Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps: A Guide to Mushroom Supplements and Mushroom Coffee

By the nutrima editorial team · Last reviewed October 2026 · How we research and write

Short answer: Lion's mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps are fungi that are sold as dried powders, extracts, liquid drops, gummies and coffee blends. The most useful things to check on a mushroom label are which part of the fungus is used (fruiting body or mycelium), whether it is a whole powder or an extract (and at what ratio), whether a beta-glucan percentage is stated, and, for coffee blends, how much caffeine you are getting. Official sources such as Memorial Sloan Kettering's About Herbs database note possible interactions, most often with blood thinners, so anyone taking medication should check with a doctor first.

In this guide:

The four mushrooms, one by one

"Mushroom supplement" covers a wide range of fungi. Each species has a common name, one or more traditional names, and a Latin (scientific) name. The Latin name is the one to look for on a label, because common names can be used loosely.

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom used in East Asian cooking. It grows on dead hardwood trees and has long, white, dangling spines that give it its name. Other common names include bearded tooth mushroom, yamabushitake and pom pom mushroom. It is eaten raw, dried or cooked, and is also sold as capsules, powders and liquid extracts. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) notes that research on lion's mane is limited and that it is generally safe in food and tea, but recommends talking with a healthcare provider before taking it as a supplement.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi, also called ling zhi, is a woody, shelf-like fungus with a long history in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan and Korea. Because it is tough and bitter, it is rarely eaten as a food. It is sold as capsules, tablets, extracts, powders and teas. MSK lists beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes as its main studied constituents. Some products use reishi spore powder rather than the mushroom itself; the label should say which.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga grows on birch trees in cold climates and has been used in folk medicine across northern Europe and Russia. Strictly speaking, what is harvested is not a classic mushroom cap but a hard, dark growth (a "conk") on the tree trunk. MSK describes the conk as a mix of wood from the host tree and the fungus's mycelium. Because of its bitter taste, it is traditionally prepared as a tea; supplements come as tablets, capsules and powders.

Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris)

Wild cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly Cordyceps sinensis) is a fungus that grows on the larvae of a moth in high-altitude regions and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Wild cordyceps is scarce, so most supplements use a cultivated species, Cordyceps militaris, or cultivated mycelium. These are different organisms, so a label that names the species tells you much more than one that just says "cordyceps".

Fruiting body vs mycelium

A fungus has two main parts that end up in supplements:

  • Fruiting body: the part above the surface that we usually call "the mushroom" (the cap and stem, or the shelf or conk on a tree).
  • Mycelium: the network of thread-like filaments that grows through soil, wood or another growing medium. It is the main body of the fungus, and the fruiting body grows from it.

Both are used commercially. Mycelium is often grown on a grain such as rice or oats, and when the whole thing is dried and milled, the finished powder contains the mycelium plus some of the grain it grew on. Labels may call this "mycelium", "mycelium on grain", "myceliated brown rice" or "mycelial biomass". Fruiting body products are usually labeled "fruiting body" or "mushroom".

Neither term tells you about quality on its own. What it does tell you is what you are actually buying, which matters when comparing two products that look the same on the front of the box.

Label wording What it usually means What to check
Fruiting body The above-ground mushroom (cap, stem, conk) Whether it is a whole powder or an extract
Mycelium / mycelial biomass The root-like network, often grown on grain Whether the grain is listed; whether a beta-glucan figure is given
Mycelium on grain / myceliated rice Mycelium and the grain it grew on, dried together The grain is part of the weight per serving
Spore powder Spores collected from the fruiting body (common with reishi) Spores are a separate ingredient from the mushroom itself
Full spectrum / whole mushroom Marketing terms with no fixed definition Look for the specific part listed in the ingredient panel

Extract ratios like 10:1 and what they mean

Mushroom ingredients come in two broad types:

  • Whole powder: dried mushroom (or mycelium) ground into a powder. Nothing is removed.
  • Extract: the dried material is soaked in hot water, alcohol or both, the liquid is collected, and it is then concentrated or dried. Tough cell walls and woody fiber are left behind.

An extract ratio such as 10:1 means that about 10 parts of dried starting material were used to make 1 part of finished extract. So 500 mg of a 10:1 extract was made from roughly 5,000 mg (5 g) of dried mushroom. Some labels express this as "equivalent to 5,000 mg dried mushroom".

A few points to keep in mind when you see a ratio:

  • The ratio describes how much raw material went in, not how much of any particular compound came out. Two 10:1 extracts made with different solvents or starting material can be quite different.
  • "Equivalent" figures can look large. The weight that actually goes into each capsule is the number in the Amount Per Serving column.
  • "Dual extract" usually means both hot water and alcohol were used, often to collect different groups of compounds.
  • A ratio does not appear on every label. When it is missing, the product may be a whole powder rather than an extract; the ingredient list should say.

Beta-glucans and polysaccharides on the label

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide (a long chain of sugar molecules) found in fungal cell walls. They are among the most studied compounds in mushrooms, which is why some labels list a beta-glucan percentage, for example "standardized to 30% beta-glucans".

How to read these figures:

  • "Beta-glucans" vs "polysaccharides": polysaccharides is a broader group. It can include starch (an alpha-glucan), especially in mycelium grown on grain. A beta-glucan figure is the narrower, more specific measurement.
  • Percent vs milligrams: a percentage applies to the ingredient, not the whole capsule. 500 mg of an extract at 30% beta-glucans contains about 150 mg of beta-glucans.
  • No figure listed: many products do not state one. That is common and not a reason to assume anything either way; it simply means the label does not give you that information.

For a full walkthrough of serving sizes, the Amount Per Serving column and "proprietary blends", see our guide to reading a Supplement Facts label.

Drops vs capsules vs gummies vs powders vs coffee

The same mushroom can come in very different formats, and the format changes what you see on the label.

Format What it is Label details to check Practical notes
Capsules Powder or extract in a capsule shell Capsules per serving; mg per serving; capsule material (gelatin or plant-based) No taste; easy to compare mg between products
Liquid drops A liquid extract taken by dropper Serving size in mL; the base liquid (water, glycerin or alcohol); the ratio or mg-equivalent Check for alcohol if you avoid it; shake before use if the label says so
Gummies Extract in a chewable base Gummies per serving; added sugars and calories in the Supplement Facts; other ingredients Mushroom amounts per gummy are often smaller than in capsules
Oral strips A thin film that dissolves on the tongue Strips per serving; mg per strip Small amounts per strip; no water needed
Powders Loose powder to mix into drinks or food Scoop size in grams; servings per container Flexible serving size; taste can be earthy or bitter
Mushroom coffee Coffee blended with mushroom powder or extract Whether a Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts panel is used; the amount of mushroom per serving; caffeine Contains caffeine unless the coffee is decaf

A caffeine note for mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is still coffee. Unless it is made with decaffeinated coffee, it contains caffeine, and the amount depends on how much coffee is in the blend, the roast and how you brew it. Some blends use less coffee per serving than a standard cup, but the label may not give a caffeine figure.

The FDA cites 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee, as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults. The FDA also notes that people vary widely in how sensitive they are to caffeine, that some conditions and medications make people more sensitive, and that anyone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their healthcare provider about caffeine. Signs of too much caffeine listed by the FDA include a fast heart rate, jitters, trouble sleeping, upset stomach and headache.

If you drink mushroom coffee alongside regular coffee, tea, energy drinks or a caffeinated supplement, count all of them together.

How to read a mushroom Supplement Facts panel

Here is a step-by-step way to read a mushroom product label:

  1. Serving size. Is one serving one capsule, two capsules, one dropper or two gummies? All the numbers below it apply to that serving.
  2. Species and Latin name. For example, "Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)". In blends, each mushroom should be listed.
  3. Part used. Fruiting body, mycelium, spores, or a combination.
  4. Form. Powder or extract, with the ratio if given.
  5. Amount per serving. In mg (or mL for liquids). If a "proprietary blend" is listed, you will see the total weight of the blend but not each mushroom's individual amount. Ingredients in a blend are listed in descending order by weight.
  6. % Daily Value. Mushrooms do not have a Daily Value, so this column usually shows an asterisk with the note "Daily Value not established". Vitamins or minerals in the same product will have a %DV.
  7. Other ingredients. Capsule shell, flow agents, sweeteners, flavors, the grain a mycelium was grown on, and the base liquid in drops.
  8. Directions and warnings. Follow the suggested use on the label, and read any warning statements.

Safety notes and who should talk to a doctor first

Mushroom supplements are more concentrated than mushrooms eaten as food, and MSK points out that herbal supplements can interact with medications. These are the notes MSK lists for each species:

Mushroom Side effects listed by MSK Talk to your healthcare provider if you
Lion's mane Abdominal discomfort, nausea, skin rash Plan to take it as a supplement rather than as food
Reishi Nausea, trouble sleeping, liver injury Take blood thinners such as warfarin; take medicines that suppress the body's natural defenses (for example after an organ transplant); take reishi spore powder and have cancer-related blood tests
Chaga No reported side effects in MSK's patient summary; MSK's reference list includes case reports of kidney problems linked to oxalate in chaga Take blood thinners such as warfarin, because chaga may increase bleeding risk
Cordyceps No major side effects reported Take insulin or other diabetes medicines; take blood thinners such as warfarin

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any mushroom supplement if you:

  • Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. NCCIH notes that many dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children.
  • Are under 18.
  • Take any prescription medicine, particularly blood thinners, diabetes medicines or transplant medicines.
  • Have a medical condition, including liver or kidney disease or a bleeding disorder.
  • Have surgery or a dental procedure coming up. MSK notes a case report of excessive bleeding during a dental procedure linked to cordyceps.
  • Have a mushroom or mold allergy.

NCCIH also notes that dietary supplements may interact with medications, may pose risks for people with certain medical problems, and can affect bleeding or anesthesia around surgery. Dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before they are sold. Tell all of your healthcare providers about every supplement you take.

Storage

  • Keep capsules, gummies and powders in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Mushroom powders absorb moisture and can clump.
  • Keep gummies away from heat; they can soften and stick together.
  • Store drops upright with the cap closed, and follow any "refrigerate after opening" instruction on the label.
  • Keep whole-bean or ground mushroom coffee sealed and away from light and humidity.
  • Check the expiration or use-by date printed on the pack, and keep all supplements out of reach of children.

Shop this category

Browse our mushroom supplements collection and our coffee and tea collection. A selection, described by what each one contains and its format (always check the Supplement Facts on each product page for the part used, the form and the amount per serving):

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Frequently asked questions

Is a mycelium product the same as a mushroom product?

No. Mycelium is the root-like network of the fungus, and the fruiting body is the mushroom that grows from it. Both are used in supplements. Mycelium is often grown on grain, and the grain can end up in the finished powder. The ingredient panel should state which part is used.

What does "10:1 extract" mean?

About 10 parts of dried mushroom were used to make 1 part of extract. It describes the starting material, not the amount of any particular compound in the finished product. The weight actually in each serving is the figure in the Amount Per Serving column.

Why don't mushroom supplements show a % Daily Value?

Daily Values exist only for nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Mushrooms and their extracts do not have one, so the label shows an asterisk and "Daily Value not established".

Does mushroom coffee have caffeine?

Yes, unless it is made with decaf coffee. The amount varies with the coffee content, roast and brewing. The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, and recommends that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding ask their healthcare provider about caffeine.

Can I take mushroom supplements with blood thinners?

Ask your doctor first. MSK lists possible increased bleeding risk with reishi, chaga and cordyceps when taken with blood thinners such as warfarin.

Are mushroom gummies the same strength as capsules?

Not necessarily. Gummies often contain smaller amounts of mushroom per piece, plus sugars or sweeteners. Compare the milligrams per serving and the form (powder or extract) on each Supplement Facts panel.

Sources

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.