Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Chinese and Japanese traditions for hundreds of years. Even though they’re still relatively new in Western medicine, there’s a growing interest and for good reason. These humble plants have many powerful health benefits – including supporting the immune system. So, if you’re new to medicinal mushrooms, here are three varieties along with their health benefits.

In general, medicinal mushrooms are good for immunity because they contain compounds that look like microbes. And when your immune system senses these microbe-like compounds, it steps up its game and strengthens its defenses. This makes your immune system more alert and prepared for when a real illness arrives.

So, if you’d like to tap into this immune-boosting health benefits, look for these mushroom species in health food supplements.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is also known as the mushroom of immortality and longevity. This may be due to its restorative properties in supporting the adrenal glands. Therefore, if you’re getting sick a lot, overdoing it and feeling stressed out, the Reishi mushroom can help.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Apart from supporting the immune system, Lion’s Mane also provides neurological and mental benefits by protecting the growth of neurons. Research even shows that it can even help in the treatment of anxiety and depression, as wll as support cognitive function.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

This well-known mushroom is a great addition to your year-long diet to strengthen immunity. What’s more, the compound within Maitake, called D-fraction, may be useful in treating cancer, and it can also help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and other cardiovascular issues.