7 Incredible Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
Top 7 Benefits Of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are some of the most potent and well-studied medicinal mushrooms. History of their use has been documented for more than 2000 years in China. The mushrooms have only gained popularity in the West just recently.
What Are Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi are woody mushrooms whose exterior is glossy. They are shaped like a saucer and range in color from red to black to purple, to green, and sometimes even white. The types of reishi mushrooms available for sale are grown on either logs, cork, grain, or sawdust. Reishi mushrooms are very bitter, which is why they are not used for culinary purposes and often used in tinctures and teas.
Top Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have impressive and wide-ranging benefits. In China, Reishi is known as Ling Zhi. The scientific name is ganoderma lucidum. However, regardless of what you may call it, this lovely looking mushroom has an impressive number of health benefits. The darker red the mushroom, the more potent it is.
1. Boosting Heart Health
Taking care of heart health is something we have to do as we age. Fortunately, reishi mushrooms can help with this aspect of health. Reishi has been used clinically for decades in Chinese hospitals for treating heart issues of all kinds from heart pain, arrhythmia, palpitation, and even high cholesterol.
Studies have revealed that reishi mushrooms could help lower blood pressure naturally. Clinically, reishi has been shown to prevent hardening of arteries and treating shortness of breath. Combined with proper diet and exercise, long-term reishi use can boost heart health to ensure that it stays in top shape.
2. Reishi Mushroom to Boost the Immune System
Reishi mushrooms were used in ancient China and Japan to boost the immune system naturally. Back then, people would use a brew of the mushroom thinking that it helps fight illnesses such as the cold and flu. Today, this is backed by studies that show that this is actually possible.
Studies show that reishi mushrooms can positively affect the white blood cells that play an important role in immunity. By increasing the number of white blood cells, the body has more strength to successfully fight and ward off infections.
3. Powerful Mushroom for Fighting Cancer
Reishi has shown great promise in the prevention, slowing the spread of, as well as potentially curing cancer. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of reishi on cancer cells. The results have been nothing short of outstanding – A small study in the Journal of Oncology found that tumors reduced in size in 3 cancer patients that were taking reishi mushrooms.
According to researchers, the beta-glucans in reishi may prevent growth of new blood vessels, which is critical since cancer cells require a steady supply of blood to grow. The triterpenes in reishi may also inhibit tumor development and metastasis. Additional research shows that reishi could help improve the efficacy of radiation therapy and alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea.
It is important to note that currently available evidence is insufficient to justify using reishi as a first-line cancer treatment. If you are currently taking cancer medication or are undergoing chemotherapy, don’t stop but rather use reishi as a supplemental treatment.
4. Reishi Improves Diabetes Management
Reishi could be useful in the management of diabetes. Reishi mushrooms have been found to reduce blood sugar according to 1 small double-bind, placebo-controlled study. It is believed to inhibit the enzyme responsible for glucose production.
A different group of researchers came to the conclusion that reishi can help prevent or even halt kidney complications in people with diabetes after seeing noticeably reduced kidney stress as well as lower levels of blood sugar in test subjects.
5. Antioxidant Properties to Reduce Inflammation
The antioxidant properties of reishi are the important foundation of its immune-boosting benefits. According to studies, reishi mushroom extracts can help protect against oxidative stress, even in the most severe cases.
Free radicals cause oxidative stress. The “free radicals” are rogue cells that cause chronic inflammation. Inflammation of this type has to be stopped or it may lead to a wide variety of health issues or even diseases.
Reishi extract has been found to be a good complement to or more effective than eating foods traditionally known to be high in antioxidants. Such foods include dark berries, dark leafy green vegetables, among others.
6. Stress Relief from Ling Zhi Mushroom
Reishi acts as an adaptogen and provides an individual with protection from a variety of social and environmental stresses. The adaptogenic tripernes in reishi have a harmonizing effect on the circulatory system and immune system thus helping ease mental tension, general stress, and memory.
Reishi relaxes the central nervous system and helps with anxiety, insomnia, and general restlessness. It also promotes feelings of peacefulness. It can be particularly effective for treating menopause-related anxiety. Taking reishi tincture before bedtime to promote better sleep can be especially beneficial for stress relief.
7. Anti-Aging Properties of Ganoderma
Reishi is all you need to age beautifully. Today, aging is a very important topic since it cannot be stopped. Fortunately, reishi can help you age better due to its adaptogen content. Adaptogens help slow down tissue regeneration, weakness, and aging.
Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia to help people live longer lives. Long-term use of the mushroom is believed to help reduce wrinkles as well as an older appearance and this can be attributed to its antioxidant activity.
Final Thoughts on Reishi Health Benefits
Reishi is probably one of the well-studied herbs today. If you do your own research online, you will come across the growing body of evidence that shows the incredibly potent benefits of reishi on many levels of health such as the seven discussed here. To enjoy all these health benefits and many more, start using reishi mushrooms today.
