In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in natural remedies and alternative medicine, with a particular focus on substances derived from ancient traditions. Of these, Reishi mushroom extract has emerged as an effective health supplement, prized for its numerous therapeutic properties.
Reishi mushroom (scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum) has been beloved by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for centuries and is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” due to its purported ability to promote longevity and overall health.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the wealth of health benefits that reishi mushroom extract has to offer.
What Is Reishi?
Reishi mushroom is a fungus belonging to the Ganoderma family and Ganoderma genus. It is a large, dark brown-red medicinal mushroom with a shiny surface and woody texture that grows on rotten wood in warm regions such as Asia, South America, the South Pacific, and the southeastern United States.
It is a traditional edible and medicinal fungus in my country and a precious medicinal material. The earliest record of reishi mushroom is in the “Shen Nong’s Materia Medica”, which has a history of more than 2,000 years.
There are many types of reishi, but the type most commonly used for therapeutic purposes is reishi, a red reishi.
It can be clinically used to protect liver pain, replenish qi and calm the nerves, relieve cough and asthma, delay aging, improve the body’s immunity, and also has good effects on common clinical diseases such as malignant tumors, hepatitis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
The Health Benefits of Reishi
We will study the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms from the following aspects:
Helps with sleep and relaxation
Reishi mushrooms are popular for their ability to help reduce mental and physical stress and improve sleep quality.
Research shows that the triterpenes and beta-D-glucans in reishi have the potential to soothe nerves, promote sedation, and contribute to restful sleep. The cumulative effect of long-term use of reishi has also been shown to increase deep sleep states.
A 2021 study looked further into how reishi supports sleep, finding that it increases sleep-promoting neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus, thereby regulating our sleep and wake cycles.
The researchers also concluded that reishi may help induce sleep by affecting the gut-brain pathway through positive effects on gut bacteria.
Relieve stress and emotions
Reishi is a powerful adaptogen that helps regulate the release of stress hormones that affect mood and mood.
It helps regulate the body’s response to stress through the adrenal glands, balancing levels
of cortisol and adrenaline, which rise when we are stressed. Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but adaptogens like reishi can help us get through it faster.
Some of the most powerful compounds found in reishi are triterpenoids. They support the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest system.”
This is the opposite of how the “fight or flight” system works, helping to slow down the heart rate, relax muscles, and increase glandular activity. This can effectively relieve anxiety symptoms.
Promote immune health
Reishi mushrooms contain various glucans, beneficial compounds that help support a normal immune response. Additionally, Ganoderma is a rich source of beta-glucan, a natural polysaccharide that activates and stimulates the immune system.
Mushroom beta-glucan is an effective adjunctive therapy to help maximize the body’s response to substances such as vaccines that also target immune function. Beta-glucan also helps control blood sugar levels, maintain healthy gut bacteria, and regulate cholesterol balance.
Reishi even has natural antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. They contain compounds that stimulate the production of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and other white blood cells, whose activity fights infection and disease.
Reduce fatigue
Reishi mushroom can improve quality of life by reducing fatigue. After taking the supplement for a few weeks, patients notice their fatigue disappears and their lifestyle improves due to newfound energy.
Stress and anxiety can lead to fatigue, draining energy that could be better used elsewhere. This was tested on patients who were already sick and struggling with low energy levels, and the results couldn’t be confirmed for those who were completely healthy, but the extract was promising.
Blood glucose management
Reishi may have a mild anti-diabetic effect. One study found that Reishi significantly reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic mice, while another found that it could enhance insulin secretion and reduce glucose output in advanced diabetes.
Other studies have shown that positive effects can be seen within a few weeks of taking Reishi.
Anticancer potential
Reishi mushroom contains triterpenoids and polysaccharide compounds that may have anti-cancer and anti-tumour development properties. While reishi mushrooms are not a substitute for medical treatments, they can be valuable for an overall health approach.
Antioxidant properties
Reishi mushroom has powerful antioxidant properties and can effectively remove harmful free radicals that accumulate in the body.
The polysaccharides, triterpenes and phenolic compounds present in Ganoderma lucidum allow them to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. This antioxidant activity may promote long-term health by reducing the risk of oxidative damage.
Improves memory and cognitive function
Reishi isn’t just for better sleep; It can also act as a nootropic to improve your mental clarity during the day. It also pairs well with other puzzle mushrooms to enhance cognition, improve performance, and support sleep around the clock.
Skin health
All superfood mushrooms fall into the “adaptive” category; they are part of a vast array of herbs and plants that adapt to the body’s needs when consumed. They help protect your body while fighting stress, allowing you to adapt to the environment more easily.
Reishimushroom is known to have hydrating properties. Beta-glucans are a group of antioxidant glucose molecules responsible for absorbing moisture directly from the environment and applying it to the skin.
Can You Take Reishi Every Day?
For many people, taking reishi supplements daily is a safe and effective method. As with many natural superfoods and adaptogens, their effects are not immediate or even immediately visible, which is why it is important to stick with the recommended dosage (one teaspoon for Om Reishi Mushroom Powder) over the long term to get the best results.
As with any dietary supplement, consult a healthcare professional to make sure Reishi is right for you and safe to take every day. If you are pregnant, taking any medications, or have a pre-existing condition, please take the time to do your own research and consult a medical professional for advice.
When Is The Best Time to Take Reishi?
The best time to take Reishi is in the evening, around dinner time. We recommend between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. This gives the compounds in the mushrooms a chance to react with your body in time for bed, bringing you to a restful bedtime level.
However, if you are taking Reishi to help you cope with an overstimulated nervous system, it is recommended that you take it in the morning or a few hours before you need it when traveling, before entering busy, stressful or densely populated areas.
Your body sensitivity will detect whether Reishi mushroom powder has a more calming effect on you, so we also recommend that you listen to your intuition and choose what feels right for you.
Choose The High-quality Reishi
If incorporating reishi mushroom extract into your daily routine, it’s crucial to source a reliable, premium-grade product. Here at our company, we take pride in providing top-tier Ganoderma extracts.
Our offerings boast organic cultivation methods, ensuring the inclusion of both fruiting bodies and mycelium, thus guaranteeing optimal nutrition and unparalleled quality.
