Medicinal mushrooms are having a moment. In recent years, these salubrious fungi have stolen the limelight, emerging as trendy cure-alls, smoothie additives, and coffee replacements.

Despite this newfound fame, humans have been relying on mushrooms for millennia. The Greek physician Hippocrates, for instance, used the amadou mushroom as an anti-inflammatory in 450 B.C. Well before then, Ötzi (a.k.a. the Ice Man) carried Fomitopsis betulina to clean his wounds as he navigated the Alps of northern Italy. Point being, medicinal mushrooms are nothing new.

But if you’re new to the world of medicinal mushrooms, The Forest Farmacy can help. Below, we have rounded up seven medicinal mushrooms you can harvest in the forests of Western North Carolina. We also list their science-proven health benefits.

Jump Ahead

Chicken of the Woods
Chaga
Cordyceps
Turkey Tail
Reishi
Lion’s Mane
Oyster
How to Dive Deeper into Medicinal Mushrooms

1. Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the Woods, or Laetiporus sulphureus, is a sulfur-yellow polypore known for its toothsome texture and lemony, meaty taste. In the wild, you can find this fungus growing on hardwood trees like oak, cherry, and beech.

Benefits of Chicken of the Woods

Since Chicken of the Woods is rich in antioxidant compounds like chlorogenic acid and quercetin, it’s great at fighting free radicals1. The mycelium fruit also contains lanostanoids, an anti-carcinogenic compound that inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors2. Other medicinal benefits of chicken-of-the-woods range from hormonal balancing to diabetes treatment3.

How to Consume Chicken of the Woods

Though Chicken of the Woods is considered a medicinal mushroom, it certainly doesn’t taste like medicine. When blanched, sautéed, or even fried, this mushroom offers a flavor that’s convincingly similar to chicken or crab.

2. Chaga

Black Gold. King of Herbs. The Diamond of the Forest. No matter what you call it, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a very powerful mushroom that’s been used to treat ailments for millennia. Despite its fame, this mushroom looks a bit ugly—like a black scab. You can find it growing primarily on birch trees.

Benefits of Chaga

Chaga has long been regarded as a panacea. However, we now have the science to back up these claims. According to a study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Chaga contains natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help patients fight COVID-194.

Chaga also contains inotodiol, a natural substance that has been shown to exert antitumor effects5. Other health benefits of Chaga include everything from lowering LDL cholesterol to easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms6.

How to Consume Chaga

Since the texture of Chaga is like cork, it’s not very palatable. Because of this, it’s recommended that you consume Chaga as a tea or tincture.

3. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that feasts on insect larvae. Though this mushroom is most commonly found in Asia, eagle-eyed foragers have also been known to find Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps ophioglossoides growing in Southern Appalachia.

Benefits of Cordyceps

Cordyceps are used to treat a number of maladies, from chronic bronchitis to nighttime urination. This fungus has also been found to increase athletic performance by boosting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)7. In other studies, Cordyceps have shown anti-cancer properties as well8.

How to Consume Cordyceps

Cordyceps are most commonly consumed in teas or tinctures.

4. Turkey Tail

The Turkey Tail mushroom, also known as Trametes versicolor, is a common fungal species that grows on fallen hardwood logs and stumps. It’s fan-shaped with bands of color that resemble—you guessed it—a turkey’s tail.

Benefits of Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor contains two very potent compounds: polysaccharide peptide and polysaccharide krestin. These substances contain anti-cancer properties that have been shown to aid in shrinking tumors9. Other medicinal benefits of turkey tail include improved gut health, boosted immunity, and reduced inflammation.

How to Consume Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail isn’t particularly tasty. Because of this, many people choose to dehydrate and grind the mushroom into a powder that can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, and teas.

5. Reishi

Reishi, or Ganoderma sessile, is a rust-colored fungus that has long been regarded as a natural cure-all in Eastern cultures. In Southern Appalachia, you can find two varieties of this mushroom: the Hemlock Reishi and the Golden Reishi. While the Hemlock Reishi grows on dead hemlock trees, the Golden species can be found on oaks, red maples, and magnolias.

Benefits of Reishi

According to researchers, Reishi contains several salubrious substances including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans. These bioactive compounds have been shown to help the body fight cancer, infection, and disease10. The polysaccharides in Reishi have also been proven to decrease plasma glucose levels in mice, suggesting potential benefits for individuals with diabetes.

How to Consume Reishi

Reishi is typically too tough to ingest. However, it can be steeped in water to make a bracing tea. To help your palate adjust to the bitterness, add a smidge of honey or sugar.

6. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a shaggy, white fungus that grows on deciduous trees in mixed hardwood forests. With more than 20 grams of protein per serving, this mushroom is the perfect meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. Even better, it offers an earthy, almost crab-like taste.

Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane dishes up a long list of health benefits. However, the fungus is best known for its anti-dementia properties. Since the mushroom contains hericenones and erinacines—two substances that stimulate the growth of brain cells—many physicians prescribe powdered Lion’s Mane to older patients experiencing cognitive decline11.

Lion’s Mane has also been shown to relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety, protect against ulcers, reduce heart disease risk, and manage diabetes symptoms12.

How to Consume Lion’s Mane

Many people take Lion’s Mane in powdered or capsule form. However, it’s also delicious when used in seafood recipes.

Pearl Oyster mushrooms growing in the woods

7. Oyster

The Oyster mushroom, formally known as Pleurotus ostreatus, is a common edible fungus with a host of medicinal benefits. In the forests surrounding Asheville, you can find Oysters growing on poplar, maple, willow, beech, birch, and oak trees.

Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms can add umami to stir-fries and soups. But they can also improve your health by providing a hearty dose of beta-glucans. According to scientists, these soluble fibers are known to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and immunomodulating properties13.

How to Consume Oyster Mushrooms

After wiping off any debris using a slightly damp towel, you can do about anything with Oyster mushrooms. Braise them, sautée them, roast them, fry them—the list goes on.

How to Dive Deeper into Medicinal Mushrooms

Though the world of medicinal mushrooms is amazing, it can be intimidating to fungus neophytes. Luckily, Chris Parker with The Forest Farmacy will be sharing his 30 years of mushroom cultivation and foraging experience during two upcoming workshops.

Masterclass: Mushroom Medicine Making

Sunday, June 25, 10am - 4pm

Hosted in partnership with the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, the Masterclass: Mushroom Medicine Making will offer insight into how you can take control of your own health using natural remedies.

Book Now June

Mushroom Cultivation Weekend Workshop & Campout

Friday, June 9, to Sunday, June 11

During the Mushroom Cultivation Weekend Workshop & Campout, you will spend three days on a beautiful forest farm learning how to grow mushrooms in your own home—whether that’s a sprawling estate or a tiny apartment in the city.