Medicinal Mushrooms

Ancient Allies for Modern Wellbeing

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional wellness systems, especially across Asia and Europe. In modern wellness, they’re most commonly used as concentrated extracts, often powders, because extraction makes certain beneficial constituents more available than simply eating the whole mushroom.

Medicinal mushrooms are best thought of as daily, gentle foundations that may support the body’s natural resilience over time rather than “quick fixes”.

Different species have different traditional uses, but medicinal mushrooms are most often consumed for support with:

• Immune system function; many mushrooms contain beta-glucans and other polysaccharides associated with immune activity,

• Stress resilience / adaptogenic-style support: helping the body cope with physical and mental load over time.

• Energy, stamina and vitality: often associated with Cordyceps in traditional use.

• Cognitive support, focus and mood: often associated with Lion’s Mane in traditional use.

• Antioxidant support: supporting general wellbeing.  

How much should I take daily?

Daily “recommended amounts” vary a lot

There isn’t one universal recommended daily intake for medicinal mushrooms because it depends on:

• the species (Reishi vs Lion’s Mane vs Cordyceps, etc.)

• whether it’s fruiting body vs mycelium

• whether it’s a standardised extract and the extraction ratio

• the person’s health context and medications

Practical guidance for introducing Medicinal Mushrooms to your daily routine;

• Start low, go slow: begin with ½ the label dose for 3–7 days, then increase to the full label dose if well tolerated.

• Be consistent: many people trial medicinal mushrooms for 4–8 weeks before deciding if they’re a good fit.

• Follow your product label first: because extract strengths vary, the label is often the safest “recommended amount”.

Possible side effects

Medicinal mushrooms are often well tolerated, but side effects can occur, especially when starting or at higher doses:

• Digestive upset (nausea, abdominal discomfort) 

• Skin rash / allergy-like reactions (more likely if you’re sensitive to fungi) 

• With Reishi, reports include GI symptoms and rare liver-related adverse effects in case reports/monographs 

If you develop hives, wheezing, swelling, severe itching, or breathing symptoms: stop and seek medical care.

Who should be cautious or avoid medicinal mushrooms?

This is the section that really protects you (and your customers).

Speak with a healthcare professional first if you:

Take blood thinners / antiplatelet meds

• Reishi may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin). 

Take diabetes medications (or have hypoglycaemia risk)

• Some mushrooms may lower blood sugar; Reishi may add to hypoglycaemia risk with antihyperglycaemics. 

Take blood pressure medications (or have low blood pressure)

• Reishi may contribute to lowered blood pressure and can compound antihypertensives. 

Are on immunosuppressant therapy / have had a transplant / have autoimmune conditions

• Immune-active supplements may be inappropriate in these contexts; MSKCC specifically cautions that mushrooms can overstimulate immune activity in certain cancer contexts and may not be appropriate with immunosuppressants. 

Are receiving cancer treatment (especially immunotherapy)

• Check with your oncology team before using medicinal mushroom supplements. 

Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Safety data is often limited; for Cordyceps, pregnancy/lactation safety is specifically noted as lacking. 

Have kidney stone risk / kidney disease (especially with Chaga)

• Chaga has been linked with oxalate-related kidney injury in case reports involving high intakes over time. 

Before surgery or dental procedures

If you’re taking mushrooms with potential blood-thinning effects (particularly Reishi), it’s wise to stop ahead of surgery and follow your clinician’s advice. 

Medication interaction summary

Use caution and seek advice if taking:

• Anticoagulants / antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin) 

• Blood pressure medications 

• Diabetes medications 

• Immunosuppressants (including post-transplant meds)

Quality and safety tips

• Buy from brands that disclose species, part used (fruiting body vs mycelium), and extraction method.

• If you’re sensitive, start with small doses and avoid stacking multiple new supplements at once.

• If you have a medical condition or take prescription medication, treat medicinal mushrooms like you would any active supplement: check first.

This information is for education only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.