Mushrooms: How They Support Wellness

Most of us are familiar with mushrooms as a flavorful addition to our meals, but beyond their culinary appeal, mushrooms have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their potential health benefits. These include detoxifying the body, supporting the immune system, and promoting overall wellness.*

Mushrooms are a natural source of polysaccharides, antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, and digestive enzymes. Many of their wellness benefits are linked to a specific type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucans.* These compounds are associated with a range of health benefits, including immune support, energy regulation, healthy inflammation response, and stress management.*

What are the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms?

Adaptogenic mushrooms help the body adapt to and resist occasional physical and emotional stress. These mushrooms are considered "adaptogens"—substances that support the body’s ability to manage stress and maintain balance.*

Here are several types of mushrooms that display potential for their adaptogenic characteristics:

Cordyceps is a well-known adaptogen traditionally used to support energy and stamina.* It may help the body produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering oxygen to muscles and supporting physical endurance.* Cordyceps also supports a healthy inflammatory response by helping regulate pro-inflammatory compounds in the body.*

With a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Lion’s Mane, also known by the Latin name Hericium erinaceus, is an edible and medicinal mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. Lion’s Mane is prized for its cognitive and neurological benefits.* It may support the gut microbiota and the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein vital for the maintenance and regeneration of neurons.* Lion’s Mane may also promote memory and cognitive function.*

Native to the mountain forests of Northeastern Japan, maitake mushrooms are also known as phantom mushrooms because of their rare presence in the wild. This potent mushroom has been used traditionally for centuries as a medicinal mushroom before modern cultivation techniques, which make this rare mushroom readily available. Maitake may support immune health through its polysaccharide content, which helps regulate immune system activity.*

Shiitake mushrooms are both a culinary favorite and a traditional wellness staple.* They may support immune function, cellular health, and gastrointestinal balance.* Rich in lentinan—a type of beta-glucan—shiitake has been studied for its immune-supporting properties.*

Reishi mushrooms have a history dating back over 4,000 years, with written documentation of their benefits dating as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 8 A.D.). While rare in the wild, the Reishi mushroom has been commercially cultivated and scientifically researched since the 1960s for its potential benefits towards general wellness.* Often called the "king of mushrooms," Reishi is believed to act as an immunomodulator and support overall wellness.* Reishi also contains triterpenes, which are associated with mood support and restful sleep.*

Turkey tail mushrooms displays a vibrant array of colors and banded patterns that resemble a wild turkey’s feathers. Its fan-like, spoon-shaped form makes it easily recognizable in nature, often growing on tree trunks and decomposing wood. Rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans, turkey tail has been extensively studied and valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It contains a variety of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, which may support the immune system by encouraging a healthy inflammatory response and aiding in the release of protective compounds.*

The Himematsutake mushroom, also known as Agaricus blazei, originates from the mountain village of Piedade, just north of São Paulo, Brazil. Its medicinal use dates back as far as the Byzantine Empire, highlighting its long-standing role in traditional wellness practices. Himematsutake is known to contain beneficial compounds that may support antioxidant activity and promote a healthy inflammatory response.*

The fu ling mushroom, also known as poria or Wolfiporia cocos, is a type of fungus that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. It grows on the roots of pine trees and is valued for its nutrient-rich filaments, which are harvested and ground into powder for use in natural remedies. Fu ling contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids that may support antioxidant activity and immune health.*

Bringing together the benefits of nature and science, mushroom supplements offer a practical way to tap into centuries of traditional wellness practices.

Nature’s Lab Gold Mushroom 7 is a thoughtfully crafted blend of seven functional mushroom species, cultivated on organic brown rice to ensure quality and consistency. This formula offers convenient, daily support for immune health, cellular function, and energy regulation—making it an easy way to incorporate the benefits of mushrooms into your wellness routine.*