Ten Mushrooms that Heal: Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Science

Join Dr. James Odell for Season 2 of the Science of Self-Healing Podcast! He's the medical and executive director for BRMI, as well as a practicing naturopathic doctor for over 35 years, and he's here to share with you his extensive knowledge of medicine from a different perspective.

The Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

The Science of Self-Healing Podcast

Discover the hidden world beneath your feet — where mushrooms quietly shape life, health, and longevity. In this episode of The Science of Self-Healing, we explore ten of nature’s most powerful medicinal mushrooms — from Reishi and Lion’s Mane to Cordyceps and Chaga — and reveal how their ancient wisdom aligns with modern science. Learn how to safely bring these fungi into your diet and daily rituals for better energy, immunity, and mental clarity.

Transcript for: Ten Mushrooms that Heal: Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Science

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Science of Self-Healing podcast. For health and wellness knowledge from a different perspective. Produced by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute, also known as BRMI. We are your source for unparalleled information about how you can naturally support your body's ability to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. I'm your host, Dr. James Odell, the medical and executive director for BRMI, as well as a practicing naturopathic doctor for over 35 years. And remember, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health professional who oversees and provides unique and individual care. The information here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice or treatment. Let's get started.

Welcome back to The Science of Self-Healing. I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re heading underground — into the mysterious world of mushrooms.

These quiet healers of the forest floor are now finding their way into teas, coffees, and capsules… but far beyond the trends, there’s real science behind their power. From boosting energy to supporting focus, immunity, and longevity — mushrooms truly bridge ancient wisdom with modern biochemistry.

So take a deep breath, maybe pour yourself a calming cup of tea, and let’s explore ten of the most extraordinary mushrooms nature has to offer — along with simple ways you can bring them into your daily life.

Reishi

Let’s start with one of the oldest medicinal fungi on record — Reishi, known in China as the “mushroom of immortality.” For over two thousand years, it’s been used to restore balance, calm the spirit, and strengthen the body’s resistance to stress.

Modern research shows that Reishi contains unique triterpenes that help regulate immune responses and ease inflammation. In small studies, it’s even shown promise for reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality. If you’ve ever felt that “wired but tired” kind of stress, Reishi can help the body shift back toward calm.

You’ll find it most often as a tea, capsule, or tincture — since its taste is quite bitter. Think of Reishi as a gentle evening ally — one that reminds your nervous system it’s safe to rest.

Lion's Mane

Now let’s move to something that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale — Lion’s Mane, the snowy, shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion’s mane or sea anemone.

This one’s remarkable for the brain. Compounds called hericenones and erinacines appear to stimulate nerve growth factor — the very molecule that helps neurons grow, connect, and repair. In other words, Lion’s Mane doesn’t just protect the brain; it may actually encourage regeneration.

In small clinical trials, older adults who took Lion’s Mane extract scored higher on cognitive tests and reported clearer thinking. Even more fascinating, some animal research suggests it can support gut-brain communication, since part of its activity may begin in the microbiome. You can enjoy it sautéed — it has a texture like crab meat — or take it as a daily extract capsule, around 500 to 1000 milligrams.

Turkey Tail

Next, let’s turn to Turkey Tail, a vibrant fan-shaped mushroom that looks almost painted, with rings of brown, gold, and blue. It’s rich in powerful immune compounds called PSK and PSP, which have been studied for decades in Japan as complementary support for cancer patients.

Now, you don’t need to be in a medical setting to benefit from it. Turkey Tail’s polysaccharides act like training weights for the immune system — helping your body stay alert but balanced.

It’s too tough to eat, so look for it as a tea, tincture, or capsule. Try it during the colder months, when your immune system needs that extra resilience.

Shiitake

Another mushroom you’ve likely seen in the grocery store — but might not realize is medicinal — is Shiitake. Beyond its wonderful umami flavor, Shiitake produces a compound called eritadenine, which helps lower cholesterol by affecting how the liver processes fats.

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n studies, people who ate a few servings of cooked shiitake per week had improved immune markers and lower inflammation. So, adding shiitake to soups, stir-fries, or even a morning omelet isn’t just delicious — it’s medicinal food at its best.

Maitake

Then there’s Maitake, sometimes called “the dancing mushroom.” According to folklore, people would literally dance for joy upon finding it growing in the wild — because it was both rare and valuable.

Modern science gives us another reason to celebrate it: Maitake’s beta-glucans appear to help regulate blood sugar and insulin response. It’s a beautiful mushroom to roast — meaty and rich — and also available as a powdered supplement.

If you’re working on balancing energy levels or metabolism, Maitake could be your friend.

Cordyceps

Now let’s pick up the pace with Cordyceps — the strange and fascinating mushroom once discovered growing on high-altitude caterpillars in Tibet. Don’t worry — today’s Cordyceps is grown sustainably on grain substrates, not insects.

It’s known as an energy enhancer because it supports ATP production — the very molecule your cells use for fuel. Athletes sometimes use Cordyceps to improve stamina and oxygen use, but it’s equally helpful for anyone recovering from burnout or fatigue.

Add a teaspoon of Cordyceps powder to your morning smoothie or coffee, and you may notice smoother, steadier energy — not the quick spike and crash of caffeine, but something deeper and more cellular.

Chaga

Another forest treasure is Chaga — it doesn’t look like a mushroom at all, more like a lump of burnt wood clinging to a birch tree. But inside, it’s packed with melanin, polyphenols, and a unique antioxidant called superoxide dismutase, which helps neutralize free radicals.

It’s so potent, in fact, that Chaga tea can rival green tea or blueberries in antioxidant capacity.

Traditionally, Siberians simmered it for hours in water to create a dark, coffee-like brew that supports immunity and digestion. You can do the same — simmer a small chunk for 15 to 20 minutes, strain, and sip.

It’s earthy, grounding, and surprisingly comforting — like coffee without the caffeine.

Agaricus Blazei

Let’s move to a lesser-known one — Agaricus blazei, also called the “Sun Mushroom.” It was discovered in Brazil, where locals who consumed it regularly had unusually low rates of chronic disease. That sparked decades of research. This mushroom’s polysaccharides appear to stimulate macrophages — the “clean-up” cells of the immune system — making it an excellent immune tonic.

It has a mild, nutty taste and can be cooked like button mushrooms, or taken as an extract if you want consistent dosing.

Phellinus linteus

Another ancient species worth knowing is Phellinus linteus. Used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, it’s now being studied for its potential to slow tumor growth and regulate inflammatory signaling.

It’s not one you’ll find at the market — it’s usually taken as an extract — but it’s a good reminder that the fungal kingdom still holds many undiscovered medicines.

Oyster, Chanterelle, Enoki, and White Button Mushrooms

And finally, let’s not forget the mushrooms we all know — oyster, chanterelle, enoki, and even the humble white button. They might not sound exotic, but they’re packed with nutrients like ergothioneine, an amino acid some scientists now call the “longevity vitamin.”

Humans can’t make ergothioneine — we only get it from diet, mainly through mushrooms. Studies show it accumulates in the liver, kidneys, and eyes, where it protects cells from oxidative stress. So every time you sauté mushrooms in olive oil or toss them into a salad, you’re feeding your body’s natural defense systems.

Incorporating These Into Your Life

So, how can you bring all of this together in everyday life?

Here’s a simple rhythm you can try: Use culinary mushrooms like shiitake and maitake throughout the week in meals. Enjoy reishi or chaga tea in the evening for calm and restoration. Add lion’s mane or cordyceps powder to your morning beverage for focus and steady energy. And during seasonal changes or times of stress, support your immune system with Turkey Tail or Agaricus extracts.

When choosing supplements, always look for organic, dual-extracted products that include both the fruiting body and mycelium. Start slowly, listen to your body, and if you’re on medication or have autoimmune concerns, consult a practitioner familiar with medicinal fungi.

Closing Thoughts

Here’s a fun fact to close with: beneath every forest is a vast, living web called the mycelial network — a kind of underground internet connecting trees and plants. It shares nutrients, sends signals, and maintains balance in the ecosystem.

When we take mushrooms, we’re not just nourishing our own bodies — we’re connecting with that same web of life.

So whether it’s a simple bowl of miso with shiitake or a dropper of reishi tincture before bed, you’re taking part in an ancient relationship between humans and the fungal world.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The Science of Self-Healing. If you found this journey through nature’s pharmacy inspiring, share it with a friend or leave a review — it truly helps others discover the show.

Until next time, stay curious, stay connected, and remember — nature always knows the way. Be well!

Thank you for your time today, and remember that this podcast is made possible by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute, also known as BRMI, a nonprofit, global, non political, non commercial institute to promote the science and art of bioregulatory medicine. We extend our gratitude to each and every one of you for listening today, and if you haven't already, make sure to visit us at brmi.online. A treasure trove of invaluable information awaits you there. Connect with us across various social media platforms as well. Come and become a member of our thriving tribe. If you've enjoyed today's episode, we invite you to show your support by rating us, leaving us a review, or sharing the podcast within your circle. Our podcast and mission flourish through sharing, and your participation means the world to us. Our organization is sustained by donations, each of which is tax deductible and fuels projects like this. Visit our website, brmi.online, to contribute or simply to explore the wealth of uncensored and impartial information we offer. No contribution is too small. In just two weeks, we'll be back delving into another captivating topic. Until then, we thank you once again for listening. May wellness and wisdom be your path. Be well.

Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.