🦁

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

A unique white, shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion's mane when fresh.

Difficulty:Beginner-friendly
Season:Fall to early winter

Health Benefits:

  • Supports cognitive function and memory
  • May promote nerve regeneration
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Supports digestive health

Common Uses:

SupplementsCookingTea
🍄

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

Known as the 'mushroom of immortality', this glossy, red-brown mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

Difficulty:Advanced
Season:Year-round (cultivated)

Health Benefits:

  • Supports immune system function
  • May help reduce stress and anxiety
  • Supports liver health
  • May improve sleep quality

Common Uses:

SupplementsTeaPowder
🟫

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

A popular culinary mushroom with a rich, savory flavor and meaty texture.

Difficulty:Intermediate
Season:Spring and fall

Health Benefits:

  • Rich in B vitamins and minerals
  • Supports cardiovascular health
  • May boost immune function
  • Contains beneficial polysaccharides

Common Uses:

CookingSupplementsDried
🌾

Cordyceps

Cordyceps sinensis

A parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars in the high mountains of Tibet and China.

Difficulty:Expert only
Season:Summer (wild)

Health Benefits:

  • May enhance athletic performance
  • Supports respiratory health
  • May improve energy levels
  • Supports kidney function

Common Uses:

SupplementsTeaPowder

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

A black, charcoal-like fungus that grows on birch trees in cold climates.

Difficulty:Intermediate
Season:Year-round

Health Benefits:

  • Extremely high in antioxidants
  • Supports immune system
  • May have anti-inflammatory properties
  • Supports skin health

Common Uses:

TeaSupplementsPowder
🦃

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

A colorful bracket fungus with concentric zones resembling a turkey's tail feathers.

Difficulty:Beginner-friendly
Season:Year-round

Health Benefits:

  • Supports immune system function
  • Rich in prebiotics
  • May support gut health
  • Contains beneficial polysaccharides

Common Uses:

SupplementsTeaPowder
🦪

Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus

A popular edible mushroom with a delicate flavor and velvety texture.

Difficulty:Beginner-friendly
Season:Fall and winter

Health Benefits:

  • Good source of protein and fiber
  • Contains lovastatin for heart health
  • Rich in B vitamins
  • May help lower cholesterol

Common Uses:

CookingFresh consumption
🌸

Maitake

Grifola frondosa

Also known as 'Hen of the Woods', this mushroom grows in overlapping clusters at the base of trees.

Difficulty:Intermediate
Season:Fall

Health Benefits:

  • May help regulate blood sugar
  • Supports immune function
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • May support weight management

Common Uses:

CookingSupplementsTea

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification. Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes that can cause serious illness or death. Always consult with experienced foragers, mycologists, or use multiple reliable field guides before consuming any wild mushroom.

  • Start with cultivated mushrooms from reputable sources
  • Learn from experienced foragers in your area
  • Take a formal mushroom identification course
  • When in doubt, don't consume - no mushroom meal is worth the risk
  • Consult healthcare providers before using medicinal mushrooms