Hypocreaceae
Lobster Mushroom
Hypomyces lactifluorum
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: North America, Europe
Also known as: Lobster Mushroom, Red Russula, Parasitic Mushroom
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruiting body
Therapeutic Uses
Immune support, nutritional supplementation, culinary use. Limited medicinal research — primarily gourmet culinary mushroom. Unusual: a parasitic mold that colonizes Russula or Lactarius mushrooms.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator (beta-glucans), antioxidant, nutritive, antifungal (paradoxically — a parasitic fungus on Russula)
Active Constituents
Ergosterol, chitin, polysaccharides (beta-glucans), enzymes, proteins, vitamin D precursors
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 5–10g dried per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | N/A — culinary use primary |
| Notes | Primarily culinary — seafood-like flavour and appearance. Beta-glucan content provides immune benefits common to edible mushrooms. Limited specific medicinal research. Ensure correct identification — host Russula/Lactarius must be edible species. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Mushroom allergy. Expert identification essential. Otherwise very safe as food.
Side Effects: GI upset if host mushroom species acrid/bitter. Rare allergic reactions. Generally safe as food.