WORKSHOP

The world of medicinal mushrooms

– Tradition and modern application

October 7, 2025 — 12 noon to approximately 5 pm — Prater & Department of Botany and Diversity Research

excursion

German

This workshop of the Austrian Mycological Society gives you an insight into their traditional use, modern scientific findings and practical application.

Traditional and modern use of medicinal mushrooms
Overview of medicinally effective mushrooms
Scientific findings and interesting ingredients
Joint excursion with discussion of finds
Processing of medicinal mushrooms

The use of so-called medicinal mushrooms has a centuries-old tradition, especially in East Asia. Mushrooms have also been used in naturopathy in Europe, as demonstrated by the example of Ötzi, who carried a birch polypore with him. These mushrooms are being intensively researched, and new and interesting compounds are continually being discovered.

During the workshop, you'll gain a general overview of medicinal mushrooms and their possible uses. On the hike together, we'll find and discuss some mushrooms of interest for health reasons. Following the excursion, we'll start processing some of the mushrooms we found together at 3:00 PM. This practical session will last about two hours, with the end planned for around 5:00 PM.

Organizational matters

The meeting point is at 12:00 PM in the Prater, where we'll begin with an introduction and a group excursion. Starting around 3:00 PM, we'll head to the Botanical Institute to process the mushrooms we've found. The event is scheduled to end around 5:00 PM.

Please bring weatherproof clothing, sturdy shoes, a collection container (e.g. basket, cloth or paper bag) and a pocket knife.

Tickets

Cost: 45 €, members of the ÖMG 30 €

The amount must be transferred to the ÖMG account before the event begins. (Account details will be sent via email.)

The number of participants is limited, so we ask for a Binding registration by 1 October 2025 under romana.brandstaetter@chello.at (0650/3980348)

Venue

The exact meeting point will be announced by email before the event.

Course instructor

Romana Brandstätter

Romana discovered her passion for mushrooms as a teenager. Since 2015, she has been intensively involved in mycology and is a member of the Austrian Mycological Society (ÖMG). Through ÖMG courses and self-study, she has acquired in-depth knowledge of mycology. Romana leads mushroom excursions, workshops, and courses and also brings experience in microscopy and emergency diagnostics for mushroom poisoning.