Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mushrooms, as a broad category, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems—most notably in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—for supporting immune health and treating various ailments, including what would now be classified as autoimmune disorders. Specific mushrooms such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) are often cited for their "immunomodulatory" properties, meaning they are believed to help balance or regulate immune function rather than simply stimulate it. However, the use of "unspecified" mushrooms for autoimmune disorders is justified primarily by tradition rather than rigorous scientific evidence.

Some polysaccharides (like beta-glucans) found in mushrooms have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in laboratory and animal studies, and a few small human trials suggest potential benefits for immune regulation. However, robust clinical data supporting the use of unspecified mushrooms for autoimmune disorders is lacking. In fact, because autoimmune disorders involve an overactive immune response, stimulating the immune system indiscriminately (as some mushrooms might do) could theoretically worsen symptoms in some cases. As a result, while mushrooms are traditionally used to "support" immune health, there is insufficient scientific validation to recommend their use specifically for autoimmune disorders, except in the context of ongoing research or as part of traditional healing practices.

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