Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms: find natural mushrooms at Vitalplant

Used for centuries in Asia as part of a balanced diet, medicinal mushrooms are now growing in popularity as a natural dietary supplement. 

At Vitalplant, we develop high-quality medicinal mushroom extracts in our family-run manufacturing facility in Memmingen — with no unnecessary additives, but with carefully selected raw materials. Our Medicinal Mushrooms Complex combines several premium mushrooms in a thoughtfully formulated blend, while our single products such as Reishi, Cordyceps and Hericium offer individual ways to supplement. On this page, you’ll learn what makes medicinal mushrooms so special and how you can integrate them into your everyday life.

What are medicinal mushrooms and why are they experiencing a renaissance?

Medicinal mushrooms are species that have held a firm place in traditional Asian dietary systems for thousands of years and can be part of a varied, balanced diet. The term includes species such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Cordyceps, Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), shiitake, and maitake (Grifola frondosa).

Origins and cultural significance

The use of medicinal mushrooms goes back more than 2,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these mushrooms have been used for centuries and are an established part of East Asian herbal tradition. The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a particularly long history in this tradition and was historically so prized that it was once reserved for emperors. Cordyceps was considered so valuable in Tibet that it was weighed against gold.

Why are medicinal mushrooms being rediscovered today?

In recent decades, modern science has begun to examine their traditional uses. Researchers are especially interested in bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. The growing demand for natural, plant-based dietary supplements has made medicinal mushrooms a popular choice for anyone who prefers nature-based supplements.

Especially important: unlike edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms are usually not eaten fresh, but used in the form of concentrated extracts. Modern extraction methods can make the valuable ingredients — especially the polysaccharides enclosed in chitin cell walls — more readily available to the body.

What makes medicinal mushrooms so special? The power of bioactive compounds

Medicinal mushrooms contain a variety of naturally occurring bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenes. What makes them especially interesting is the specific composition of these compounds, which is found only in mushrooms.

The key ingredients

• Polysaccharides and beta-glucans: Complex carbohydrate compounds from mushroom cell walls. Mushroom beta-glucans belong to the class of β-1,3/1,6-glucans and are a characteristic component of medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Hericium. They are studied extensively in scientific research.
• Triterpenes: Bioactive compounds, especially abundant in Reishi (over 150 different triterpene compounds). They give some mushrooms their characteristic bitter taste.
• Ergosterol: A plant sterol compound that occurs naturally in mushrooms and can be converted into ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) under UV light.
• Antioxidant compounds: Phenols, flavonoids, and other secondary plant compounds.
• Amino acids, minerals, and trace elements: Depending on the mushroom species, medicinal mushrooms contain, among other things, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and other trace elements in varying concentrations.

Extract vs. mushroom powder: why quality makes the difference

This shows why not all medicinal mushroom products are the same:

Powder is made from the entire, ground mushroom. However, the valuable polysaccharides are enclosed in chitin cell walls — a material the human body can digest only with difficulty. In addition, mycelium powder cultivated on grain substrates may contain a high proportion of starch.

Extracts undergo a special processing method in which the cell walls are broken down and the bioactive ingredients are concentrated. A 5:1 extract means that 5 grams of raw material are used to make 1 gram of extract — a fivefold concentration.

At Vitalplant, we consistently use high-quality extracts from fruiting bodies, not plain powder. Our extracts are gently produced using water and/or alcohol extraction to make both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes optimally available.

The most important medicinal mushrooms and their tradition

Reishi: quite possibly the best-known medicinal mushroom 

The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum, also known as “Ling Zhi”) is probably the best-known medicinal mushroom. For over 2,000 years, it has been valued in TCM as the “mushroom of immortality” and was traditionally reserved for emperors.

What makes Reishi special? 

Reishi is especially rich in triterpenes — over 150 different compounds have been identified, including ganoderic acids and lucidic acids. These give Reishi its characteristic bitter taste. Reishi also contains natural beta-glucans and polysaccharides.

Traditional use 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has played a special role in traditional Chinese culture for centuries. There, it is known as the “mushroom of spiritual power” and is firmly rooted in Asian cultural tradition.

Our Reishi is made from the whole fruiting body and processed into a highly concentrated extract. We use a gentle dual extraction process that makes both water- and alcohol-soluble ingredients — i.e. polysaccharides AND triterpenes — optimally available.

Cordyceps: the medicinal mushroom from the Himalayan mountains

Cordyceps, also known as the “caterpillar fungus” or “Himalayan gold,” grows in the high mountain regions of Tibet at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Wild Cordyceps sinensis was one of Asia’s most valuable natural products for centuries — so precious that it was weighed against gold.

What makes Cordyceps special? 

Cordyceps has a centuries-long history — Tibetan herders appreciated this special natural substance early on. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Cordyceps has been used as a tonic for centuries.

Bioactive compounds 

Cordyceps contains cordycepin (an adenosine-like compound), bioactive polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals. The polysaccharide concentration varies depending on the cultivation method.

Our Cordyceps is derived from high-quality mycelium and extracted at a 5:1 concentration ratio — for a high concentration of the characteristic compounds. Cordyceps is a traditionally used medicinal mushroom that has long held a firm place in holistic nutrition.

Hericium (lion’s mane): a medicinal mushroom from East Asian tradition

Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion’s mane, hedgehog mushroom, or “Yamabushitake,” is one of the visually most fascinating medicinal mushrooms. With its cascading white fruiting body, it resembles a lion’s mane.

What makes Hericium special? 

Hericium contains hericenones (from the fruiting body) and erinacines (from the mycelium) — natural components of this special mushroom. Hericium has a long tradition in TCM. In Japanese tradition, it was especially valued by Buddhist monks (Yamabushi) — hence the name Yamabushitake.

Nutrient profile 

Hericium naturally contains polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements in small amounts. Mushrooms alone do not provide the amounts of minerals or vitamins relevant for making HCVO claims — but they are a valuable part of a varied diet.

Our Hericium (lion’s mane) is made from the whole fruiting body and gently processed into a high-quality extract — with a high concentration of polysaccharides and standardized quality.

Chaga: the king of the north

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), also called the “king of medicinal mushrooms” or “black gold,” grows mainly on birch trees in the cold climates of Northern Europe, Russia, and Canada. Its appearance is unique: dark, coal-black growths that barely look like a mushroom.

What makes Chaga special? 

Chaga is especially rich in melanin, betulin (from birch bark), and polysaccharides. Its dark color comes from its high melanin content — one of the highest in nature. In Russia and Scandinavia, Chaga has traditionally been prepared and enjoyed as tea for generations.

Medicinal Mushrooms Complex: Vitalplant's all-in-one solution

Why choose one medicinal mushroom when you can combine several? Our Medicinal Mushrooms Complex combines several medicinal mushroom varieties in one convenient capsule.

What makes the complex special?

Each medicinal mushroom has its own ingredient profile and its own tradition of use. Our medicinal mushroom complex combines extracts from different mushroom species — Chaga, Reishi, Hericium, and Shiitake at 150 mg each — and provides naturally occurring polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Who is the complex ideal for?

• Anyone new to the world of medicinal mushrooms
• People who want to benefit from the variety of several medicinal mushrooms at once
• Anyone who prefers a practical all-in-one solution
• For daily basic supply with medicinal mushrooms

Our Medicinal Mushrooms Complex combines the most important medicinal mushrooms in a balanced ratio — carefully dosed and gently processed.

Vitalplant quality: what sets our medicinal mushrooms apart

At Vitalplant, we consistently focus on certified organic quality and pure fruiting body extracts instead of plain powder or mycelium on grain substrate. The reason: we want to offer you the purest quality. Our mushrooms come from controlled organic cultivation, because only an uncontaminated raw material can form the basis of a high-quality extract. The fruiting body also contains the highest concentration of the characteristic bioactive compounds.

Our quality promise

• 100% certified organic — all medicinal mushrooms from controlled organic cultivation, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers
• Highly concentrated extracts — 5:1 or 10:1 extract ratios
• Standardized polysaccharide content — at least 30% polysaccharides in every product
• Dual extraction — gentle water and alcohol extraction for both water- and fat-soluble compounds
• Lab-tested purity — every batch is tested in independent German laboratories for heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms
• No unnecessary additives — no fillers, no artificial flavors, no anti-caking agents
• Transparent origin — sustainable production and full traceability

The Vitalplant manufactory — natural mushroom extracts from Memmingen

In our family-run manufactory in Memmingen, we combine traditional values with modern quality control. For years, we have specialized in natural dietary supplements in organic quality — and medicinal mushrooms are one of our core passions.

What makes us special?

• Family business: not an anonymous mass producer, but a company with passion
• Made in Germany: all products are manufactured in Germany
• Transparency: what’s on the label is what’s inside
• Expertise: over 15 years of experience in natural dietary supplements

How to use medicinal mushrooms correctly — recommended dosage & tips

Using medicinal mushrooms correctly is essential if you want to get the best out of these natural products.

Dosage recommendations

• Extracts: because of their high concentration, usually 1–2 capsules daily are enough (depending on the product, 500–1,000 mg extract per day)
• Timing: medicinal mushrooms can be taken with meals
• Consistency: medicinal mushrooms are ideally taken regularly and long term — plan for at least 4–8 weeks

Why capsules?

Medicinal mushrooms often have a very bitter or earthy taste (especially Reishi). Capsules are therefore the most practical and tasteless form and allow precise dosing.

Combine medicinal mushrooms cleverly

Medicinal mushrooms can be easily combined with other dietary supplements. Here are some popular combinations:

• Medicinal mushrooms + vitamin D3+: A popular combination, especially in the winter months. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. → Discover Vitamin D3+
• Medicinal mushrooms + omega-3: DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (with a daily intake of at least 250 mg). → Discover Omega 3 Vegan
• Medicinal mushrooms + ashwagandha: Two traditionally used natural products from Asian herbal medicine. → Discover Ashwagandha
• Medicinal mushrooms + B vitamins: B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. → Discover Vitamin B Complex Active
• Frequently bought together: Cordyceps + Magnesium Citrate — magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. → Discover Magnesium Citrate

How to integrate medicinal mushrooms into your everyday life

Medicinal mushrooms are best used when you build them consistently into your daily routine. Here are three proven approaches:

The morning routine for your daily basics

Right after getting up with breakfast:

• 1 capsule of Medicinal Mushrooms Complex for all-round support with several medicinal mushrooms
• 1 capsule of Vitamin D3+ — vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• 1 capsule of Omega 3 Vegan — DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (with at least 250 mg DHA daily)

Tip: Put your capsules next to the coffee machine — that way you’ll definitely not forget them.

Routine for active people (all year round)

For anyone with an active lifestyle:

• Cordyceps in the morning as part of the routine
• Magnesium Citrate after training — magnesium contributes to normal muscle function
• Vitamin B Complex — B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Drink plenty of water (2–3 liters)
• Get enough sleep (7–9 hours)

The evening routine

During phases when you want to shape your routine consciously:

• Reishi, as a traditional medicinal mushroom, can be easily integrated into your evening routine
• Relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing exercises)
• Go to bed early

The year-round routine

For continuous nutrient supply:

• Medicinal Mushrooms Complex as your daily base
• Vitamin D3+ especially in winter

Order a three-month supply every three months — that way you benefit from free shipping from 60 € and always have enough stock at home.

Our medicinal mushroom capsules for you

In our family-run manufactory in Memmingen, we develop natural medicinal mushroom extracts that accompany you through everyday life — without unnecessary additives, using carefully selected raw materials. All products are lab-tested and manufactured in Germany to high quality standards.

Our medicinal mushrooms in detail

Dive deeper: each topic world presents one mushroom in detail — Reishi, lion’s mane (Hericium) and Cordyceps.

Our guides in the magazine provide even more background: Reishi in profile, lion’s mane (Hericium) in profile and the caterpillar fungus Cordyceps.

What makes Vitalplant special?

• Natural dietary supplements without unnecessary additives — no fillers, no artificial flavors, no preservatives
• Family-run manufactory from Memmingen
• Carefully selected raw materials of high quality
• Highly concentrated extracts instead of powder
• Lab-tested quality — every product is tested for purity and content
• Transparency — what’s on the label is what’s inside
• Free shipping from 60 €

Natural solutions: discover medicinal mushrooms from Vitalplant

Medicinal mushrooms are fascinating natural products with a tradition of over 2,000 years in Asian natural medicine. They contain bioactive polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes — characteristic compounds that are studied worldwide and valued as natural dietary supplements.

At Vitalplant, you’ll find natural medicinal mushroom solutions from our family manufactory in Memmingen. Whether it’s Medicinal Mushrooms Complex for holistic support, or Reishi, Cordyceps, or Hericium as single products — all our products are made with carefully selected raw materials and processed without unnecessary additives.