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The 5 Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Your Immune System

Reishi, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail and lion's mane next to each other

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly reviewed with new insights on medicinal mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms have become considerably more popular in recent years, but they are anything but new: for centuries they have been used in traditional medicine to support the immune system and overall well-being. In this guide we explore the 5 best-known ones, how they work and what each is known for. See this blog as a starting point: for each species we have a separate, deeper guide you can move on to from here.

What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Unlike regular edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms have long been used for their special properties. They contain bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans and other polysaccharides, plus antioxidants. The best-known are reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion's mane, each with its own profile.

How Do Medicinal Mushrooms Support the Immune System?

It may be hard to believe, but humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor; genetically, mushrooms resemble us more than plants. Fungi have developed powerful ways to withstand pathogens, and certain compounds from them are associated in research with the immune system. The beta-glucans and polysaccharides in medicinal mushrooms are studied for their ability to 'modulate' the immune response, helping to bring it into balance. They also provide antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress. It is important to see this as support, not as treatment.

The 5 Best-Known Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms to support the immune system

Each species has its own character and is traditionally valued for something different. A brief introduction, with a link to the in-depth guide for each:

Reishi — the 'mushroom of immortality', traditionally used for immune support, relaxation and sleep. Read meet reishi.
Chaga — the 'king of mushrooms', known for its high antioxidant content.
Cordyceps — long used for energy and endurance. Read the cordyceps guide.
Turkey tail — rich in polysaccharides (PSP and PSK). Read about turkey tail.
Lion's mane — a natural nootropic, loved for focus and concentration. Read the benefits of lion's mane.

Using and Combining Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms come as liquid extract, powder and capsules. If you are just starting, choose one species so you get to know its effect. Many people later combine them, as the species complement each other nicely. An easy way is to add them to a drink or smoothie; you will find recipes in our smoothie recipes.

Important: Medicinal mushrooms are food supplements and not a substitute for medical treatment. Do you take medication, are you pregnant or do you have health complaints? Then consult a doctor or healthcare professional first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicinal Mushrooms

What are medicinal mushrooms?

They are mushrooms long used for their special properties rather than their taste. They contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans and antioxidants. The best-known are reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion's mane.

Which is best for me?

It depends on your goal: reishi for relaxation and immune support, cordyceps for energy, lion's mane for focus, chaga for antioxidants, turkey tail for immune support. Start with one species and expand if you like.

Can you combine medicinal mushrooms?

Yes, many people combine them because the species complement each other. As a beginner, start with one to get to know its effect, then feel free to add another.

In what form do I buy them?

As a liquid extract (easy to dose in a drink), as powder or as capsules. Browse the range in our medicinal mushrooms category.

Are medicinal mushrooms psychedelic?

No. Reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion's mane contain no psilocybin or other psychoactive compounds. You can simply continue your day after taking them.

Do they replace medication?

No. They are food supplements for support, not a substitute for medical treatment. With complaints, medication use or pregnancy, always consult a doctor first.

Why Next Level Smart?

All five under one roof — reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion's mane
Extract, powder and capsules — choose the form that suits you
In-depth guides per species — so you make an informed choice
Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Browse Our Medicinal Mushrooms

Read on per species:

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

Posted in: All posts, Health & Lifestyle Blogs, Medicinal Mushrooms Blogs

Author: Annie Verkade

Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture