Medicinal mushrooms are non-psychoactive fungi traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, for their perceived health-supporting properties. They are typically consumed as teas, powders, capsules, or added to food.
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild mushrooms that contain a naturally occurring hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound called psilocybin.
The government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug. This means that it has a high risk of being misused and is not allowed for home use.
Magic mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs were banned in 1971 after research from the 1950s and 1960s indicated the drug’s potential for abuse.
However, research on the possible health benefits of psilocybin has ramped up recently. Specifically, researchers are looking at how the drug affects the brain’s networking system to reduce depression and other mental health issues that skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One study found that psilocybin has the potential to treat mood and anxiety disorders, cluster headaches, limb pain, and addiction. In some trials, the drug was comparable to or more effective than opioids.
Despite these possible benefits, magic mushrooms have the potential to be highly dangerous due to their hallucinogenic effect.
According to a John Hopkins Medicine study of 2,000 people who said they had a bad experience using magic mushrooms, more than 10 percent said their worst “bad trip” put themselves or others in danger.
A majority stated that the distressing experience was one of the top 10 biggest challenges in their life.
Another study noted that psychedelics may lead to suicide and other self-harming behaviors. Some users have been documented stabbing themselves, walking in front of traffic, and jumping off buildings believing they can fly.
In addition to making you hallucinate, certain mushrooms may cause seizures and even sudden death due to cardiac arrest.
One study found that repeated use of psychedelics produces ECG abnormalities that lead to cardiotoxic conditions. This may include tachycardia, myocardial ischemia, and problems within the heart’s electrical system.
One of the major differences between these two types of mushrooms is that medicinal mushrooms do not contain psilocybin. Therefore, they do not cause you to hallucinate.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), medicinal mushrooms are used to support the body’s overall wellbeing. Unlike magic mushrooms, they are considered safe for regular consumption when used appropriately.
Other possible benefits of medicinal mushrooms include:
The following medicinal mushrooms can be used in place of magic mushrooms to reduce stress, pain, anxiety, depression, and more:
Caterpillar fungus or Cordyceps sinensis is a rare composite of dead caterpillar and fungus stromata. While it’s not taxonomically a mushroom, cordyceps has been considered a medicinal mushroom in TCM and Tibetan practice.
Animal studies show that it may be beneficial for depression management. Also, Cordyceps increases the production of ATP, which can strengthen the brain by encouraging better oxygen uptake. This promotes increased blood flow to brain cells and fights mental fatigue.
Additionally, cordyceps may improve cognitive performance markers, such as learning capacity and memory, protect against brain damage, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to aging.
“From a TCM perspective, Cordyceps is a tonic that you can use to boost kidney function, enhance yang (active energy), improve lung health, and manage chronic cough and breathlessness. From a modern pharmacological and nutritional science perspective, it is potentially anti-aging and anti-tumor, effective in managing type 2 diabetes, improving heart health, and helping to reduce inflammation.” TCM Physician Brandon Yew
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi, are antioxidant-rich adaptogens that can help the body adapt and fight stress.
Containing over 400 different bioactive compounds, these mushrooms can improve overall health, boost the immune system, promote longevity, and reverse aging.
Specifically, Reishi contains a compound called triterpene that helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
TCM practitioners use Reishi to invigorate qi and calm the mind. It can also help relieve cough and asthma.
The medical term for turkey tail mushroom is Yunzhi (Coriolus Versicolor). It’s a medicinal mushroom that has a distinctive appearance.
Yunzhi is easily recognizable by its bands of white, gray, brown, black, blue, and red concentric circles that fan outwards in frilly layers. This gives it the appearance of a turkey tail.
“From a TCM perspective, turkey tail benefits the Liver, Spleen, and Lung meridians. It strengthens the Spleen and removes Dampness, relieves cough and breathlessness, and clears Heat and toxins. It also contains anti-cancer properties.” TCM Physician Lim Sock Ling
Medicinal mushrooms offer many of the same health benefits users seek in magic mushrooms.
However, because they do not contain compounds that make you hallucinate, medicinal mushrooms may be a safer alternative to help you cope with stress, mental illness, and the daily struggles of life.
Consult a TCM physician if you have questions about using medicinal mushrooms.
Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries. Renowned for its health benefits, this mushroom can improve overall health and boost the immune sy
What can adding turkey tail mushroom to your health and wellness routine do for you? For starters, it may help fight cancer growth. Find out more
Cordyceps have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Discover the Cordyceps benefits for your health and well-being in this article.
