Reishi

Reishi mushrooms are one of the most popular and beneficial types of fungi on the planet. These beauties have been used medicinally for thousands of years in Asia but have recently come to the full attention of the western world. Scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, “reishi” is the name known in Japan, while lingzhi mushrooms are their name in China. These fascinating fungi are potent because of their unique collection of organic compounds which include triterpenes, alkaloids, sterols, and various essential polysaccharides. While not culinary they need to be extracted to get the medicine out. Here is a list of proposed benefits found in Reishi Mushrooms.

Health Benefits

Anti Aging

Due to the impressive polysaccharide content, they boost the health of the immune system and prevent certain abnormal blood vessel formation. Also, certain antioxidant properties of other organic compounds in reishi mushrooms neutralize free radicals, which can cause chronic diseases and premature aging.

Anti Cancer Potential

In a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the triterpenoids can reduce the metastasis of cancerous cells and slow the progression of tumor growth. Furthermore, a second study found that the active ingredients of reishi extract can seek out and neutralize cancerous cells within the body.

Immune System Booster
The beta-glucans, one of the most effective and powerful immune system boosters that we know of are plentiful in Reishi which help you protect yourself against a wide range of potential diseases and reduce the signs of aging.

Detoxification
Our liver is an essential and most delicate organ, so decreasing the level of toxins is an important goal for us. Studies have shown reishi mushroom extracts to allow faster regeneration of healthy liver cells and the release of free radicals- promoting overall health and wellness.

Improved Cognition
Neurological diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimers are on the rise and there is no proven cure. However, research has shown that Reishi extracts can stimulate cognitive activity and display certain neuroprotective effects, specifically in the stimulation of nerve growth factor, which is key for healthy cognitive function.

Anti Inflammatory
Lowering inflammation is crucial to avoid all forms of dis-ease as inflammation has been called the silent killer. Most people have no idea they are filled with inflammation. Taking Reishi can be a strong support in this endeavour.

Lowers Blood Pressure
Hypertension is arguably the most common and pervasive problem in the world today, and cardiovascular diseases remain at the top of the list of killer diseases. Reishi has been proven to improve the efficiency of blood flow to the heart and to lower blood pressure; they also reduce the oxygen consumed by the heart, which means that there is more oxygenation for the rest of the body and organ systems. Lastly, this mushroom extract can reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, further protecting you from strokes and heart attacks.

Aids in Lung Health and Breathing
For asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic respiratory conditions sufferers, reishi can have a strong effect on eliminating the allergic reactions from the body by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells in the body. This can be a mild skin irritation to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

As you can see, the list of benefits is long and supports the notion that it is the mushroom of immortality!

Possible Side Effects

Some mild side effects and contraindications to be aware of are:

Taking reishi mushroom may be riskier if you have low blood pressure or are taking therapy to raise your blood pressure, are taking diabetes medications, or have immune system disorders or medications.

Higher doses of reishi mushroom might make bleeding more likely in people who have a very low platelet count.

Also, avoid using reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there hasn't been enough study on their safety in these circumstances.

Precautions

Interactions:

Reishi mushroom may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking reishi mushroom if you take any medicines especially anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as:

Aspirin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Warfarin
Heparin

Reishi mushroom may also interact with high blood pressure medications.

Also, discuss possible interactions if you are taking other herbs or supplements that may prevent normal blood clotting or lower blood pressure. Ginkgo and fish oil are two examples.

Fun Fact!

The biggest living organism on the planet is a fungus known as the ‘honey mushroom.’ But, despite its rather sweet-sounding name, it kills trees, feeding off both live and dead wood for nutrients.