Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi or Cordyceps? The differences and which is best? - Spiruella.nl (2025)

What do you choose Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi or Cordyceps mushrooms? These powerful mushrooms have become an indispensable part of our society. The great benefits that these mushrooms can bring us are admirable. All four mushrooms are very powerful, but which mushroom is the best, which do you choose? We therefore explain the differences between Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms.

Which powerful mushroom is the best?

Wellness drinks and supplements contain many different ingredients, but four main ones mushrooms keep coming up: Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps mushroom. What are these "fungi", what are they good for and which is the best mushroom?

Lion's Mane mushrooms*

Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus or lion's mane mushroom) grows on old or dead deciduous trees and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. The mushroom gets its name from its thin, hair-like structure, which resembles a lion's mane.

Lion's Mane has traditionally been used to aid digestion, but it is also said to be good for the brain*, support learning ability* and contribute to concentration*.

These so-called benefits come from the neuropeptides in Lion's mane. Neuropeptides are responsible for the growth, maintenance, and proliferation of neurons and myelin in our brains*. This specialized protein is also needed for the growth of sensory neurons in our brains.

Read more about the Lions Mane Mushroom?

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Chaga mushroom

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus Obliquus or Chaga) is found on the bark of birch trees in cold climates in the northern hemisphere. The outer layer of this mushroom is rich in active substances, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phenols and enzymes and is low in calories.

It is worth mentioning that the Chaga mushroom has one of the highest ORAC values ​​of all plant foods that exist. ORAC indicates the content of active substances that the product contains. The higher the ORAC value, the better the food supplement.

Chaga is a natural fungus that most people can tolerate. A possible Chaga side effect can be a slight inhibition of platelets. Therefore, Chaga is not recommended for use in autoimmune diseases, if you are taking blood thinners, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Read more about the how Chaga works.

Reishi mushroom*

Reishi mushrooms (also called Ganoderma Lucidum or Lingzhi) are found all over the world in hot and humid conditions. Wild Reishi mushrooms are rare. Therefore, farmers cultivate the powerful Reishi mushroom using grain, sawdust, logs and even cork scraps.

In traditional Chinese medicine this medicinal mushroom species revered for over two thousand years. This is also due to the high concentrations of natural vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and adaptogensReishi is good for supporting our immunity*, resistance*, blood vessels*, blood circulation* and the heart*.

That the Reishi mushroom is healthy, is evident from the many studies that have already been done on this healing mushroom. Also the Reishi mushroom experiences do not lie about the positive effect of this fungus.

Read more about the benefits of Reishi.

Cordyceps mushroom*

Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps Sinensis) is found in the soil of Chinese prairies at altitudes of 3500 to 5000 meters. This fungus is becoming increasingly rare in recent times, both due to climate change and increased demand from the wellness industry.

The benefits of Cordyceps sinensis come from the naturally occurring substances such as polysaccharides (including cyclofurans, galactomannan, beta-glucans, beta-mannans), lipids, nucleoside analogues of which are high in cordycepin and 3-deoxyadenosine

The active substances present in Cordyceps are known to have a supportive effect on our body and mind. You can think of this as support for blood circulation*, blood flow to the organs*, but also to support resistance*. In addition to the benefits mentioned, Cordyceps is also known in Ayurveda as a potency enhancer* and is therefore also called 'The Viagra of the Himalayas'.

Read more about the Cordyceps Effects.

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*Any health claims made on the basis of plant ingredients are still being processed by the ESFA at the time of writing this blog.

In the context of European legislation on health claims, we are not allowed to mention on our website for which application you can use this supplement. Of course, we can provide you with personal advice. Please feel free to contact us by email at info@spiruella.nl or use our contact form! We are happy to help you!

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Now which are the best mushrooms?

Which mushroom is the best of these four? That depends on what you want to use it for. In any case, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps all fall under the heading "Mushroom of Immortality", because of the supporting effect on resistance and immunity.

Looking for another addition from Ayurveda? Read more about the Power of Shilajit. You can also go directly here Buy Shilajit.