Vital Mushrooms: A Thousand-Year Tradition for Today's Hectic Pace

10. 7. 2026

In today's hectic world, we are increasingly struggling with fatigue, stress, an overwhelmed mind, and a lack of quality rest. The modern pace of life places high demands on the body, and it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for natural ways to support their vitality. That's why we are turning back to nature and what it offers us.

Among the most valuable natural gifts are vital mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, which are finding their place in today's world. In this article, we will explain what vital mushrooms are, why there's so much talk about them, what the difference is between organic powder and premium extract, why simply looking at the milligram count in a capsule isn't enough, and why beta-glucans are important in mushrooms. We will also introduce four vital mushrooms currently available from BEWIT: Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga.

Why vital mushrooms have their place in the modern world

Vital mushrooms are certainly not a new trend. In Asian countries, they have been part of traditional approaches to vitality care for several millennia. Some species were so highly prized that they were only given to imperial families or were referred to as mushrooms of longevity or immortality.

What has been passed down through generations of experience is now increasingly being researched by modern science. Researchers' interest focuses primarily on the bioactive substances contained in vital mushrooms, which include particularly beta-glucans, triterpenes, hericenones, erinacines, cordycepin, and others.

What are vital mushrooms

Vital mushrooms (often also referred to as medicinal or functional mushrooms) are species of fungi that have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and folk healing for their far-reaching benefits to the human body. Unlike common edible mushrooms, they contain a high concentration of biologically active substances that support both body and mind.

Each vital mushroom has a slightly different character. Some are more associated with calm and balance, others with an active lifestyle, focus, or long-term vitality care.

Discover BEWIT vital mushrooms

Currently, BEWIT offers four vital mushrooms: Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga in both organic and premium quality. Each has a slightly different character, a different tradition, and suits a different daily routine. In this article, we will briefly introduce them. We will cover these and other vital mushrooms in more detail in separate articles.

1. Reishi: Lingzhi mushroom
Reishi BIO is also nicknamed the "queen of mushrooms" or "mushroom of immortality" and is one of the best-known vital mushrooms. In traditional approaches, it is associated with harmony, calm, and balance. It is suitable for anyone who wants to slow down, create an evening ritual, or support a sense of inner well-being during a demanding period.

2. Lion’s Mane: Hericium erinaceus
Lion’s Mane BIO, also known as Hericium erinaceus or Hericium, is particularly popular with people who do mental work. It is suitable for the morning routine of students, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants a clearer and more focused mind.

3. Cordyceps: Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps BIO, known in English as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is traditionally associated with an active lifestyle, energy, and vitality. It is often sought after by people with demanding daily schedules, athletes, or those who want to support their daily performance naturally.

4. Chaga: Inonotus obliquus
Chaga BIO, known in English as Inonotus obliquus, grows mainly in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, often on birch trees. It is known for its natural content of valuable substances and is often part of long-term care for vitality and balance.

Where do BEWIT vital mushrooms come from?

The origin of the raw material is important for vital mushrooms. Mushrooms naturally react to the environment in which they grow, and that is why it makes sense to monitor not only the type of mushroom but also its origin, cultivation or harvesting method, and subsequent processing.

Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps BEWIT come from the Lishui area in Zhejiang province, China. This region is known for its natural conditions suitable for cultivating vital mushrooms. The mushrooms are grown here in a certified organic environment.

Chaga BEWIT comes from Jilin province in China, which is characterised by extensive forests and a colder climate. Unlike the other mushrooms mentioned, Chaga is harvested in the wild.

Can vital mushrooms be combined?

Mushrooms are very often combined. Each supports the body and mind in a slightly different way, and therefore they can complement each other.

Reishi and Lion’s Mane - This combination is suitable for periods when you want to support mental performance, concentration, memory, and at the same time care for psychological balance. It can make sense during demanding mental work, studying, or periods of increased inner tension.

Reishi and Chaga - The combination of Reishi and Chaga is often chosen by people who want to care for overall body balance, vitality, and natural harmony of the body. It can also be useful during periods when the body is more affected by stress, seasonal changes, or long-term strain.

Reishi and Cordyceps - This combination is suitable for fatigue, physical exertion, sports, or a demanding daily routine. Cordyceps is often associated with the active part of the day, performance, and vitality, while Reishi is more suitable for a calmer regime, regeneration, and evening winding down.

Powder vs. mushroom extract: what's the difference?

Do you want to support your health with the power of functional mushrooms, but get lost in the terminology? Let's simply and directly show you the difference between classic powder and premium extract, so you can choose exactly what your body needs.

Mushroom powder - vital mushrooms in organic quality

Mushroom powder represents a pure organic variant of the product. The powder is created by gently drying and grinding the entire mushroom. In a capsule, you thus get a 100% natural product in its original, whole form. It contains a natural and broad spectrum of nutrients, including fibre, minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Thanks to this comprehensive composition, it is an ideal partner for long-term prevention and gradual, natural enrichment of the body as a functional food.

Mushroom extract - vital mushrooms in premium quality

Mushroom extract represents a highly effective premium variant in organic quality for those seeking maximum effect. The extract is produced using a dual extraction method, which is a combined hot water and alcohol extraction. This process can release and concentrate both water-soluble substances (such as immunostimulatory beta-glucans) and fat-soluble ones (such as triterpenes) from the mushroom.

The resulting product is therefore more concentrated than ordinary powder and provides a precisely guaranteed amount of bioactive substances. It is an excellent choice for intensive and targeted support, for example, when natural immunity is weakened or during fatigue.

Why 500 mg of extract does not mean 500 mg of beta-glucans

You see 500 mg of extract on the label. Does that automatically mean a higher quality product? The answer is simple: no. The weight of the extract alone does not determine the true strength of the product. In scientific studies, the effects of medicinal mushrooms are evaluated by the amount of beta-glucans consumed per day, not by the total weight of the capsule. The figure of 500 mg of extract alone does not tell you how much of that consists of the most important substances.

Remember the basic rule: 500 mg of extract ≠ 500 mg of beta-glucans. Two products with exactly the same grammage can have a completely different therapeutic effect due to different concentrations.

Consider a simple example:

• Product A: Contains 500 mg of extract with 20% beta-glucans, giving you 100 mg of active ingredients.

• Product B: Also contains 500 mg of extract, but with 40% beta-glucans. In one capsule, you thus get 200 mg of active ingredients.

Although both products contain the same amount of extract, the second one provides the body with double the dose of biologically active beta-glucans. It is not the volume that is decisive, but the concentration of active ingredients.

In clinical studies, the tested and recommended daily doses of beta-glucans to support the body most often range from 100–500 mg. However, the specific dose may vary depending on the type of mushroom, type of extract, beta-glucan content, and the study's objective.

Quality manufacturers therefore do not hide the reality behind the total capsule weight on their labels. Standardised content in percentages or the exact amount in mg per daily dose allows you to clearly see what you are giving your body. This is also why BEWIT states the exact amount of beta-glucans in the recommended daily dose (table) on its products. This information is more understandable and, from a scientific point of view, much more valuable than the extract's weight alone.

*The main active ingredients of this extract are triterpenoids, whose content in the recommended daily dose (3 capsules) is up to 90 mg. In this case, the main standardised parameter is not the beta-glucan content, but the triterpenoid content.

How to choose the right vital mushroom?

Each vital mushroom has its specific character, so it's best to choose according to what your body currently needs most. If you are struggling with daily hustle and bustle, inner restlessness, and need overall calming, harmonisation, and sleep support, your clear choice is Reishi. Conversely, during periods when you feel low on energy, are facing demanding physical performance, or need a vitality boost, reach for Cordyceps.

For days full of intense mental strain, when you need to support concentration, memory, and a clear mind for work or study, Lion's Mane (Hericium) is the ideal partner. And if you feel your body is facing adverse external influences, the seasons are changing, and you need to maximally support your natural resilience, wild-grown Chaga will serve you excellently.

Unsure about your choice or have specific questions? Do not hesitate to contact our free BEWIT advisory, medical, and scientific board, where we will be happy to help you find the right products for your individual needs.

Find out even more about vital mushrooms

This article is just an introduction to the world of vital mushrooms. Our current offering is just the beginning. We are preparing more amazing mushroom species for you on the e-shop, and with them, new articles, tips, and guides will be added to the blog.

Therefore, be sure to regularly follow our blog and social media so you don't miss any new product releases or practical tips to support your lifestyle and vitality.

What to remember from the article?

Vital mushrooms are a millennia-old cherished gift from nature, helping modern people cope with inner restlessness, fatigue, and supporting the overall balance of body and mind.

However, always look beneath the surface of the capsule's grammage, because 500 mg of extract does not mean 500 mg of beta-glucans. The true strength of a product is determined by transparent labelling, clear origin, and most importantly, the actual amount of active substances in the daily dose that truly deliver the maximum of their natural power to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are vital mushrooms?
Vital (or medicinal) mushrooms are specific types of fungi that have a thousand-year tradition of use, especially in Asian culture. In today's fast-paced world, they have become a popular part of modern lifestyles, as they represent a purely natural way to support the body and mind in managing stress, fatigue, and caring for overall vitality.

What is the difference between powder and extract?
The main difference is in the processing method and potency. Powder is a pure organic variant, created by simply drying and grinding the entire mushroom, so it contains a broad spectrum of nutrients, including fibre and vitamins, for long-term prevention. Extract, on the other hand, is a premium variant, produced using a dual extraction method. This process releases and concentrates only the most potent active substances from the mushroom many times over for a rapid and targeted effect.

Why are beta-glucans important?
Beta-glucans are among the key bioactive substances that science most frequently researches in vital mushrooms and that have the greatest impact on our resilience. When comparing products on the market, you should therefore primarily monitor how many milligrams of pure beta-glucans you actually consume in a daily dose.

Can I combine several vital mushrooms?
Yes, combining different types of mushrooms is completely common and very effective. Each mushroom has a slightly different character and affects different areas of the body. You can easily create a combination tailored to your lifestyle – for example, Cordyceps in the morning for energy and Reishi in the evening for calming and better regeneration.

Does more milligrams in a capsule mean a better product?
Absolutely not. The weight of the capsule alone (e.g., 500 mg) tells you nothing about its true strength without further information. Two products with the same grammage can have completely different effects. It is always necessary to observe whether it is a basic powder or a concentrated extract, and especially what the real proportion of beta-glucans and other bioactive substances, such as triterpenes, is.

Related products

Lion's Mane Premium, BIO (≥30 % betaglucans)

Lion´s mane, BIO

Cordyceps Premium, BIO (≥30% Beta-Glucans)

Chaga Premium, Organic ( ≥34% BetaGlucans)

Reishi Premium, BIO (≥ 30% Beta-Glucans)

Cordyceps, BIO

Chaga, Organic

Reishi, Organic