ABSTRACT
For many years, mushrooms have been used as both a food and medicine in many cultures, especially in the East. The use of mushrooms to maintain health was formally recorded as early as A.D. 100 in China. Mushrooms have a long history of use in folk medicine and have been incorporated into health tonics, tinctures, teas, soups, and healthty food dishes, as well as herbal formulae (1). Within the framework of traditional medicine, mushrooms have been applied to lubricate the lungs (Tremella fuciformis), tone the kidneys (Cordyceps sinesis), reduce excessive dampness (Grifola umbellate), and invigorate the spleen (Poria cocos).
