Reishi Mushrooms Natural Health and Wellness Benefits

Reishi mushrooms, often hailed as the "mushroom of immortality," have been treasured in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Nearly 80% of the global population is turning to traditional remedies for their health and wellness needs. Due to this reishi mushrooms have steadily gained popularity in recent years. These medicinal mushrooms are renowned for their numerous health benefits. Our guide to the vast benefits of Reishi mushrooms has everything you need to know about these functional fungi. So you can take a natural approach to supporting your health and wellbeing naturally.

What are Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms, scientifically named Ganoderma lucidum, are a type of fungus that grows mainly in hot and humid areas of Asia. You might also hear them called lingzhi, especially in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). These mushrooms belong to the polypore family, which is known for growing on trees and logs especially hard wood trees such as Maple and Oaks. They have a distinct look with a reddish-brown cap and a glossy surface and can grow up to 10-20 centimeters in dimeter making them appear vanished and easy to spot in nature.

Reshi mushrooms are also considered an adaptogenic substance. As an adaptogen Reshi helps to naturally support adrenal function and promote health stress response when faced with stress hormone cortisol inducing situations.

Reishi mushroom nutritional profile

When it comes to nutrition, reishi mushrooms pack a punch. According to the Department of Agriculture, a 1-teaspoon (3-gram) serving of reishi mushroom powder contains:

• 10 Calories
• 2g Carbohydrates
• 1g Dietary Fiber
• 0g Total Sugar
• 1g Protein
• 0g Total Fat
• 0g Saturated Fat
• 0mg Cholesterol
• 0mg Sodium
• 0.18mg Iron
• 69mg Potassium

Reishi mushrooms are low in calories and fat while providing a decent amount of fiber and potassium. Making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Reishi Mushrooms Natural Health and Wellness Benefits

Immune System Support

One of the most celebrated benefits of reishi mushrooms is its ability to naturally boost the immune system and fight inflammation within the body. These mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, like antioxidants and beta-glucan, which help enhance the body's immune response. Research has also shown that reishi mushrooms can stimulate white blood cell production. As they contain potent antioxidants and antimicrobial molecules that help protect cells by fighting free radical damage, illness and infections more efficiently.

Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Improve Sleep

As an adaptogen Reishi mushrooms contains stress reliving and calming bioactive compounds. Beta-glucans, triterpenoids, peptidoglycans, as well as triterpenoids, beta-glucans, sterols and peptidoglycans and Ganoderma triterpenoids which is a are abundantly found in reishi mushrooms. This makes reishi a wonderful natural aid to turn to as its helps to calm the nervous system and ease anxiety as it has the ability to influence hormonal pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These bioactive compounds actively calm the nervous system, reduce stress and promote mental clarity and relaxation. This can lead to improved sleep quality and a general sense of well-being. For those struggling with anxiety or depression, reishi mushrooms may also naturally aid in offering some relief. If considering taking reishi for this reason be sure to consultee with your health care practitioner before use.

Anti-cancer Properties

Reishi mushrooms are often consumed for their potential anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that compounds in reishi mushrooms, such as triterpenes and polysaccharides, may have anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. In small clinical studies, reishi has positively affected cancer patients by suppressing tumors and increasing the effectiveness of certain anti-cancer drugs. It's important to remember that reishi mushrooms are not substitute for medical treatment but can be a valuable addition to boosting your health when taking a holistic health-focused approach.

Heart Health and Blood Sugar Management

Reishi mushrooms have also been studied for their potential to improve heart health and manage blood sugar levels. Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms can decrease blood sugar, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower triglycerides

Although some studies have found no significant effects on cholesterol or triglyceride levels, others have shown promising results in managing blood sugar levels.

 How to Incorporate Reishi into your diet

Incorporating Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms into your day is extremally simple to do. You can take reishi in a capsule form for ease and convenance when you're on the go. Otherwise, you can add it in powder for to meals such as Stews, soups, stir fry's, snacks such as raw treats and baking or beverages like black tea, coffee or smoothies which will impart and umami rich flavour to your dish.

Find simple tasty recipes below on how to add medicinal mushrooms into your diet:

The best chia pudding recipe

 How to Take Reishi  

Reshi can been taken morning or night, dosage will very form product to product so be sure to adhere to the recommend dosage as stated in the directions of your chosen reishi supplement or powder. Generally, it's been found that 2-9gm of mushroom extract either in powder or capsule form will positively impact your health and wellbeing. Remember to consultee with your healthcare provider beforehand and start with the lowest suggested before increasing to the maximin suggested dose. 

Importance of quality and Third-Party Certification

When purchasing reishi mushroom supplements, look for third-party certification to guarantee that the product is free from contaminants and contains the amount of reishi it claims. This ensures you are getting a safe and effective product. At Intentionally Natual you will only find the best in transparently formulated and authentically organic and natural Medicinal mushroom powders and supplements available on the market. Each of our medicinal mushroom's brands and products are extracted from the fruiting body of the plant and are third party tested for purity.

Potential side effects

While reishi mushrooms are extremely well tolerated, safe and effective most people, they can cause some side effects for a small percentage of people. If you experience any of the following reactions, we recommend you discontinue use immediately and consultee further with your healthcare provider.

• Allergic reactions such as Dryness in the mouth, throat, and nasal passages.
• Dizziness
• Itchiness and rash
• Headaches
• Stomach upset
• Nosebleeds and bloody stools

Risk Factors and Interactions with Medications

Certain individuals should be cautious when taking reishi mushrooms, especially those with low blood pressure, diabetes, immune system disorders, or those taking medications for these conditions. Reishi mushrooms can also interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, increasing the risk of bleeding. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing medical treatment.

Precautions for Specific Populations

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid reishi mushrooms due to the lack of sufficient safety studies. Additionally, those with existing health conditions or those preparing for surgery should consult their healthcare provider before consuming reishi mushrooms.

In Closing

Reishi mushrooms offer a wide range of potential health benefits. From boosting the immune system and improving mood to supporting heart health and managing respiratory diseases, these fungi are a nutritional powerhouse that are simple to incorporate into any lifestyle. While they can be a valuable addition to a holistic health-focused approach to wellness it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. So, you can be sure it aligns with your unique health and wellness needs.

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