History of Medicinal Mushrooms in Asian and Other Traditions

Fungi have a place in the healing traditions of many peoples. This page describes what the sources we read say about a few of them. Each tradition is its own, with its own ideas and words, and we describe them only as far as a source supports. Tradition is not proof that a mushroom works or is safe; see Traditional Uses vs Clinically Supported Uses. We do not describe sacred or ceremonial practices.

China

A review of lingzhi (Ganoderma species) says that the Shennong Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) and many other books in early Chinese history discuss lingzhi's categorization, habitat and medicinal use. [1] The same author writes that lingzhi has historically been viewed as a magic herb and an auspicious symbol by the Chinese, and that Taoism played an important role in promoting it. [1] The review does not give us dates for these texts, so we do not either.

Other mushrooms are also described in traditional Chinese medicine. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is used as a tonic. [2] Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is described in one review as commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. [3] Cordyceps is described as used in traditional Chinese medicine for fatigue, sexual dysfunction and coughs, among other conditions. [4] For context on the wider system, see Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Japan and Korea

Reishi holds an important place in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries, according to a cancer center summary. [5] The same center notes that PSK, a product derived from turkey tail, was developed for cancer treatment in Japan. [2] That is a modern pharmaceutical development rooted in a mushroom, not a traditional preparation. We did not read sources that describe Korean or Japanese traditional practice in more detail than this, so we say no more.

Russia and northern Europe

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is described as a folk remedy in Russia and other northern European countries, used for various ailments including cancer. [6] A review adds that chaga powder has a long history of traditional use for medicinal purposes. [7] These are descriptions of folk use, not findings about benefit; chaga's safety and efficacy have yet to be evaluated in clinical studies. [6]

The Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau

The caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is described as an invaluable part of traditional Chinese medicine. [8] It also appears in the traditional medicinal knowledge of Sherpa people: in a 2024 study based on interviews with 78 Sherpa people in Xizang, China, one fungus, O. sinensis, was among the documented medicinal substances. [9] That study lists it alongside many plants, so it was one medicine among many in a community's practice.

Central Asia

A 2023 study of macrofungi in Uzbekistan says that interest in edible and medicinal macrofungi in Central Asia is millennial. [10] It surveyed 17 species of medicinal macrofungi of ethnomycological and medicinal interest. [10]

The Americas

Lion's mane has a long history of use in Native American as well as East Asian medical systems, according to a cancer center. [11] A 2022 study of Yuman peoples in northern Mexico documented the medicinal use of 20 species of fungi and lichens, and says these peoples preserve knowledge, practices and beliefs around them. [12] The authors describe that knowledge as part of a cultural identity the Yuman peoples strive to preserve. [12]

What this history can and cannot tell us

It shows that fungi were valued, named and written about in many places. It does not show that a given product works, and it says nothing about the safety of a modern capsule or powder. Safety information has to come from current sources: reishi is listed with bleeding risk with anticoagulants and with liver injury, and cordyceps may increase the effects of diabetes and blood-thinning medicines. [5][4] Supplements may also interact with medicines or pose risks before surgery. [13] Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using any mushroom product. See How Interactions Work.

For how the Research Library treats old texts and traditional knowledge, see Traditional and Historical Sources.