Key takeaways
- Mushrooms have been part of human life for thousands of years.
- They have been food, traditional preparations and powerful symbols.
- Some, like Reishi and chaga, were traditionally prepared as teas.
- Traditional use is history, not evidence of effect.
Mushrooms have fed, fascinated and frightened people for thousands of years. This article traces their place in human history, as food, as traditional preparations and as symbols.
Ancient encounters
Mushrooms as food
Mushrooms have been gathered as food across Europe, Asia and the Americas. In East Asia, cultivation of mushrooms such as shiitake dates back many centuries.
Traditional preparations
Some mushrooms, too tough to eat, were prepared as teas and decoctions. Reishi in China and chaga in northern Europe and Siberia are notable examples. See Reishi Through History and Chaga in Northern European and Siberian Traditions.
Mushrooms as symbols
Mushrooms have symbolised long life, good fortune, mystery and even danger. Reishi became an emblem of longevity in Chinese art, while European folklore linked fairy rings to the supernatural.
Rarity and value
Some fungi, such as the Himalayan caterpillar fungus, were valued partly for their rarity. See Cordyceps Through History.
From tradition to science
In recent decades, scientists have begun studying the compounds in these mushrooms. Tradition prompted the questions; modern research is still working on the answers. See Understanding Mushroom Science.
Continue with Lion’s Mane in East Asian Food and Herbal Traditions.