Reviewed by Veena Angle, MBBS, MD and Physician Lim Sock Ling

Discover 6 Medicinal Mushrooms for Depression

Published January 25, 2022| 6 min read

Mushrooms play a prominent role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this article, we will be discussing the different types of medicinal mushrooms that are used to help manage depression effectively.

Close up dried shiitake mushrooms wooden background

In recent years, the interest in natural and alternative treatments for mental health has surged, and for a good reason. Traditional methods, while effective for many, can sometimes come with unwanted side effects or fail to provide relief for others. This has led researchers and health enthusiasts to explore the healing potential of medicinal mushrooms. These fungi, known for their health benefits, are now gaining recognition for their potential role in mental health, particularly in alleviating symptoms of depression.

How can these natural remedies be incorporated into your daily life? Can they really make a difference in your mental health journey? In this blog, we will explore six medicinal mushrooms that show promise in supporting mental well-being and how they can be integrated into your wellness routine to help combat depression naturally.

Harnessing the Power of Medicinal Mushrooms for Depression

Medicinal mushrooms offer a variety of health benefits, including the ability to improve blood sugar levels. They are rich in beta-glucans, which studies show help boost immunity. Additionally, the high antioxidant levels found in medicinal mushrooms help reduce inflammation in the body. Lowering inflammation may reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Furthermore, mushrooms are the only natural plant source of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for bone health and immune function.

By incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your wellness routine, you can harness these benefits to support both your physical and mental health. Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga could help treat depression naturally, offering a holistic approach to managing this condition. Exploring the world of medicinal mushrooms may reveal new and effective ways to improve your mental well-being.

So, how does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view depression and how do medicinal mushrooms help manage depression symptoms?

Anxiety and Depression Impacts Organ Functions

From a TCM perspective, stagnant qi, or energy, in the body creates an imbalance that causes depression.

“Qi (vital energy) stagnation compromises the liver’s qi regulation function, and in turn, affects the spleen function. The spleen is responsible for the intake, processing, and distribution of nutrients from food. As a result, there is a lack of nourishment for the heart and an imbalance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the organs. The source of the problem lies in the liver, but it affects the heart, spleen, and kidney systems as TCM views the body as a whole.”

TCM Physician Lim Sock Ling

In TCM, treating depression involves regulating qi and promoting qi circulation, along with counseling. Treatment modalities include acupuncture and exercise, such as tai chi, qigong, and yoga, in addition to herbal supplements.

Types of Mushrooms For Anxiety and Depression

Studies have shown medicinal mushrooms have antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. The following list contains six mushrooms for managing depression. Many of these have other health benefits as well.

Chaga

Studies have shown that chaga extract can help prevent the production of cytokines in the body, which cause inflammation. Consuming chaga mushrooms may help alleviate symptoms because depression seems to have a link to chronic inflammation. In addition, the high antioxidant content in chaga mushrooms helps combat oxidative stress, which helps keep skin younger-looking and your immune system stronger.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps help nourish the kidneys to alleviate symptoms of depression. Caterpillar fungus, or Cordyceps sinensis, is a rare composite of dead caterpillar and fungus stromata. While it’s not taxonomically a mushroom, cordyceps has been considered a medicinal mushroom in TCM and Tibetan practice. Animal studies have shown that cordyceps may be beneficial for depression management. It benefits the kidneys and lungs. Physician Lim explains that from a TCM perspective, depression affects the kidneys. Because of this, cordyceps may indirectly help alleviate depression. Lab studies have also shown that cordyceps can inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells, including colon, skin, and liver cancers. Cordyceps also contains adenosine, a heart-protective compound. Nowadays, you can easily consume cordyceps as a supplement in the form of capsules to reap its health benefits.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms can improve symptoms of depression, help increase concentration, and alleviate anxiety and irritability. In a small human study and a study on mice, this distinctive-looking mushroom helped improve cognition and memory. In addition, studies show that lion’s mane mushrooms encourage the production of bioprotein nerve growth factors and myelin. These are both crucial to brain health. An imbalance or lack of these in the body can contribute to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi, can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. This medicinal mushroom contains a compound called triterpene. Animal studies have shown that this compound helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. TCM practitioners use reishi to invigorate qi and calm the mind. In addition, it is used to relieve cough and asthma.

Shiitake

A study has reviewed the mental health data of 24,000 participants and found a correlation between shiitake mushroom consumption and a reduced risk of depression. These mushrooms also contain compounds that inhibit the absorption and production of cholesterol in the liver. Research shows that shiitakes lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in mice. In addition, another study proves that polysaccharides in shiitakes helped inhibit the growth of leukemia cells.

Wuling Shen

Wuling shen is a traditional TCM treatment for insomnia, trauma, and depression. Studies have also shown that it has antioxidant, liver-protective, and immune-boosting properties.

Safety of Medicinal Mushrooms

Most medicinal mushrooms are safe to take in supplement form. However, it is important to seek medical advice before consuming medicinal mushrooms. This is because:

Most medicinal mushrooms are safe to take in supplement form. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Physician Lim warns that there is insufficient data on the use of medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you have an autoimmune condition, some mushrooms may cause the immune system to become overactive.
Studies have shown that high doses of reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding in some people if used before or during surgery. Physician Lim advises, “Stop consumption of reishi at least two weeks before surgery. Those with bleeding disorders should use caution or consult with a licensed TCM professional before using as it may increase the risk of bleeding.”
Chaga mushrooms contain a protein that can prevent blood clotting. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, you should avoid chaga mushrooms.
There are not sufficient studies on their safety for children.

If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, medicinal mushrooms may offer a natural treatment option. Be sure to consult your doctor or licensed TCM practitioner first.