There are many different types of herbs, vitamins, minerals, berries and so on that are said to have benefits beyond just being tasty, benefits to your overall health. The reishi mushroom is another type of food, grown at the base of trees, often in forests, that is said to have healing properties.
Taking reishi mushroom extract, dried reishi or reishi powder has been a pastime for centuries in traditional Chinese practice, where it is considered to have possible positive effects on a host of health conditions.
What is the reishi mushroom?
Often found growing at the base of trees in forests, the reishi mushroom is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Reishi is an edible mushroom, said to have been saved for Royals in centuries passed.
Also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi mushrooms, they have a bitter taste, but if you can get beyond this, you may be pleased with the possible medicinal properties that these little gems contain.
Used in Chinese practice for more than 2000 years, and holding 400 various bioactive compounds, reishi mushroom’s health benefits are many to behold.
Are reishi mushrooms good for you?
Reishi mushrooms are said to have possible positive effects on the human body. However, it is important that if you do suffer from various conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you visit a healthcare provider before consuming reishi.
Not all reishi mushroom health benefits have been proven, and more research may be required to discover all the benefits that may be available to those who consume reishi mushrooms.
Implications on the immune system
Reishi mushrooms contain an immune system booster called beta-glucan. This immune system booster contains potent anti-inflammatory properties, said to possibly help with improving our ability to fight germs that come our way.
Types of reishi (or Ganoderma lucidum)
When consuming reishi mushrooms, you should be aware that there are various forms in which you can consume this medicinal mushroom.
- Dried reishi: usually in the form of small, dried pieces of reishi, they are used in hot water to make a type of tea.
- Reishi mushroom powder: ordinarily found in a capsule format or sold as a powder.
- Reishi mushroom supplements: consisting of a pure reishi mushroom formula in a supplement format.
Benefits of reishi
The primary benefits of the reishi mushroom may be its potential impact on the immune system and overall quality of life and well-being. However, there have been various cases where positive results have been shown, as well as possible reishi mushroom benefits on other health problems such as viruses, insomnia, bacteria, and more.
Gut health
When it comes to assisting with the immune system and immune function, reishi mushroom may be a top pick to possibly assist. Some people have raved about the potential positive effects of reishi on their gut health, as well as its potential ability to help avoid ulcers from forming.
Immune support
Asides from potentially boosting the immune system, reishi mushrooms may also activate the immune system – helping the body to fight viruses quicker than it would ordinarily.
Reduced swelling
The reishi mushroom may alter or lower tenderness in the body by changing the genes in white blood cells thereby affecting immune function. This allows the body to fight viruses and other infections with more ease than it would otherwise.
Stress and anxiety
Taking a reishi mushroom supplement may assist in reducing stress and anxiety and potentially improve quality of life.
Focus
As reishi mushroom extracts have been said to possibly help with stress and anxiety, the same rings true for potential focus, calmness, and brain health. There have not been enough studies to prove whether reishi extract may support increased concentration, however, some profess to feel increased clarity and focus when consuming reishi mushrooms.
Some studies* may have shown that nerve growth factor is given a boost by reishi extract – which may help brain function.
Help with illness
Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s are two types of neurodegenerative illnesses, and reishi mushrooms have been said to have a possible therapeutic effect. This is due to the healthy neurological function that the reishi mushroom could possibly encourage.
Blood sugar
There is minimal research when it comes to blood sugar levels and the benefits of reishi mushrooms. Some studies** have shown positive effects in humans, when taking reishi to improve blood sugar levels. However, this is not proven, as in other cases, there has been no effect at all, when a reishi mushroom is consumed.
Heart health
Reishi mushrooms may increase the ‘good’ cholesterol found in our bodies. These scientific studies** have not been further proven, and more research is required to ascertain exactly what the benefits of reishi mushrooms to heart health are.
Longevity
Consuming dried reishi in hot water, as a tea, may have positive effects on extending the length of your life. The reason for this is certain carbohydrates found in reishi mushrooms that work to boost the immune system and may reduce the occurrence of life-threatening illnesses. Drinking reishi mushroom tea may be the key to a longer life span!
Depression
Some reports show that reishi mushroom may in fact be a mood booster. Feelings of irritability, pain, and sadness may show a decline when eating, drinking, or taking reishi mushroom supplements.
In summary
Adding reishi mushrooms to other supplements may have long-term wellness benefits. You may want to avoid taking higher doses of reishi mushrooms to err on the side of caution.
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*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3720279/
**https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
