Top 10 Most Rare Mushrooms in Vietnam

Reishi Mushroom (also known as Ganoderma, Immortality Herb, or Thousand-Year Herb) is a type of mushroom in the Ganodermataceae family. This exceptional mushroom has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, cleansing the digestive system to relieve constipation, calming the mind to reduce stress, combating fatty liver and atherosclerosis, preventing cancer and slowing tumor cell growth, managing diabetes, and promoting healthy skin. Reishi has been a treasured natural remedy for thousands of years, renowned for its health-enhancing and disease-fighting properties. Today, it is increasingly used worldwide and has become a focal point for medical research and cosmetic applications.

Reishi is regarded as a top-tier medicinal mushroom, featured in ancient texts such as the “Shennong Bencao” and the “Compendium of Materia Medica.” In modern medicine, its therapeutic effects are continuously explored, with scientists discovering new benefits over time. Research has confirmed that Reishi contains water-soluble polysaccharides, which help fight cancer, regulate the immune system, and lower blood pressure. Another important compound, triterpenes (also known as ganoderic acids), helps alleviate allergic reactions by inhibiting histamine release, improves oxygen absorption, and enhances liver function.

Lion's Mane Mushroom is widely distributed across East Asia. Unlike most mushrooms, it does not grow on the ground, but rather on decaying hardwood trees, particularly oak or other broad-leaved trees. This mushroom is commonly used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as other gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, it is known to have therapeutic effects for Alzheimer's disease, slowing the aging process by promoting nerve regeneration, strengthening the immune system, and helping to combat lung cancer metastasis. Known as ‘Monkey Head Mushroom’ or ‘Monkey Brain Mushroom,’ it is a rare and valuable medicinal mushroom that is also known for its delicious and nutritious properties. It is found across China, Japan, and Vietnam.

Lion's Mane Mushroom thrives on wood substrates, just like Reishi and Turkey Tail. It grows naturally on trees such as oak or decaying bark, sometimes even penetrating the inner layers of the tree, potentially killing it. In Japan, it is referred to as Yamabushitake, reminiscent of ancient mountain bandits’ jewelry, while in China it is called Houtou, named after its resemblance to a monkey’s head. This mushroom is often used in powdered form, steeped in hot water like tea, or soaked in alcohol to create a potent medicinal brew. It is valued as a nourishing food, an energy booster, and is particularly renowned for its cancer-fighting properties. Lion's Mane Mushroom is considered a treasure in the cool climate of Da Lat’s highlands.

Phuc Linh Thien Mushroom is known for its ability to restore vitality, boost energy, and most notably, its potential to inhibit tumors, even shrinking malignant ones. It also stands out for its unparalleled ability to stabilize blood pressure. The primary reason for its high cost is its remarkable cancer-fighting properties. Phuc Linh Thien is a parasitic mushroom that grows on the roots of pine trees, typically 20-30 cm beneath the surface. It has a dark brown, rough exterior with some areas showing bumps. This mushroom is classified by its color: white varieties are called Bai Lin, and pinkish-gray ones are known as Chi Lin. It is far more potent than ginseng, especially beneficial for patients in critical condition. In Vietnam, Phuc Linh Thien is found in Hoang Lien Son.

This mushroom, considered a miraculous tonic (Phuc Shen), grows only on the branches of a rare pine tree. It is highly revered for its health-restoring powers and is extremely rare. Recently discovered in Vietnam, it has been dubbed Phuc Linh Thien or Phuc Shen. Other names include Phuc Linh Pi and Chi Phuc Linh. This rare mushroom has been found in only a few regions of Vietnam, with the largest specimen weighing 14 kg and being valued at 200 million VND, though the owner refused to sell.

Termite Mushroom (scientifically known as Termitomyces albuminosus) is a naturally occurring mushroom. It is both a delicious and nutritious food source with high economic value. This mushroom grows in highland areas with suitable climates, such as Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and several other provinces in Southeast Vietnam. It has a white cap with a slight yellowish tint at the base. Despite numerous efforts to cultivate it, its numbers continue to dwindle due to climate change and environmental factors. The termite mushroom is often considered the 'king' of mushrooms due to its rarity and exceptional qualities. It is not only a sought-after delicacy but also a highly regarded medicinal ingredient. As a result, its price can be quite high and it is in great demand.

Harvesting termite mushrooms requires rising early and a bit of luck, as their lifespan is very short. By midday, they begin to wither or are consumed by animals and insects. Therefore, locals must quickly collect them to prevent spoilage. The mushroom naturally has a sweet flavor, so there’s no need to add meat, fish, or MSG when cooking, as it would overpower its distinctive taste. Termite Mushroom is known for its unique sweet and fragrant taste, with a chewy texture that sets it apart from other mushrooms. This rare and delicious treat is highly prized, especially during the early harvest season.

Seafood Mushroom, also known as White Enoki or White Blood Mushroom, is a white mushroom with a flavor similar to seafood. Rich in minerals and amino acids, this mushroom helps improve memory and gradually enhances the nervous system. It also boosts the immune system, which can aid in preventing cancer and other serious diseases. White Enoki provides essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, without causing obesity. With high levels of compounds that act like antibiotics, it is highly beneficial for health. Additionally, it has properties that fight aging, bacteria, and viruses. One of its most notable effects is its ability to activate the production of interleukin and macrophages, which helps block tumor growth and destroy tumor cells.

The mushroom is named 'Seafood Mushroom' because of its seafood-like characteristics and taste. Its cap is small, white, and its stems are thick and long. It is packed with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body. The Seafood Mushroom also contains active compounds that can help prevent cancer, one of the major diseases of the century. Due to its high nutritional value, it is a popular ingredient in households, regularly featured in meals. As it is 100% sourced from Vietnam, the flavor of the mushroom is guaranteed, especially when combined with other local ingredients.

The Green Lim Fungus (Ganoderma Lucidum), according to the book 'Rare Medicinal Plants of Vietnam,' is a unique species that only grows on the green lim tree in virgin forests in Vietnam and Laos. Scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. Ex Fr.) Karst., this fungus belongs to the Ganodermataceae family. Clinical trials have shown that Green Lim Fungus has therapeutic properties, divided into two categories: the first includes supporting and preventing treatments for cancer, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, prostate enlargement, recovery from strokes, gout, arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and digestive issues like stomach ulcers and colitis; the second group involves liver detoxification, cholesterol reduction, blood pressure regulation, and weight loss.

Doctors advise that while Green Lim Fungus can be beneficial, it should not replace conventional treatments. The effects of traditional medicine and modern medicine differ in their mechanisms, so combining both is often recommended. This rare mushroom, found only in pristine forests, is a prized health supplement used to restore bodily functions and enhance vitality. It is renowned for its potential to support the treatment of cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, liver detoxification, and gout.

Chicken Fat Mushroom contains compounds that help treat liver-related diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as various types of cancer, while boosting the body's immune system. This mushroom also helps prevent conditions related to high cholesterol and promotes smooth blood circulation. It features a soft stem with high edges and a concave cap that is a golden yellow, resembling chicken fat. In addition, Chicken Fat Mushroom is rich in fiber, which helps women maintain their body shape and overall health. According to Wikipedia, it is one of the most widespread mushrooms globally, cultivated in over 70 countries. It is one of the most nutritious mushrooms, providing 28 calories per 100g, with only 0.5g of fat and no cholesterol. Instead, it is packed with 2.2g of fiber, as well as essential minerals such as 4mg of vitamin C, 6mg of calcium, 1.7mg of iron, 8 IU of vitamin D, 0.1mg of vitamin B6, 12mg of magnesium, 2mg of sodium, and 356mg of potassium. Furthermore, it contains plant-based proteins (2.2g), which are healthier and more beneficial than animal protein.

Traditional medicine sources describe Chicken Fat Mushroom as sweet and cool, with properties that benefit the spleen, boost energy, moisturize the lungs, dissolve phlegm, and improve digestion. It is particularly suitable for those suffering from loss of appetite, fatigue due to spleen weakness, breastfeeding mothers with low milk supply, chronic bronchitis, chronic hepatitis, and leukopenia. Beyond its medicinal uses, Chicken Fat Mushroom can be prepared into various delicious dishes that also act as health tonics, such as stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, stir-fried shrimp with mushrooms, tofu stew with mushrooms, and stir-fried mushrooms with intestines.

Heart Bamboo Mushroom, also known as the Queen’s Mushroom, is scientifically named Dictyophora indusiata. This premium mushroom is not only beneficial for health but also has many medicinal properties. Studies have shown that extracts from Heart Bamboo Mushroom can help prevent and treat diseases such as breast cancer, gout, and boost the immune system. The mushroom has a range of benefits, including enhancing energy, improving lung and brain functions, stabilizing blood pressure, and contains Polysaccharides—biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Polysaccharides are particularly effective in stimulating immune responses and treating gynecological diseases, while also helping prevent tumors in women. The mushroom typically grows in the soil, with a dark brown or black conical cap covered by a slimy coating when young. As it matures, the cap expands to reveal a network-like structure, golden or white in color, that covers the entire mushroom, which is often compared to a 'veil' worn by court beauties of ancient times. This extravagant appearance and color make the Heart Bamboo Mushroom far more striking than regular mushrooms. This is one reason why it is also referred to as the Queen’s Mushroom. The mushroom’s cap, where the dark, slimy coating is found, emits an unpleasant odor that attracts insects such as flies and mosquitoes. Consequently, if not harvested in time, the mushroom will quickly decay and spoil once the covering splits open.

Sun Mushroom (also known as the Sun Hat Mushroom, Princess Mushroom, Royal Mushroom, or God’s Mushroom) originates from Brazil and is now cultivated in various parts of the world, including Vietnam. The first appearance of the Sun Mushroom in Vietnam was in Dong Thap. This mushroom has a gray, pink, or reddish-brown cap with tiny fiber-like strands, while its stem is white. Sun Mushroom contains a high protein content of 40-50%, as well as essential vitamins like B1, B2, K, and 6-8% fiber. Most notably, it also contains Polysaccharides, which play a crucial role in the treatment of cancer. Sun Mushroom has been studied for the development of functional foods and medicinal products.

Research on the active compounds extracted from the Sun Mushroom reveals it to be the richest source of Beta-glucans, particularly Beta-1-3-glucan and Beta-1-6-glucan, which are highly bioactive and easily absorbed by the body due to their low molecular weight. In addition, it contains an ARN-protein complex and essential vitamins and minerals. Beta-glucan is scientifically proven to boost immune function and aid in cancer treatment. The immune-enhancing properties of Sun Mushroom have been further validated by research from Kobe University’s School of Pharmacy in Japan.

Emperor’s Mushroom (also known as Mount Huang Mushroom) is a rare, yellow mushroom that has been widely cultivated and is now produced commercially. It is highly effective in preventing the growth of cancer cells, particularly in cases of breast cancer. Additionally, this mushroom is known for its ability to cleanse the blood, eliminate excess fat in the body, and regulate blood pressure. Its scientific name is Phellinus linteus and it belongs to the Hymenochaetaceae family. In South Korea, it is called 'sanghwang', in Japan, it is known as 'meshimakobu', and in China, it is referred to as 'songgen'. In Vietnam, it is known as Royal Lingzhi or Mount Huang Mushroom. These mushrooms grow on wood, and over time, the layers accumulate, forming a structure that resembles a bright yellow or brownish nail.

In the wild, this mushroom typically grows in remote, high-altitude forests, especially in pristine rainforests. In traditional medicine, it has been used for centuries, usually in the form of brewed tea. However, due to limited research on the Emperor’s Mushroom, there are no established dosages for specific uses. Vietnam is home to several species of Phellinus, but the popularity of 'lingzhi mushrooms' a few years ago led to overharvesting, making it difficult to find these mushrooms unless venturing into untouched forests.