Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms: Find natural mushrooms at Vitalplant

Used in Asia for centuries as part of a balanced diet, medicinal mushrooms are now becoming increasingly popular as a natural food supplement.

At Vitalplant, we develop high-quality medicinal mushroom extracts in our family-run manufactory in Memmingen – without unnecessary additives, but with carefully selected raw materials. Our Medicinal Mushroom Complex combines several premium mushrooms in a thoughtfully designed formula, while our individual products such as Reishi, Cordyceps and Hericium offer individual supplementation options. On this page, you'll find out what makes medicinal mushrooms so special and how you can integrate them into your everyday routine.

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

Medicinal mushrooms are mushroom species that have held a firm place in traditional dietary systems in Asia 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).

Origin 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 integral part of East Asian herbal traditions. The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a particularly long history in this tradition and was once so sought-after that it was 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 investigate their traditional uses. Researchers are especially interested in bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. Growing demand for natural, plant-based food supplements has made medicinal mushrooms a popular choice for anyone who prefers nature-based supplements.

Especially important: Unlike culinary mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms are usually not consumed fresh, but used in the form of concentrated extracts. Modern extraction methods can make valuable compounds – especially the polysaccharides enclosed in chitin cell walls – more 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 occurs only in mushrooms.

The most important compounds

• 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 being intensively studied in scientific research.
• Triterpenes: Bioactive compounds found especially abundantly in Reishi (more than 150 different triterpene compounds). They give some mushrooms their characteristically 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 substances.
• Amino acids, minerals, and trace elements: Depending on the mushroom species, medicinal mushrooms contain varying concentrations of B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and other trace elements, among others.

Extract vs. mushroom powder: Why quality makes the difference

This is where it becomes clear why not all medicinal mushroom products are the same:

Powder is made from the whole, ground mushroom. However, the valuable polysaccharides are enclosed in chitin cell walls – a material that the human body has difficulty digesting. In addition, mycelium powder cultivated on grain substrates can contain a high proportion of starch.

Extracts undergo a special processing method in which the cell walls are broken open and the bioactive compounds 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 rely on high-quality fruiting body extracts, not simple 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: Probably the best-known medicinal mushroom

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

What makes Reishi special?

Reishi is especially rich in triterpenes – more than 150 different compounds have been identified, including ganodermic acids and lucidenic acids. These give Reishi its characteristically 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 deeply rooted in Asian cultural tradition.

Our Reishi is obtained from the whole fruiting body and processed into a highly concentrated extract. We use a gentle dual-extraction process that makes both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds – that is, polysaccharides AND triterpenes – optimally available.

Cordyceps: The medicinal mushroom from the mountains of the Himalayas

Cordyceps, also known as the "caterpillar fungus" or "Himalayan gold," grows in the high mountain regions of Tibet at elevations 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 history stretching back centuries – 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 obtained from high-quality mycelium and extracted at a 5:1 concentration ratio – for a high concentration of its 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, bearded tooth fungus, or "Yamabushitake," is one of the most visually 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. In TCM, Hericium has a long tradition. 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. Mushroom extracts alone do not provide the amounts of minerals or vitamins relevant for HCVO claim use – but they are still a valuable part of a varied diet.

Our Hericium (lion's mane) is obtained 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 referred to as 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 hardly look like a mushroom.

What makes Chaga special?

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

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

Why choose just one medicinal mushroom when you can combine several? Our Medicinal Mushroom Complex combines several medicinal mushroom species in one practical capsule.

What makes the complex special?

Each medicinal mushroom has its own compound profile and its own tradition of use. Our medicinal mushroom complex combines extracts from different mushroom species – Chaga, Reishi, Hericium, and Shiitake, 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 diversity of several medicinal mushrooms at the same time
• Anyone who prefers a practical all-in-one solution
• For daily foundational support with medicinal mushrooms

Our Medicinal Mushroom 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 rely on certified organic quality and pure fruiting body extracts instead of simple powder or mycelium grown on grain substrate. The reason: we want to offer you the purest quality. Our mushrooms come from certified organic cultivation, because only uncontaminated raw materials 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 certified 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-soluble and fat-soluble compounds
• Lab-tested purity — every batch is tested in independent German laboratories for heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms
• Without 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. We have specialized in natural organic food supplements for years – and medicinal mushrooms are especially close to our hearts.

What makes us special?

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

Using medicinal mushrooms correctly — recommended dosage & tips

Using medicinal mushrooms correctly is crucial to getting the best out of these natural products.

Dosage recommendations

• Extracts: due to their high concentration, 1–2 capsules daily are usually sufficient (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 most taste-neutral form and allow precise dosing.

→ Read more: How to dose medicinal mushrooms correctly: timing, amount, and routines [Link to be added]

Combine medicinal mushrooms wisely

Medicinal mushrooms combine well with other food 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 Vegan Omega 3
• Medicinal mushrooms + Ashwagandha: Two traditionally used natural products from Asian herbal practice. → Discover Ashwagandha
• Medicinal mushrooms + B vitamins: B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. → Discover Active Vitamin B Complex
• 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 daily routine

Medicinal mushrooms are best used when you incorporate them consistently into your daily routine. Here are three tried-and-tested approaches:

The morning routine for a daily foundation

Right after getting up with breakfast:

• 1 capsule of Medicinal Mushroom 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 Vegan Omega 3 — DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (with at least 250 mg DHA daily)

Tip: Keep your capsules next to the coffee machine – that way you definitely won't forget them.

Routine for active people (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 fluids (2–3 liters of water)
• Get enough sleep (7–9 hours)

The evening routine

During phases when you want to shape your routine more consciously:

• Reishi, a medicinal mushroom with a long tradition, fits well into your evening routine
• Relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing exercises)
• Go to bed early

The year-round routine

For continuous nutrient support:

• Medicinal Mushroom Complex as a daily foundation
• Vitamin D3+ especially in winter

Order a 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 to support you in everyday life – without unnecessary additives, with carefully selected raw materials. All products are lab-tested and manufactured in Germany to high quality standards.

What makes Vitalplant special?

• Natural food 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 more than 2,000 years in Asian natural healing. They contain bioactive polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes – characteristic compounds that are being studied worldwide and are valued as natural food supplements.

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