Functional vs. Medicinal Mushrooms – What’s the Difference?
This is a question we’ve been repeatedly asked and even questioned ourselves when talking about the vast benefits of the variety mushrooms now available to us in all their guises.
Our primary aim at Caley Brothers is to grow and get you growing delicious, fresh and a variety of great quality edible mushrooms. Beyond their culinary delights many mushrooms boast more whole-body benefits and in recent years we’ve seen a huge rise in mushroom based products with the promise of ‘medical’ and functional’ benefits.
But what do these terms actually mean, and why are they used?
Functional and medicinal mushrooms are terms used to describe mushrooms with health benefits, however, their meaning differs depending on context, tradition and regulation.
For centuries mushrooms have been valued in both culinary, and traditional medicine practices. Ancient cultures, from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Indigenous healing systems, have long used mushrooms for their potential to support immunity, cognition, and overall well-being.
Today, functional mushrooms are marketed in the wellness and food industries, focusing on general health support, while medicinal mushrooms are more commonly referenced in scientific and clinical discussions regarding specific therapeutic effects.
The narrow distinction between the two means the terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding their differences is important - especially when discussing mushrooms in the context of health, science, or commercial products. Whether you’re consuming mushrooms for their rich umami flavours or exploring their broader benefits, knowing how these terms apply can help you make informed choices.
Functional Mushrooms 🍄
The term functional mushrooms is widely used in the wellness and food industries to describe mushrooms that offer health-supporting properties beyond basic nutrition. These mushrooms are often consumed as part of a daily diet or as supplements for their potential benefits, such as immune support, cognitive function, and gut health.
Medicinal Mushrooms 🌱
The term medicinal mushrooms is often used in scientific and traditional herbal medicine contexts to describe fungi with bioactive compounds studied for therapeutic potential. Many medicinal mushrooms have been researched for their effects on the immune system, inflammation, and even potential cancer support.
While all medicinal mushrooms are functional, not all functional mushrooms are considered medicinal. The key difference lies in scientific validation, regulation, and health claims.
Many functional mushrooms have the potential to be classified as medicinal, but research and funding in this area have been slow. As interest grows and investment increases, we’re hopeful that the benefits of more common, affordable, and accessible mushrooms will become better understood - allowing them to take their rightful place in our diets and wellness routines.
Until then - did you know that the accessible, delicious, and affordable Grey Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) - primarily considered a functional mushroom - also boasts impressive health benefits?
While it doesn’t yet hold the same "medicinal" status as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, or Chaga, ongoing research and clinical trials suggest it may offer comparable benefits.
With studies exploring its potential for immune support, cholesterol reduction, and antioxidant properties, Grey Oyster mushrooms are gaining attention for their role in wellness. As research continues, these everyday mushrooms could soon stand alongside the top medicinal mushrooms, proving that functional food can be both powerful and practical.
You can read our blog ‘Stand back Lion’s Mane - the Oysters are coming!’ to learn more about these unsung heroes of the supermarket aisle.
Grow Your Own Mushrooms Today! If you want to start your own mushroom-growing journey - visit our shop to explore our range of growing kits and supplies.
Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned cultivator, we have everything you need to bring the magic of mushrooms to life.
Happy growing.
Content Powered by Creativity and AI |This page was crafted with the assistance of AI to ensure clear, engaging, and informative content for our audience. While AI helped streamline the writing process, all ideas, collaborations, and mushroom-growing expertise come directly from the heart of our team here at Caley Brothers.
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