mushroom literature.)

Oyster mushroom

This mushroom originates from China but is grown worldwide nowadays. You can find it in leafy (deciduous) forests as well as mixed forests. It is mostly found growing on the stumps of certain types of trees, such as walnut, linden, and poplar. We can usually harvest this mushroom at the end of summer in cooler areas or during the autumn.

Its color can range from grey and brownish-black to ginger. The flavor of the Oyster mushroom is truly delicious and reminds many of the taste of veal. Its nutritional value is comparable to vegetables, and its composition is very similar to Shiitake.

BENEFITS:

In Japan, it is prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, and naturopaths all over the world recommend this mushroom to prolong life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Oyster mushroom is prescribed for intraocular pressure (which is used to treat or prevent glaucoma). It is also used to strengthen the vascular system, making it excellent for people at risk of thrombosis or those dealing with fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Researchers have also proven that a substance called pleuran can inhibit the growth of certain tumors (such as sarcoma and hepatoma). At a university in Slovakia, researchers successfully developed an oyster mushroom extract that has proven effective in strengthening the immune system and fighting tumor-related diseases. This mushroom lowers blood cholesterol levels in diabetics, and its extract is used in pharmaceuticals such as Pleurotus 600.

Recommended Dosages:

-- To lower cholesterol: Use 3–9 grams of dried mushroom per day. The powder can be taken in capsules or stirred into hot water.

-- For atherosclerosis: 6–9 grams of dried mushroom powder per day is recommended.

-- For painful joints and stiff muscles: Use 20 grams of dried mushroom per day.

--For general immune system support: A daily dose of 10 grams is recommended.

Kombucha: The Legendary "Tea Mushroom"

Even though everyone calls it the "tea mushroom," it isn’t actually a mushroom like the ones we find in the forest. It is a SCOBY—a living colony of bacteria and yeast that works together in a "symbiotic" way. When you put this "mushroom" into sweetened tea, it starts a fermentation process that creates a powerful, fizzy health drink.

This legendary drink comes from Ancient China (around 220 B.C.) It has been used for thousands of years to detoxify the body and give people more energy. 

BENEFITS:

Kombucha contains citric, acetic, and lactic acids, along with high amounts of Vitamin C. It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including migraines, cancer, and kidney stones. It strengthens the immune system and has even been used in experimental treatments for HIV/AIDS.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Russian medicine, this tea is primarily used as a diuretic. If you have ever drunk this tea, you know how effectively it can flush fluids from the organism.

The tea also supports the vascular system, works against the hardening of arteries, suppresses nervousness, and improves concentration. It lowers blood pressure and can even provide relief for asthma!

Furthermore, it nourishes the skin and strengthens the hair—long-term use is said to have a rejuvenating effect:)

Recommended Dosages:

For overall support of the immune system, drink 500 ml of the tea daily, divided into 2–3 doses. In acute situations, you can safely double this amount. You can find the tea in most health food stores.

And lastly, I would like to share with you my favorite mushroom recipe. Let me know in the comments if you try it!  Much love, Bea

Sautéed Garlic "Steak" Mushrooms

This quick method highlights the veal-like flavor of the Oyster mushroom while keeping its medicinal compounds active.

• Prep: Tear 250g of fresh mushrooms into thick strips (don't wash them, just wipe them clean).

• Sear: Heat 2 tbsp of butter  in a pan. Add mushrooms and let them brown for 3 minutes without stirring to get a golden crust.

• Season: Add 2 cloves of crushed garlic, a pinch of salt, and thyme 

• Finish: Sauté for 4 more minutes until tender.

Serving Tip: Serve on toasted sourdough or as a side to a main meal. To protect the Vitamin C and Pleuran, avoid overcooking!

References

Špaček, J., Vocka, M., Zavadova, E., Konopasek, B., & Petruzelka, L. (2022). Immunomodulation with β‑glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus in patients with endocrine‑dependent breast cancer. Immunotherapy, 14(9), 675‑683. https://doi.org/10.2217/imt‑2021‑0069

Del Cornò, M., et al. (2020). Shaping the innate immune response by dietary glucans: Potential roles in cancer control. Cancers, 12(1), 155. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12010155