For centuries, mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga have been treasured in traditional medical systems across Asia and Northern Europe for their diverse healing properties. Today, as more health-conscious Thai readers seek natural remedies to boost immunity, combat stress, and support brain health, these ancient fungi stand at the remarkable crossroads between herbal folklore and cutting-edge biomedical research. Are these earthbound wonders truly worthy of the superfood label, or is their reputation largely myth? New studies are beginning to unravel what traditional wisdom has known for generations—the story of medicinal mushrooms is both timeless and ever-evolving.
The presence of mushrooms in healing goes as far back as the earliest records of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and regional Thai herbal manuscripts. Reishi, also called Lingzhi in China or Phiman/Sang Hwang in Thailand, has been exalted as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” long associated with longevity, spiritual power, and resilience. Lion’s Mane, with its cascading white tendrils, is known as “Yamabushitake” in Japan and “Houtougu” in China, favoured for promoting sharp memory and mental clarity. Chaga, a distinctive black fungus growing on birch trees, traces its folkloric uses to the forests of Russia, Korea, and the mountainous borders of Northeast China. In Thailand, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and temple medicine scrolls reflect the deep historical knowledge of these fungi, prescribing them for ailments from “blood purification” and cancers to sore throat and inflammatory conditions (ThaiJo journal).
Medicinal mushrooms secured their legendary reputations by supporting general health and spiritual harmony—key tenets of Thai and broader Asian wellness traditions. Reishi especially is regarded as a tonic for the mind and body, believed to balance the vital forces (qi) and reinforce longevity without toxicity. Traditional healers also prescribed various mushrooms for wound healing, “removal of freckles,” and even as supportive treatments for “non-stop salivation in children,” according to the Royal Academy’s catalog of Thai mushroom heritage (ThaiJo journal). The trust placed in these fungi by both rural households and royal courts underscores a unique East-West synergy: while modern science may dissect chemical pathways, mushrooms have always delivered holistic wellness at the heart of Thai culture.
Despite their storied past, medicinal mushrooms long awaited robust modern validation. Now, a wealth of recent studies is confirming—and refining—the many traditional uses. For example, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) contains polysaccharides and triterpenes, recognized for their immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties (ScienceDirect). Clinical trials from India and across East Asia have demonstrated that Ganoderma supplementation can help alleviate psychological stress and improve certain physical and cardiovascular parameters in sedentary college students (PubMed). Major bioactive compounds from Reishi are also being investigated as adjunctive therapy for chronic hepatopathy, hypertension, neurasthenia, and insomnia (PMC). However, while some human studies are promising, findings are still preliminary and often rely on small sample sizes.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) represents a particularly fascinating intersection of folk wisdom and neuroscience. In East Asian traditions, it was consumed as a cognitive and digestive tonic, especially for the elderly. Excitingly, new laboratory and early-phase clinical studies support Lion’s Mane’s potential neurotrophic properties. Research published in 2025 found that Hericium erinaceus extract promotes neuronal differentiation and may enhance the growth and excitability of nerve cells (PubMed). Systematic reviews also highlight the mushroom’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with possible benefits for mood regulation and neurocognitive health across the lifespan (PubMed). Observational and randomized controlled studies are currently investigating the mushroom’s promise in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease, though definitive guidance is still elusive.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), heralded in Russian, Korean, and Northeastern Chinese folk medicine as a protector against a range of disorders, is similarly gaining scientific traction. Recent animal studies and early clinical trials suggest that extracts from Chaga could offer antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and even anti-cancer effects (PMC). A study in mice demonstrated that INO10, a Chaga extract, alleviated key pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease and improved cognitive deficits (PubMed). Another found Chaga’s potency in mitigating experimental liver carcinoma, primarily by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (PubMed). Chaga’s principal bioactive, betulinic acid, also shows promise for regulating blood sugar and metabolic activity in diabetic models. Still, much of the data derives from pre-clinical or animal experiments, meaning their translation to human therapy requires caution and further investigation.
Understanding the mechanisms behind these mushrooms’ effects reveals why they may offer such broad health advantages. The central players are a variety of polysaccharides (notably beta-glucans), triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which are capable of modulating immune system responses, regulating inflammation, and scavenging harmful free radicals (ScienceDirect). For example, Phellinus species (the genus including Sang Hwang) have been shown to stimulate splenocyte proliferation, protect against oxidative tissue damage, and even inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells in vitro (ThaiJo journal). Remarkably, these activities are aligned with classic Thai-Sino applications regarding “blood purification” and resilience during illness. Escalating interest in supplement form, however, means it is essential to consider the source, preparation method, and possible contamination of products, since commercial quality can vary widely (ScienceDirect).
Despite the enthusiasm, a responsible approach to using medicinal mushrooms is paramount. Not all health claims are validated by rigorous randomized controlled trials, and the safety profile can depend on individual biology and preparation details. For instance, although serious adverse effects are rare, medicinal mushrooms can interact with prescription drugs that modulate immune function or blood clotting (DuckDuckGo source). Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, digestive upset, or skin rashes. In Thailand, as in other countries, ensuring that products are sourced from reputable growers, ideally with proper certification of origin and purity, is a vital step to mitigate risk. Additionally, mushroom-based supplements should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical care, especially for serious illnesses such as cancer, metabolic diseases, or cognitive disorders.
Crucially, for Thai readers considering the integration of these mushrooms into a wellness routine, professional consultation remains the gold standard. Licensed healthcare providers and Thai traditional medicine practitioners who understand both traditional indications and modern pharmacology can help you navigate product selection, dosing, and monitoring for adverse effects. This is especially important given the complexity of traditional polyherbal formulas—where mushrooms like Sang Hwang are combined with other botanicals for synergistic or balancing effects.
In recent years, Thailand has played an active role in reviving native knowledge about fungi for public health. Institutional collaborations and studies (without focusing on the institutions themselves, in keeping with this article’s guidelines) have helped to catalogue indigenous species and validate their quality for medicinal use. Enthusiasm for edible and medicinal mushroom foraging is alive in many Thai provinces, from community herbal markets to city wellness shops. However, it’s worth noting that wild harvesting without expertise carries the severe risk of misidentification and accidental poisoning—a tragic reminder of the need for education and caution.
Looking forward, the future of Thailand’s relationship with medicinal mushrooms is set to deepen as modern biotechnological methods allow for more standardized extracts and targeted applications. Global demand for “functional foods” and natural supplements is soaring, positioning Thailand’s agricultural and research sectors to innovate in ways that blend ancestral wisdom with advanced safety standards (PMC). The gradual accumulation of clinical evidence—particularly around immune health, metabolic support, and cognitive performance—could eventually transform these folk remedies into evidence-backed wellness tools, should future, larger-scale trials continue to confirm their benefits. Already, the renewed interest in ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and temple herbal archives is inspiring a new generation of Thai students and researchers to value their cultural roots.
For Thai readers and families eager to embrace the benefits of Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and related medicinal fungi, the pathway forward is about informed integration. Here is practical advice:
- Always source supplements from reputable companies with traceable, certified ingredients.
- Start any new herbal regimen only after consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
- Be mindful of allergies or unexpected reactions, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.
- Approach the use of medicinal mushrooms as one part of a holistic wellness lifestyle—incorporating traditional Thai practices such as mindful eating, meditation, and regular exercise.
- Do not rely on mushrooms as cures or substitutes for standard treatments, especially for serious illnesses.
In conclusion, the journey of medicinal mushrooms from royal Thai kitchens and ancient Chinese apothecaries to modern scientific laboratories is a story of resilience, renewal, and rediscovery. While commercial excitement sometimes gets ahead of the evidence, these humble fungi genuinely bridge the worldviews of the past and present. Wisdom, in this case, lies not in abandoning tradition for modernity, but in letting science and heritage illuminate each other—ensuring that the gifts of the forest continue to serve Thai health in sustainable, responsible ways for generations to come.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal or mushroom supplements for health conditions.
Sources: ThaiJo journal, ScienceDirect: Medicinal Mushroom, PMC: Research on Medicinal Mushrooms, PubMed: Lion’s Mane, PubMed: Chaga