MARCH 2020 • 23
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Chaga
Not tech-
nically
a mushroom,
chaga comes
from a fungus
that grows in cold
climates, primarily
on birch trees. It looks like a chunk of
charred wood, but has a soft, brilliant
orange interior. It’s a staple in Russian,
Asian, and Scandinavian folk medicine,
usually consumed as a tea to improve
immunity and boost resistance.
What it does. High in antioxidants,
it protects against inflammation by
inhibiting inflammatory compounds.
Chaga also fights viral and bacterial
infections, improves immune response,
and may protect against cancer.
What to look for. You’ll find chaga
in powdered form, or in capsules or
tinctures. It’s also sold in dried chunks
or powdered as an ingredient in
mushroom-based coffee substitutes.
How to use it. Chaga has an earthy,
slightly bitter flavor that’s perfect as a
coffee alternative—just simmer dried
chunks of chaga in water, then strain.
Or heat coconut milk, then whisk in
chaga powder, cocoa powder, and honey
or agave to make a healing mocha.4
Cordyceps
Like
chaga,
it’s not techni-
cally a mush-
room. Instead,
cordyceps is a
fungus that grows
on caterpillars in the mountainous
regions of China. Modern versions
are grown on grains, usually rice, so
they’re vegan. Cordyceps has been
used in Asian medicine for thousands
of years to treat fatigue, improve sex
drive, and boost energy.
What it does. Improves physical
performance, and speeds up muscle
recovery after workouts. It appears
to work by enhancing cellular energy,
increasing insulin sensitivity,and improving blood flow. Cordyceps
also has immune-boosting and cancer-
preventive properties.
What to look for. Whole, dried
cordyceps is very hard to find,
but some specialty shops and
Asian markets carry it. In
general, you’ll find it in powders,
capsules, or tinctures, or as
an ingredient in mushroom-
based coffee alternatives.
How to use it. Cordyceps has
a mild, earthy flavor that incor-
porates easily into many recipes.
Use cordyceps powder in DIY energy
bars: Combine dates, almonds, pump-
kin seeds, cacao nibs, and cordyceps
powder in a food processor; grind into a
paste and form into bars or balls.5
Lion’s
mane
This
large, white
fungus has
long, shaggy
spines that
resemble a lion’s
mane—hence the name. Also known
as Hericium erinaceus or hedgehog
mushroom, lion’s mane grows on
hardwood trees in North America, Asia,
and Europe, and has been traditionally
used to support brain health.
What it does. Supports cognitive health
and memory and protects against cognitive
decline by promoting production of
nerve growth factor, critical in the
development and survival of neurons,
and regulating cells in the nervous system.
Lion’s mane may also ease anxiety,
reduce depression, and improve sleep.
What to look for. You can find whole,
fresh lion’s mane mushrooms at
specialty stores, farmers’ markets, and
some large grocery stores. Or look for
it in powders, capsules, tinctures, or
mushroom-based coffee substitutes.
How to use it. Lion’s mane mushrooms
have a firm texture and mild flavor
that’s reminiscent of lobster. Cut them
into steaks and sauté in butter or olive
oil with garlic and black pepper.6
Turkey Tail
This fan-
shaped
fungus with
alternating
concentric
circles in red,
orange, and brown
hues, resembles a turkey’s tail—hence
the name. Also known as Coriolus
versicolor or Trametes versicolor, turkey
tail is traditionally used in China and
Japan to support immune function and
promote overall health.
What it does. Protects against cancer
by stimulating the immune system,
inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells,
and reducing tumor activity. It may
also reduce the harmful side effects
of chemotherapy. Turkey tail also
has antioxidant, antibacterial, and
antiviral activity, and can protect
against HIV (human immunodeficiency
virus) infection.
What to look for. You can buy whole,
dried turkey tail online or in some Asian
markets or specialty stores. Or look for
it in capsules, tinctures, or powders.
How to use it. Turkey tail mushrooms
have a savory flavor with a very chewy
texture that’s best in soups or broths.
Soak dried turkey tail in warm water
until softened, then drain and simmer
with shiitakes, portobellos, and other
mushrooms for a flavorful broth. Or
add a spoonful of powder to a smoothie
with bananas, almond butter, coconut
milk, and vanilla extract.