Turkey Tail

“Turkey tail is one of the most widely researched functional mushrooms,” says Huss’ Earth & Star cofounder, Zoe Sakoutis. “It’s renowned for its immune support.” Research suggests turkey tail has strong antioxidant properties that may protect DNA from free radical damage. This can help to significantly improve certain immune responses. The mushroom specifically contains two notable immune-system-supportive polysaccharides, which numerous studies have shown can improve outcomes in cancer patients when administered alongside chemotherapy. Turkey tail has prebiotic properties as well.

Chaga

Turkey tail may be the most-researched mushroom, but chaga also earns a superlative for containing the highest concentration of disease-fighting antioxidant properties of all mushrooms studied. "Chaga is the most profoundly impactful and powerful antioxidant and immune supportive organism there is," says Huss. "In terms of antioxidant content, it blows all the typical foods we think of when we think of antioxidants, like pomegranates and goji berries, out of the water." Chaga has also been shown to regulate the production of cytokines, which help cells communicate and control the body’s immune and inflammation responses, among other health-supporting benefits.  

Reishi

Reishi is known as “the mushroom of immortality,” and for good reason. This specific 'shroom has shown potential as an immunomodulator, which means it can stimulate or suppress the immune system to help ward off illness. It can also help you sleep better, and adequate zzz’s are mission-critical for the health of your immune system.

Maitake & Shiitake

Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are not only delicious in a stir fry; they’ve also been shown to significantly stimulate immune response, especially when ingested together.

Lion’s mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms may be best-known for their brain-boosting benefits, but they’re no slouch in the immunity game, either. They’re super-high in those aforementioned beta glucans and have been shown to protect against bacterial infections and act as an immunomodulator.

Cordyceps

In addition to being major performance enhancers, cordyceps mushrooms have long been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine as a treatment for a variety of ailments. Like lion’s mane mushrooms and others on this list, they’ve also been shown to possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Translation: Cordyceps help to not only fight existing disease but also enhance the body’s ability to prevent future illness, too.

Tremella

Tremella may be best-known at present for its benefits to the skin, but it’s more than just a pretty face(-saver). It contains polysaccharides which enhance immune function and can even help fight off cancer.

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