Mushrooms (Sporophorum Agarici Campestris) or field mushroom is the most commonly consumed variety of mushroom from the family Agaricaceae. Other types of mushroom used in functional food include Rouxun (Flesh Gill Fungus), Cao Gu (Straw Mushroom) and Ce Er (Oyster Mushroom).

Chinese Name: Mo Gu.

Nature and Flavour: Sweet in flavour and cool in nature.

Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach, Liver and Large Intestine.

Properties and Functions: Promotes the functional activity of the Stomach; Regulates flow of Qi; Resolves Phlegm; Clears toxins; Induces eruption of measles and rashes; Stops vomiting and diarrhoea.

Indications: According to Chinese medicine, mushrooms are used to treat middle or late stage febrile disease such as measles, along with bodily fatigue and Qi deficiency. It is also used for treating cough with phlegm, oppressive feelingin the chest, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Directions: Can be used fresh or dried. They can be roasted, baked, stewed or stir-fried depending on desired use.

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Edible mushrooms generally have no cautions or contra-indications, however great care must be taken if sourcing wild varieties to ensure that only edible variants are selected, as many wild mushrooms are highly toxic and can be fatal if consumed.