The Reishi mushroom, which is scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its reputation in modern and traditional medicine for its health benefits. This mushroom has been used for over 2,000 all over Asia, notably in China, Japan, and even Korea, the Reishi mushroom has been celebrated as a symbol of health and longevity with it even being associated with the well-being of one’s spirituality. In this post we will dive deeper into the Reishi mushroom on its historical use, what it’s been shown to improve and the practical use of it in your daily wellness routine.

The use of mushrooms has played a key role in the history of North America, being used as food, medicine and even held as cultural significance. The story of mushrooms in North America is deeply intertwined with Indigenous traditions, colonial encounters, and modern scientific exploration. We will explore the complete history of mushrooms in North America and the role they played.

We all know how beneficial Lion’s Mane and overall mushroom supplementation can be for our health, it also provides the same health benefits for pets as well! Let’s explore how Lion’s Mane can enhance the overall health and well-being of your pet’s health.

Maitake mushrooms have circular clusters of wavy, gray-brown caps that grow like shelves at the base of hardwood and softwood trees, especially oaks. The caps resemble a fan-like hen tail and have white-cream undersides with one to three pores. Maitake belongs to the polypore group of mushrooms.

Maitake, or Grifola Frondosa, is an edible fungus native to China, northeastern Japan, and North America. Maitake has circular clusters of wavy, gray-brown caps growing in shelf-like formations that can be seen growing at the base of hardwood and softwood trees, especially oaks in the wild. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “hen-of-the-woods.” These fungi can grow up to three feet wide and weigh up to 50 pounds, though most average about 10 pounds.

Grifola frondosa, or Maitake, popularly known as “hen-of-the-woods,” is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks and maples. Maitake mushrooms have a delicate, fan-like shape that resembles feathers. Their nickname comes from this resemblance. Native to China, Europe, and North America, Maitake mushrooms are typically found from late summer to early autumn and grow wild in forests at the base of hardwood trees. While they can be cultivated at home, they thrive best in the wild.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), also known as the “Cloud Mushroom,” is a type of polypore fungus found throughout forests worldwide. Indigenous to woodland ecosystems, Turkey Tail has been part of traditional wellness practices for centuries. Its use dates back to ancient China and Japan, where it was valued in early medical texts for its perceived wellness properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, this mushroom is called Yun Zhi and was often associated with vitality and balance.

Chaga mushroom, often referred to as the “King of Mushrooms,” has a long tradition of use in Eastern Europe, Asia, and North America, where it was historically valued for its contribution to general wellness. In Siberia, the Khanty people were among the earliest documented users of Chaga, using it in teas and purification practices as early as the 12th century. In Canada, Chaga also holds a place in the traditional practices of several Indigenous Nations, including the Cree, Chipewyan, and Ojibway, who used it as part of their cultural approach to health.

Cordyceps, often referred to as the “Energy Mushroom,” holds an important place in Chinese and Tibetan wellness traditions and has been used for centuries in traditional practices. With over six hundred known subspecies, Cordyceps mushrooms have been regarded around the world for their contribution to overall vitality and their role in traditional herbal systems. Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms are native to the high-altitude regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of China, particularly the Himalayas. In historical China, Cordyceps was so highly valued that its use was often reserved for the imperial family.