Fungus may sound a little creepy, but medicinal mushrooms are worth talking about. I’m not referring to the plain ones growing in your yard. I’m talking about medicinal fungi, often sold as teas or supplements, that may offer benefits impressive enough to rival some pharmaceutical drugs.

The three fungi I’m highlighting here do not produce mycotoxins, so they may be tolerated by people with mold exposure, assuming you choose a high-quality, clean brand.

LION’S MANE:
THE BRAIN-BOOSTER

Not only is Lion’s mane a great addition to a warm cup of tea or coffee, it also comes in supplement form. You can even eat it as food.

Lion’s mane has some impressive potential benefits, especially for the brain. In a world where many people turn to medications like donepezil (Aricept), for cognitive support in Alzheimer’s disease, lion’s mane offers a natural alternative or adjunct.

Studies have shown that lion’s mane may help with nerve regeneration because it stimulates production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a critical role in the growth, maintenance and survival of neurons. 

REISHI:
THE CALMING ELIXIR

Reishi, often called the “mushroom of immortality,” has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and is prized for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body adapt to stress.

Reishi may be especially helpful for people struggling with insomnia, anxiety and even immune system imbalances. It contains active compounds, including triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Pharmaceuticals such as benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, are often prescribed for anxiety, but they can cause dependency and side effects, such as drowsiness and impaired coordination. I think reishi is a better place to start for some people.

CHAGA:
THE IMMUNITY GUARDIAN

Chaga is a mushroom that grows on birch trees in cold climates and looks like a lump of charred wood. Despite its rough exterior, chaga is packed with antioxidants and beta-glucans, making it a powerful ally for immune health.

It’s often used during cold and flu season, and sometimes for Lyme disease. Chaga’s immune-supporting benefits have even been compared with those of pharmaceutical antivirals. While drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be effective for managing flu symptoms and shortening illness, they must be taken within a very short window after symptoms begin. Chaga, on the other hand, can be consumed more routinely as part of a prevention-focused wellness routine.

If you’re looking for natural ways to support brain health, reduce stress or strengthen immunity, these three fungi may be worth a closer look.