[1] Like G. lucidum, G. tsugae is non-poisonous but generally considered inedible,[2] because of its solid woody nature; however, teas and extracts made from its fruiting bodies supposedly allow medicinal use of the compounds it contains, although this is controversial within the scientific community.

[3] The fresh, soft growth of the "lip" of G. tsugae can be sautéed and prepared much like other edible mushrooms.

[4] Though phylogenetic analysis has begun to better differentiate between many closely related species of Ganoderma;[5] there is still disagreement as to which have the most medicinal properties.

Natural and artificial variations (e.g. growing conditions and preparation) can also effect the species' medicinal value.

[6][7] G. tsugae has also been shown to significantly promote wound healing in mice as well as markedly increase the proliferation and migration of fibroblast cells in culture.