When most people think of mushrooms, they likely picture common varieties like white button, portobello, or shiitake—staples found in supermarkets. Yet, the fungi kingdom has existed for approximately 800 million years, a fact that hints at its profound and diverse role throughout human history.[1] Across millennia, cultures have utilised fungi not only for nutrition but also for medicine, spiritual practices, and even construction materials.
Scarce Documentation of a Rich History
Despite fungi’s deep-rooted cultural significance, the field of ethnomycology—the study of the relationship between fungi and human cultures—remains underexplored. Much of this knowledge was passed orally through generations, often as a survival tool to avoid poisoning or to identify mushrooms rich in proteins, vitamins, and medicinal properties. As a result, formal documentation is scarce.
This gap in recorded history underscores the importance of reconnecting with traditional wisdom. Modern societies are rediscovering ancient uses of fungi as they seek innovative solutions for challenges in medicine, sustainability, and technology. Understanding how past cultures integrated fungi into their daily lives provides a foundation for unlocking their potential today.
Fungi in Traditional Diets
Food is the most widely recognised use of fungi today. Both mushrooms and truffles have been staples in traditional diets, particularly in Asia and Europe. Edible varieties such as Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom), Lentinula edodes (shiitake), and Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) feature prominently in culinary traditions. Whether grilled, sautéed, canned, or pickled, mushrooms’ versatility is unmatched.
In Africa, mushrooms are a vital source of nutrition. Communities near the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo use over 60 wild mushroom species, including Pleurotus tuber-regium and Auricularia cornea, for food and medicine.[2] Similarly, in Iran, enzymes from Polyporus badius are used as a plant-based alternative to animal-derived rennet in cheese production—a remarkable fusion of tradition and sustainability.[3]
These diverse dietary applications illustrate the ingenuity of traditional cultures in harnessing the nutritional benefits of fungi. They also set the stage for exploring how fungi’s utility extends far beyond the dinner plate.
Ancient Medicinal Applications
Medicinal uses of fungi date back thousands of years. In Europe, the 5,300-year-old Ice Man Ötzi carried Fomes fomentarius (tinder fungus), likely as an antiseptic and firestarter.[5] This same mushroom was used by Viking communities for fire transport and is still utilised today to make lightweight, leather-like hats.
Ancient texts also highlight fungi’s medicinal properties. Hippocrates noted the anti-inflammatory benefits of Fomes fomentarius around 450 BCE, while in 5th-century China, Tao Hongjing documented the use of Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) for longevity.[6] Today, medicinal mushrooms like Trametes versicolor (turkey tail) and Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) are celebrated for boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting nerve regeneration.
This seamless integration of fungi into traditional medicine demonstrates the depth of human-fungi interactions and paves the way for contemporary research into their therapeutic potential.
Cultural Symbolism and Myths
Throughout history, fungi have inspired myths and spiritual practices. In ancient China, reishi was revered as the “mushroom of immortality,” reserved for emperors.[8] Egyptian tombs, including those of Tutankhamun and Ramses II, contained fungi such as Ganoderma, believed to protect the deceased in the afterlife.[9] Meanwhile, Siberian shamans consumed Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) during rituals to induce altered states and connect with spiritual realms.[10]
In modern-day Congo, cultural beliefs around fungi persist. For instance, chanterelles are seen as symbols of good luck, while Russula species are avoided due to superstitions about their disruptive effects on relationships.[2]
These symbolic and mystical associations highlight fungi’s enduring role in shaping cultural identities and spiritual beliefs.
Playful Uses of Fungi
In some cultures, fungi also serve playful purposes. Children in southeastern Mexico collect mushrooms like Lycoperdon and Astraeus for games, using them as balls or star-shaped toys.[11] In parts of Africa, the durable Sclerotium mushroom is used to make toy car tyres.[2]
While seemingly lighthearted, these uses underscore the adaptability of fungi and their ability to enrich daily life in unexpected ways.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Traditional uses of fungi provide a wealth of inspiration for modern applications. The global mushroom market, valued at $50.3 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2022 to 2030. This growth is driven by technological advancements that enable sustainable applications in food, health, packaging, and construction.
By bridging ancient practices with modern science, ethnomycology offers a roadmap for addressing contemporary challenges. From nutrition and medicine to spirituality and sustainability, the fungi kingdom’s potential remains as vast as its ancient history.
Understanding and honouring the traditional knowledge surrounding fungi not only preserves cultural heritage but also opens doors to innovative solutions that address global challenges. As we delve deeper into the fungi kingdom, we are reminded of its integral role in both our history and our future.
Contributing Author
Costinela Nistor a.k.a Thalassophile foraging @mushroomsofromania, fuels natural growth for people & organizations in the digital realm as a creative marketing mind with more than 15 years in the tech industry.
References
Chakrabarty, P. (TED Talk). Four billion years of evolution in six minutes.
Niyongabo, M., et al. (2020). Wild mushroom utilisation in Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, DRC. Journal of Ethnobiology.
Najafian, L., et al. (2015). Fungal rennet substitutes for sustainable dairy production. Iranian Journal of Food Science.
Chang, S. T. (2001). Medicinal mushrooms: Their role in health and wellness. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
Capasso, L. (1998). Evidence of medicinal fungi in Ötzi’s possessions. Journal of Archaeological Science.
Bensky, D., & Gamble, A. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.
Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World.
Xu, J. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum: A symbol of longevity. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine.
Hussain, A., et al. (2020). Fungal species in ancient Egyptian tombs. Journal of Archaeological Microbiology.
Rätsch, C. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants.
Garibay-Orijel, R., et al. (2007). Mushroom ethnomycology in Mixtec culture. Economic Botany.