Reishi Mushrooms

This queen of the mushrooms, also known as the elixir of immortality has been consumed by humans for more than 2000 years. It has well-documented benefits for combatting stress, aiding longevity and boosting the immune system.

Primary CAtegory
Stress & Anxiety
Secondary categories
Stress & Anxiety
Ingredient type
Mushrooms

Reishi Mushrooms

AT A GLANCE

  • Scientific Name: Ganoderma Lucidum
  • Locale: Worldwide—especially hot and humid locations
  • Used for: Relieving stress, boosting immunity and promotes longevity
  • Nicknames: Elixir of immortality, the ten-thousand-year mushroom, lingzhi, queen of mushrooms
  • Appearance: Looks like a kidney or fan-shaped shelf often growing on the sides of trees, with a shiny polished almost resin-like surface
  • Active components: triterpenoids, polysaccharides and lingzhi-9 protein (among 400 other bio-active components)
  • Complementary Pairings: Cacao, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Cordyceps, Cinnamon, Rose Hips and other high Vitamin C foods (p. 132, Isokauppila and Broida)

Some people who love mushrooms consider Reishi to be the most sacred of all adaptogens, and they sometimes refer to it as the “elixir of immortality.” Reishi is saprotrophic, which means that it feeds on dead organic matter like oaks, maples, stumps, dying trees, and logs. Oriental medicine has used reishi mushrooms for at least 2000 years, while western medicine only began studying these mushrooms in the late 20th century.

This queen of medicinal mushrooms is known to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve energy levels and sleep quality. Reishi mushrooms are also a rich source of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and lingzhi-9 protein. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are best paired with high Vitamin C foods like cacao, ashwagandha, tulsi, cordyceps, cinnamon, and rose hips.

REISHI BENEFITS

Stress, Anxiety & Sleep

Most people nowadays are living a very fast-paced lifestyle. This type of lifestyle can be very damaging to our mental health, as it can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and even insomnia. Thankfully, there is a natural remedy that can help address these issues: reishi mushroom.

Reishi has been documented as an effective way to relax the nervous system without causing drowsiness. It is said to allow the body to destress, leading to improved sleep quality and quantity. In addition, Reishi consumption has shown reduction of chronic fatigue markers in long-term studies. When sleeplessness and fatigue are caused by mental disorders such as anxiety, Reishi can be beneficial in restoring regular sleep patterns and alleviating feelings of anxiety.

Longevity

Reishi mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, which are important for protecting the body against free radical damage. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and other serious health conditions. The antioxidants found in reishi mushrooms can help scavenge these harmful toxins and reduce the amount of damage they cause.

Reishi mushrooms are also beneficial for the liver. They can help increase beneficial liver enzymes and protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances. The hepatoprotective qualities of reishi mushrooms can be very helpful in maintaining optimal liver health and preventing diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Lastly, reishi mushrooms may also help support cardiovascular health. They have been shown to help increase good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. All of these effects may help protect against heart disease and promote a longer lifespan.


Immune Health

Reishi mushrooms are widely known for their immune-boosting properties. They help regulate inflammation, fight against infection and viruses, and maintain healthy white blood cell and NK cell counts. This makes reishi mushrooms an important tool in preventing and treating diseases and infections.  Reishi mushrooms also exhibit cancer-fighting properties, making them a valuable addition to any cancer-prevention or treatment plan.

Dosage

Reishi mushrooms can be consumed in various forms: dried, crushed and taken as a powder or made into a tea.  However, teas made from mushrooms are notoriously bitter.  To get the most out of reishi mushrooms, it is recommended that you consume between 0.5 and 4 grams per day.

When selecting a manufacturer, look for those who use USDA-certified organic mushrooms and whose products have undergone third-party testing for mycotoxins, irradiation and heavy metals.


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