Shiitake is one of the most widely used medicinal and culinary mushrooms in the world. It is a staple of East Asian cuisine and is commonly sold dried in Israeli supermarkets. The mushroom originates from the forests of Southeast Asia, where it grows naturally on tree trunks, primarily oak. Beyond its rich umami flavor, shiitake has a long-standing reputation as a longevity-promoting mushroom, supporting vitality and immune health. One of its most studied compounds is the pol

Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows primarily on birch trees in cold regions of Russia, Siberia, China, Canada, and Northern Europe. The mushroom itself is a hard, black mass, and the medicinally used part is the sclerotium, similar to Poria (Fu Ling). Chaga is considered one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants and has a long-standing reputation in the traditional medicine of Northern Asia. In Siberian and Russian traditions, records of Chaga date back to the

Tremella, commonly known as the Snow Mushroom or Beauty Mushroom, has been used for centuries by Chinese royalty to preserve youthful, healthy skin. In recent years, Tremella has attracted growing scientific interest due to its strong antioxidant activity, immune-modulating effects, neuroprotective properties, and skin-protective benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tremella has been used for over 1,600 years and is considered a “beauty food.” It is traditionally used t

Pleurotus ostreatus, commonly called the Oyster Mushroom, naturally grows on dead tree trunks and can be found in moister environments. It is easy to cultivate, and many professional and hobbyist growers cultivate various strains. Beyond its culinary value, in recent decades it has been extensively studied for its effects on cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, blood sugar balance, and immune support. In traditional Chinese medicine, Pleurotus has been used as a food tha

Maitake is considered one of the most important medicinal mushrooms in Japan, China, and the West. Its Japanese name, meaning “Dancing Mushroom,” comes from a legend in which these rare mountain mushrooms were so precious that people danced with joy upon finding them. In the West, Maitake is best known for its effects on metabolism, blood sugar and lipid balance, and immune support. In traditional Asian medicine, it is regarded as a medicinal food that strengthens Qi, support

Agaricus blazei is a popular wild mushroom from Brazil. The fruiting bodies belong to the fleshy mushroom family, some of which are edible and medicinal. The Champignon mushroom is the most well-known Agaricus mushroom. Agaricus originates from the Brazilian rainforest, where local tribes used it for food and medicine. Traditionally, it was used as a medicinal mushroom to strengthen the body in chronic and seasonal illnesses. The mushroom was later introduced to Japan, where

Cordyceps militaris is the cultivated relative of Cordyceps sinensis (read more about it here ). Its main advantage is that it can be easily farmed (unlike sinensis), which improves availability and reduces cost. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been conducted on this mushroom, and the part used is mainly the fruiting body. In traditional medicine, it has been used to support immune function, respiratory health, inflammation, and to enhance energy levels.

Lion’s Mane is one of the most fascinating and extensively studied medicinal mushrooms of the past decade. Unlike most mushrooms, it does not have a cap and stem; instead, it forms cascading white spines resembling a lion’s mane- hence its name. The mushroom grows on dead or damaged hardwood trees, primarily in cooler regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is considered an edible mushroom with a delicate flavor and has been widely studied for its neuroprotective, anti

In the context of medicinal mushrooms, Poria cocos is less well known than many other species. It originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been used for over 2,000 years under the name Fu Ling as a mushroom that drains dampness and promotes mental clarity. The mushroom itself is a hard mass that grows on tree roots. The part used medicinally is the sclerotium (similarly to Chaga). In traditional Asian medicine (China, Japan, and Korea), Poria cocos is used a

Trametes versicolor, commonly known as Turkey Tail due to its striking, multicolored bands resembling a turkey’s tail, is also referred to as Coriolus. It primarily grows on dead tree trunks, is widely distributed worldwide, and is easily identified by its colorful concentric patterns and thin, leathery texture. In Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine, it has been used to support respiratory conditions and for general strengthening of the body. A commercial polysaccharid

Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic entomopathogenic fungus that develops during autumn and winter under cold conditions, particularly in the high mountains of Tibet. It is considered one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms in the world. For generations, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Qi-tonifying remedy, known for improving endurance, vitality, and sexual function, as well as supporting recovery after prolonged illness. Historically, it was regarded

The Reishi mushroom, also known as Lingzhi in China and the “Mushroom of 10,000 Years” (Manentaka) in Japan, is considered one of the most important mushrooms in traditional East Asian medicine. Its diverse uses and medicinal potential have made it one of the most researched mushrooms worldwide. Reishi is a hard wood mushroom with a shiny red-brown cap and a woody texture. It is primarily found in tropical and humid climates, especially in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Du