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The 3 Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Your Immune System in Winter

 

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

Winter is just around the corner and our immune system is put to the test during this period. Fortunately, we can help our body become more resilient, ready to embrace the cold. Think of a good night's sleep, enough exercise and healthy food. And there is another nice way to support your resistance in winter: medicinal mushrooms. We highlight three that are popular for this. Looking for the complete overview of all five? Read our guide to the 5 best medicinal mushrooms.

Humans and Mushrooms

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 our own defences. By using certain mushrooms, we can help support and balance our immune system.

3 Medicinal Mushrooms for Winter

Reishi

Reishi for the immune system in winter

Reishi has been valued in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years as a supporter of the immune system and carries the nickname 'mushroom of immortality'. It is widely available as a tincture, powder, extract and capsule. Besides immune support, reishi is traditionally used to soothe stress, improve sleep and reduce fatigue. There is even some evidence that reishi can act as a natural alternative to antihistamines; we explored that in do reishi mushrooms really work for allergies?. Want to know more? Read meet reishi.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail for the immune system

This fascinating mushroom drew a lot of attention after the documentary 'Fantastic Fungi'. Turkey tail is rich in two notable polysaccharides: PSP (polysaccharide peptide) and PSK (krestin). These are studied in research for their role in immune support, where they appear to activate certain immune cells. We dedicated a separate blog to it: the promises of turkey tail.

Chaga

Chaga, the king of mushrooms

Chaga, also called 'the king of the mushroom world', is known for its high antioxidant content. In tradition it is valued to support the immune system and overall well-being. Especially in winter, when your body could use a little extra support, chaga is a popular choice.

Tip: An easy way to work medicinal mushrooms into your winter routine is a warm drink or smoothie. You will find recipes in our smoothie recipes.

Combining Medicinal Mushrooms

The three complement each other nicely, and combining is a popular way to support your resistance during the winter months. But start gently: begin with one species to get to know its effect, then add another if you like. That way you discover what works best for you.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicinal Mushrooms in Winter

Which medicinal mushroom is good for winter?

Reishi, turkey tail and chaga are popular choices to support the immune system in the cold months. Which suits you depends on your preference and goal; start with one species.

Can I combine these mushrooms?

Yes, they complement each other and are often combined. As a beginner, start with one species to get to know its effect, then expand if you like.

What are PSP and PSK in turkey tail?

They are two polysaccharides found in turkey tail and studied in research for their role in immune support. Read more in our turkey tail blog.

Why is chaga known as 'king'?

Chaga carries the nickname 'king of mushrooms' because of its remarkably high antioxidant content and its long tradition of use to support well-being.

In what form do I use them?

As a liquid extract, powder or capsules. A warm drink or smoothie is a nice way to add them to your winter routine. Browse the range in medicinal mushrooms.

Do they replace medication or a healthy lifestyle?

No. They are an addition, not a replacement. Good sleep, exercise and healthy food remain the foundation; medicinal mushrooms can be a support on top of that.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Reishi, turkey tail and chaga in stock — as extract, powder or capsules
  • Ideal for your winter routine — easy to add to a warm drink or smoothie
  • In-depth guides per species — so you know what you are choosing
  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Ready to support your winter resistance? Browse our medicinal mushrooms, or read the full overview in the 5 best medicinal mushrooms.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
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
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