Eastern medicine makes use of many different plants and fungi. Interestingly, the reishi mushroom is particularly popular.
It has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. This article will tell you what you need to know about the potential benefits of reishi mushroom.
Ganoderma lucidum, an oriental fungus, has a long history of use for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. The Latin word lucidus means “shiny” or “brilliant” and refers to the varnished appearance of the surface of the mushroom. In China, G. lucidum is called lingzhi, whereas in Japan the name for the Ganodermataceae family is reishi or mannentake. And Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, for treatment of infections.
Growth of reishi mushroom
We typically find reishis growing on the base/stumps of dead or dying hardwood trees, sometimes even emerging from shallow underground tree roots. However, in the northeast, a common reishi species is Ganoderma tsugae, which grows on hemlock trees.
Reishi mushrooms grow best in warm, humid conditions and will typically begin to form in the summer a year after inoculation.
Can you get reishi mushroom naturally from foods?
Reishi mushroom is cultivated and sold as a food, but it may be tough and bitter.
When taken for health reasons, it is usually dried or taken as an extract, such as in the form of:
- Capsule
- Powder
The following is a typical oral daily dose:
- 5 to 9 grams of crude dried mushroom
- 1 to 1.5 grams of reishi powder
How does reishi mushroom make you feel?
Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. People also take reishi mushroom for health conditions such as:
1. They can boost the immune system
Historically, reishi mushrooms have been used as an immune system enhancer—they’re even used in Asian cultures as an immunostimulant for patients with HIV and cancer. The beta glucans (complex sugars) in the mushroom are believed to stimulate the immune system to prevent infection.
2. Reishi mushrooms can alleviate stress and fatigue
Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens, plants that help the body combat stress. In one study of 132 patients suffering from neurasthenia (a condition characterized by physical and mental exhaustion), consumption of a compound found in reishi mushrooms was shown to improve aches, pains, and feelings of irritability.
3. They may be an ally against cancer
Numerous studies have been done on reishi mushrooms’ effect on cancer cells. The results have been intriguing—one small study in the Journal of Oncology found that tumors shrunk in three cancer patients that were taking reishi mushrooms. Researchers believe beta glucans in the mushrooms may prevent new blood vessel growth, which is key as cancer cells need a steady blood supply to grow. The triterpenes (AKA essential oils) in the mushrooms may also inhibit the development and metastasis of tumors. Additional research indicates that the mushrooms could alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and improve the efficacy of radiation therapy.
4. Reishi mushrooms could lower blood pressure
Compounds in reishi mushrooms may help keep high blood pressure at bay, according to a rat study carried out in 2014. But again, if you’re currently taking blood pressure medication, consult with your doctor before taking reishi mushrooms—the combination could lower your BP to dangerous levels.
5. They might be good for the brain
Research done on animals indicates that reishi mushrooms may be therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and may also be able to protect the brain from seizures. Further research still needs to be done to confirm this, however.
6. They have allergy-fighting potential
Some studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may have antihistamine effects and can improve the body’s oxygen supply, which is key to those suffering from chronic and allergic asthma.
7. Reishi mushrooms contain cholesterol-lowering compounds
Both triterpenes and beta glucans may reduce total cholesterol and LDL—commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
8. They may be helpful for those with type 2 diabetes
Reishi mushrooms were found to decrease blood sugar in one small double-blind, placebo-controlled study—possibly by inhibiting an enzyme that produces glucose. Plus, after seeing noticeably reduced kidney stress and lower blood-sugar levels in test subjects, a different group of researchers concluded that reishi mushrooms may prevent or halt kidney complications in type 2 diabetes patients.
9. They could improve liver function
Reishi mushroom spores were found to promote liver cell regeneration in mice, improving the organ’s ability to shuttle toxins out of the body. A healthy liver can also be critical to supporting other health benefits mentioned above, including managing blood sugar and allergies.
10. They’re rich in antioxidants
Despite the fact that their other nickname is “the mushroom of immortality,” reishi mushrooms won’t, in fact, make you live forever. But they do have antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of disease and premature aging—and we can never have too many foods like that in our diets, right?
Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine. It may boost the immune system through its effects on white blood cells, particularly in people who are ill, such as those with cancer. This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve quality of life for some cancer patients. Most human research has shown that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact XI’AN AOGU BIOTECH !
XI’AN AOGU BIOTECH CO.,LTD is devoted into the research and innovation in natural nutritional supplements ingredients. Our own factory and lab with the strict quality control system to ensure quality stability and real price of Reishi mushroom. At the same time, we have our own source for the raw material to make sure the production ability.