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Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, in every region of the world where they grow. After decades of study, mycologist and clinical herbalist Christopher Hobbs profiles ten of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms and explains the research behind why they work. Exploring the health and healing benefits provided by mushrooms' nutritional and medicinal compounds, Hobbs details how to select fresh and dried mushrooms; proper storage; and how recipes for preparations that activate each mushroom variety's medicinal compounds. Whether readers are growing or foraging their own mushrooms or sourcing them from a local provider, they'll turn to this handbook as their guide to making health-boosting medicine.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2021
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393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 17, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Christopher Hobbs medicinal mushrooms is an amazing book jam packed with information about mushrooms.
This book explains what medicinal mushrooms are, how and why they are good for you, where to find them, how to eat them, how to grow and forage them, what they look like and way more information!
I never knew much about mushrooms and this book has taught me so much! I really want to go on the hunt for some mushrooms now.
Christopher Hobbs medicinal mushrooms is an amazing book jam packed with information about mushrooms.
This book explains what medicinal mushrooms are, how and why they are good for you, where to find them, how to eat them, how to grow and forage them, what they look like and way more information!
I never knew much about mushrooms and this book has taught me so much! I really want to go on the hunt for some mushrooms now.
July 27, 2020
This is an utterly fantastic book that covers all you'd need to know about medicinal mushrooms -- why they're so good for so many things, how to use them in many different ways, how to grow them, how to find good quality ones, how to forage them, you name it. It's packed with information of all kinds and full of charts and color photos. I've been holding on to some turkey tail mushrooms that my husband foraged for me a few months ago because I was unsure of how to properly use them. Online sources usually sell either a powdered form or tincture, but many herbalists say it needs to be double extracted (in boiling water and alcohol) to be used best. This book taught me how to do it all, and all the ways I can use it, plus others that we gather in our area. I may get a copy for my foraging hubby or my wild mushroom-loving photographer daughter (or just me).
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
July 29, 2020
Interesting look at mushrooms and their medicinal purposes. Author gives you a guide to the how and what of each mushroom beneficial to medicinal under the guise of his journey with the fungus and certain study trials. I am not a big connoisseur of mushrooms but I study botany and I thought this was an interesting book.
What did I like? Author gives a well rounded amount of information about a variety of medicinal mushrooms. I also enjoyed the part where the mushroom was cut up, and used for tinctures in a step by step way. I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms but I think most of the ideas in the book can be used in a variety of botany related medicinal purposes. I’m more likely to buy a powdered form but unfortunately you never really know what your getting in a powdered form.
Would I recommend or buy? This is for die hard fans of mushroom lovers but I still found the study interesting. I think the author did an amazing job and has shown quite a bit of knowledge about a majority of mushrooms. I would definitely love a copy. I’m hesitant to really try foraging for mushrooms mainly because certain poisonous ones look similar to edible ones. Still this was a fun and educational book.
I received a copy to read and offer an opinion. Five stars and educational read!
What did I like? Author gives a well rounded amount of information about a variety of medicinal mushrooms. I also enjoyed the part where the mushroom was cut up, and used for tinctures in a step by step way. I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms but I think most of the ideas in the book can be used in a variety of botany related medicinal purposes. I’m more likely to buy a powdered form but unfortunately you never really know what your getting in a powdered form.
Would I recommend or buy? This is for die hard fans of mushroom lovers but I still found the study interesting. I think the author did an amazing job and has shown quite a bit of knowledge about a majority of mushrooms. I would definitely love a copy. I’m hesitant to really try foraging for mushrooms mainly because certain poisonous ones look similar to edible ones. Still this was a fun and educational book.
I received a copy to read and offer an opinion. Five stars and educational read!
January 10, 2021
Yet another fantastic book on mushrooms!
In this guidebook you will find excellent photographs of mushrooms, information about different species of mushroom & fungai, how to cook, dry, prepare and identify them as well as about the mushrooms component breakdown, the dietary value, nutritional value, medicinal purposes of them and how to use medicinally.
I will definitely be using this book for, as the book suggests, guidance on how to make things with fungai!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Storey Publishing and Christopher Hobbs for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
In this guidebook you will find excellent photographs of mushrooms, information about different species of mushroom & fungai, how to cook, dry, prepare and identify them as well as about the mushrooms component breakdown, the dietary value, nutritional value, medicinal purposes of them and how to use medicinally.
I will definitely be using this book for, as the book suggests, guidance on how to make things with fungai!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Storey Publishing and Christopher Hobbs for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2021
"Forest therapy" is right! Foraging and identifying mushrooms is like no other experience. Nature is truly miraculous, generous and endlessly fascinating. As a forager and fungi lover, this book is such a pleasure to absorb and learn from.
Connecting with nature, in this case fungi, is super sensory. We rely on nature and it relies on us and this book is chock full of information on how and why. I learned much more about healing properties and nutritional values of various fungi. Though I've always loved eating fungi I haven't paid as much attention to nutrients and healing as flavour and texture...it is beneficial to be more mindful of that and, in fact, seek out fungi with particular purposes. There is much more than merely drying them and grinding them into powder to use as seasoning and making stock. They are nutritional and healing powerhouses used as salves, tinctures, anti-inflammatories, Vitamin D boosters and to improve insomnia, amongst many others.
The astounding photographs capture the earthiness of fungi and nature in colours and textures humans simply cannot replicate. Christopher Hobbs does a brilliant job of educating and communicating so naturally, full of passion and firsthand knowledge. If only this were to be required reading...people would be hooked! Mycology is pure joy. So is nature. Sometimes people look but don't see. This beautiful book helps the reader to appreciate what is around (and beneath!) us. I'll definitely be buying a copy of it to complement field guides. However, you needn't be a forager or mycologist to glean information from this book. Those interested in nutrition and feeling better (nearly everyone?) would benefit as well, as would hikers, walkers and armchair nature lovers.
My sincere thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this enthralling book. Much appreciated.
Connecting with nature, in this case fungi, is super sensory. We rely on nature and it relies on us and this book is chock full of information on how and why. I learned much more about healing properties and nutritional values of various fungi. Though I've always loved eating fungi I haven't paid as much attention to nutrients and healing as flavour and texture...it is beneficial to be more mindful of that and, in fact, seek out fungi with particular purposes. There is much more than merely drying them and grinding them into powder to use as seasoning and making stock. They are nutritional and healing powerhouses used as salves, tinctures, anti-inflammatories, Vitamin D boosters and to improve insomnia, amongst many others.
The astounding photographs capture the earthiness of fungi and nature in colours and textures humans simply cannot replicate. Christopher Hobbs does a brilliant job of educating and communicating so naturally, full of passion and firsthand knowledge. If only this were to be required reading...people would be hooked! Mycology is pure joy. So is nature. Sometimes people look but don't see. This beautiful book helps the reader to appreciate what is around (and beneath!) us. I'll definitely be buying a copy of it to complement field guides. However, you needn't be a forager or mycologist to glean information from this book. Those interested in nutrition and feeling better (nearly everyone?) would benefit as well, as would hikers, walkers and armchair nature lovers.
My sincere thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this enthralling book. Much appreciated.
March 19, 2021
Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs was filled to the max with information on mushrooms used for your health.
This book had so much information that at times it was overwhelming but in a good way. I thought everything was very well explained. Sadly, many of these mushrooms cannot be found around where I live, at the various grocery stores.
I enjoyed all of the photos. While I read this in black and white on a Kindle and enjoyed them, I can only imagine if you read this in full colour.
Hobbs passion for this subject shines throughout the entire book. I think for me, this is a book I would prefer to check out at a library verses buying it.
I received an eARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.
This book had so much information that at times it was overwhelming but in a good way. I thought everything was very well explained. Sadly, many of these mushrooms cannot be found around where I live, at the various grocery stores.
I enjoyed all of the photos. While I read this in black and white on a Kindle and enjoyed them, I can only imagine if you read this in full colour.
Hobbs passion for this subject shines throughout the entire book. I think for me, this is a book I would prefer to check out at a library verses buying it.
I received an eARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 31, 2020
This was fascinating! Who knew mushrooms were so beneficial? Not being an expert at mushrooms (but love eating them!) I enjoyed much of this book. My only issue was- where do you find these mushrooms to buy?? Unless you are an expert, foraging for them, can be extremely dangerous! Thankfully, Mr. Hobbs has included mushrooms that should be easily found in a well stocked grocery store, so there are some I can buy and try! Still, it was interesting to read about the many 'shrooms out there and their medicinal qualities. Good read for foragers, and natural medicine folks!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exvhange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exvhange for a fair review.
March 9, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms is an interesting look at mushrooms and their uses by Dr. Christopher Hobbs. Due out 30th March 2021 from Storey, it's 272 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written and beautifully illustrated encyclopedic examination of mushrooms and their traditional uses in medicine throughout history (much of the emphasis is on Native American, Asian, and other traditions and medicines). The author is an expert forager with decades of experience (and a doctorate in phytochemistry). The layout is logical and easy to understand and navigate. The chapters are arranged thematically: a study of mushrooms and the phytochemical and biological basis for the ways they interact with the human body, recipes and tutorials for accessing the active chemical components in specific fungi, an herbal containing lists of medicinally important mushrooms, hallucinogens and their uses, and foraging/cultivation advice and tutorials.
Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the absolute necessity of caution and positive identification. I was surprised (and doubtful!) when I saw that psychoactive mushrooms were included, but admittedly was impressed with the balanced treatment and cautionary information the author provided. This is a science based book with an impressive lack of fuzzy and outlandish claims - no miracle cures or pseudo-scientific claims to be found here.
The book is exhaustively annotated with copious links and chapter notes as well as a thorough bibliography for further reading. The author has included resource suppliers as well a cross-referenced index.
Five stars. Lots and lots (and lots) of inspiration. Aesthetically an enjoyable read with a truly astounding amount of meticulous research and annotation. This would make a superlative selection for garden groups, community gardening, allotment/collective libraries, smallholders, foragers, and wildcrafters.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms is an interesting look at mushrooms and their uses by Dr. Christopher Hobbs. Due out 30th March 2021 from Storey, it's 272 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written and beautifully illustrated encyclopedic examination of mushrooms and their traditional uses in medicine throughout history (much of the emphasis is on Native American, Asian, and other traditions and medicines). The author is an expert forager with decades of experience (and a doctorate in phytochemistry). The layout is logical and easy to understand and navigate. The chapters are arranged thematically: a study of mushrooms and the phytochemical and biological basis for the ways they interact with the human body, recipes and tutorials for accessing the active chemical components in specific fungi, an herbal containing lists of medicinally important mushrooms, hallucinogens and their uses, and foraging/cultivation advice and tutorials.
Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the absolute necessity of caution and positive identification. I was surprised (and doubtful!) when I saw that psychoactive mushrooms were included, but admittedly was impressed with the balanced treatment and cautionary information the author provided. This is a science based book with an impressive lack of fuzzy and outlandish claims - no miracle cures or pseudo-scientific claims to be found here.
The book is exhaustively annotated with copious links and chapter notes as well as a thorough bibliography for further reading. The author has included resource suppliers as well a cross-referenced index.
Five stars. Lots and lots (and lots) of inspiration. Aesthetically an enjoyable read with a truly astounding amount of meticulous research and annotation. This would make a superlative selection for garden groups, community gardening, allotment/collective libraries, smallholders, foragers, and wildcrafters.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 15, 2020
If your looking for a complete source of information that covers variety, benefits, foraging and preparation look no further. What Hobb's has put into this guide is a plethora of information for any one that has an interest in learning about mushrooms. With everything from the anatomy of a shroom to the preparation, it's in here.
I especially liked that he groups varieties into health benefits they are touted for i.e.: heart disease prevention and support. Whether you are looking to add mushrooms as a food source or for a medicinal purpose, the information you need is inside the cover of this book.
The author has included multiple reference photo's to help guide you in your search, whether that is an aisle in your supermarket or in the wild. He also includes labels to stay away from. As someone who attempted to harvest chaga and found themselves with a burl instead, I highly recommend extensive research before attempting to harvest on your own. Hobbs's guide is one resource for those jumping into the world of fungi.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review
I especially liked that he groups varieties into health benefits they are touted for i.e.: heart disease prevention and support. Whether you are looking to add mushrooms as a food source or for a medicinal purpose, the information you need is inside the cover of this book.
The author has included multiple reference photo's to help guide you in your search, whether that is an aisle in your supermarket or in the wild. He also includes labels to stay away from. As someone who attempted to harvest chaga and found themselves with a burl instead, I highly recommend extensive research before attempting to harvest on your own. Hobbs's guide is one resource for those jumping into the world of fungi.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review
March 1, 2021
This book is a detailed guide about foraging, buying, and using medicinal mushrooms. The author included information about how to identify medicinal mushrooms in the wild (including information about dangerous look-alike mushrooms) and how to harvest and process them. He also talked about buying medicinal mushrooms as fresh or dried fruit bodies, powdered extracts, and tinctures, and what to look for in these products. He described the different ways to use them, like in food or as a tea, and provided step-by-step, illustrated directions on how to make your own extracts, powders, and tinctures. He covered details about the different health benefits of the most popular medical mushrooms as well as some lesser known mushrooms and psychedelic mushrooms. In each mushroom's profile, he talked about health-related research findings, gave a summary of traditional uses, provided suggested dosages, and what to look for in commercial products. He also described how to cultivate various mushrooms at home. Overall, I'd recommend this very informative book to anyone interested in medicinal mushrooms.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 3, 2020
Wow. So, when I was a kid, thunder and lightning in October meant mushrooms. Seeing the changes in our front yard, the cracks in the soil gradually getting bigger as these cute fungi emerge, always fascinated me. I enjoyed picking them but it wasn't until I was in my late 20's did I ever have a taste of fresh mushrooms. They were so good, sautéed with garlic or scrambled eggs and spring onions. With this thought in mind, I decided to read this book. My expectations were apparently very simple compared to the reality that I faced while being immersed in the pages of this book. It's totally awesome, like who knew there's a whole universe of mushroom out there (the author, obviously)? There's so much to see, so much to learn. This is a great addition to your library or a gift to that someone who enjoys the outdoors.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 29, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Christopher Hobbs for this arc. In exchange for an honest review.
Christopher Hobbs Medicinal Mushrooms The Essential Guide is a delightful and informative read. The phrase "you learn something new every day" is correctly applied to this guide as every page is filled with information, explanations, and great photos. The information discussed includes the benefits of everyday dietary needs to fighting infections, assisting bodily pains, and advancing organs' well-being widely expressed in this book. Also included are details on the identification, harvesting, and storage of mushrooms. Directions for making tinctures and extract powders are reviewed. As a homeschooling family, this beautiful book inspires us to take the time to explore and forage for mushrooms. This book is a resource we will refer back too often and one I will recommend.
Christopher Hobbs Medicinal Mushrooms The Essential Guide is a delightful and informative read. The phrase "you learn something new every day" is correctly applied to this guide as every page is filled with information, explanations, and great photos. The information discussed includes the benefits of everyday dietary needs to fighting infections, assisting bodily pains, and advancing organs' well-being widely expressed in this book. Also included are details on the identification, harvesting, and storage of mushrooms. Directions for making tinctures and extract powders are reviewed. As a homeschooling family, this beautiful book inspires us to take the time to explore and forage for mushrooms. This book is a resource we will refer back too often and one I will recommend.
May 8, 2021
Stupendous Mushroom Book
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and here are my thoughts.
I have been waiting for THIS book on Mushrooms!
This book focuses on the top medicinal mushrooms, tells you how to obtain them or grow them. And tells you how to prepare them.
All the scientific information and usage details you could want.
AMAZING photographs.
I was practically salivating while looking through the preview copy. It wasn't because there are cookbook style pictures of "mushroom recipes". No, I was just stunned at how beautifully this book was created. The combination of words, photographs, and scholarship.
Outstanding.
Mushroom people, this one is for you!!!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and here are my thoughts.
I have been waiting for THIS book on Mushrooms!
This book focuses on the top medicinal mushrooms, tells you how to obtain them or grow them. And tells you how to prepare them.
All the scientific information and usage details you could want.
AMAZING photographs.
I was practically salivating while looking through the preview copy. It wasn't because there are cookbook style pictures of "mushroom recipes". No, I was just stunned at how beautifully this book was created. The combination of words, photographs, and scholarship.
Outstanding.
Mushroom people, this one is for you!!!
August 24, 2025
This book was super interesting and very approachable. It broke everything down well, so anyone could understand it, while also maintaining scientific rigor and not feeling too dumbed down - which can be hard to achieve. I read this book like I would a book of fiction, and I truly enjoyed learning as I read, and also how beautiful the book and all the pictures were. High recommend for any mushroom lovers who want to know more about the health benefits of mushrooms, and how to start tapping into them.
April 21, 2022
This is a fantastic guide to incorporating mushrooms into your at home wellness practice! Very detailed. Lots of step by step photos. Suggestions for a variety of processes, grow tips, and more! This book is thoughtfully put together and easily digestible! Highly recommend!
June 20, 2022
Christopher Hobbs is unique: well-versed in Chinese herbalism while part of the scientific community. He shares in this book his knowledge and experience in a vocabulary that everyone can understand and enjoy. A reference to keep in one’s bookshelf!
November 2, 2020
Soooo much information, and even more amazing photographs of mushrooms. If you or someone you know is interested in holistic usage of fungi, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
June 24, 2021
This guy knows his mushrooms!
September 16, 2021
Brilliant book, I’ve already started lion’s mane and shiitake mushrooms, and am looking into cultivating my own oysters. Ive noticed excellent results from what I’ve tried so far.
January 20, 2023
Great resource
August 23, 2023
I liked this book enough to buy it.
July 22, 2024
I recommend this to anyone interested in mushrooms for health.
November 1, 2024
An excellent romp through mushrooms. Very informative and I feel much more intrigued and confident as a result of reading.
September 24, 2025
Excellent info - tables get a little wonky in the Kindle version.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews