For over 3,000 years, the Chinese have valued and utilized certain mushrooms for their positive effects on the immune system, contributing to improved health and quality of life.
Among the most well-known medicinal mushrooms, which are also used in cooking in small amounts, are Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake. These mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 1,000 years, possessing antioxidant properties, detoxifying the body, and are known as "power mushrooms" due to their unique ingredients and effects.
These mushrooms contain all eight essential amino acids and are rich in iron, selenium, and B vitamins. Notably, they are high in polysaccharides, which have immune-stimulating properties. For this reason, they are used both therapeutically and preventively to support the immune system.
Since the 1950s, the effects of polysaccharides have been particularly studied (Waldron and Selvendram, 1993). Polysaccharides are large, branched molecules made up of sugar units. Studies, including those by John Tindall (Gateway Clinic, London), show that these molecules have health-promoting effects.
Synonym List for Various Mushrooms:
- Reishi: Ganoderma lucidum, Ling Zhi
- Shiitake: Lentinula edodes, Shiitake Mushroom
- Maitake: Grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods
- Chaga: Inonotus obliquus, Birch Mushroom
- Cordyceps: Cordyceps sinensis, Caterpillar Fungus
- Lion’s Mane: Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Hedgehog Mushroom
- Turkey Tail: Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor
- Agaricus Blazei: Agaricus subrufescens, Almond Mushroom, Sun Mushroom
- Enoki: Flammulina velutipes, Enokitake, Winter Mushroom
This list summarizes the most common names and synonyms for various medicinal mushrooms used in traditional and modern medicine.
