The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
If there was ever a buzzword to define the last few years, it’s immune booster. Thanks to the events that most of us would like to forget about, there’s never been more interest on ways to increase your immunity.
People have been buying tons of vitamin C in the hopes of fighting off colds and infections, but is there another, more powerful supplement that could supercharge your immune system?
Introducing the health benefits of reishi mushroom!
This powerful fungus has been used medicinally for centuries in Asia and is now becoming popular in the Western world for its amazing health benefits, including immune support.
What is Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi mushroom is a type of fungi that grows on trees. It’s scientific name is Ganoderma lucidum, but you can also find it other the names lingzhi mushroom, or mannentake mushroom.
Reishi mushroom typically has a red, kidney-shaped cap with a white or yellow stem. It can be found fresh or dried, and is also available in powder, capsules, or extract form.
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
If you’re looking for a natural way to support your health, especially your immunity, reishi mushroom supplements can help. Here are the most important benefits of reishi mushrooms:
Boosts the Immune System
Let’s kick things off with the immune-boosting properties of this amazing mushroom.
Reishi mushroom is a natural immunostimulant, which means that it helps to boost the immune system. This is thanks to its polysaccharides and triterpenes content which help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies.
One study found that consuming reishi mushroom for four weeks significantly increased the number of natural killer cells in the body. Don’t worry, these are the good guys! Killer cells are a type of white blood cell that help to fight infection. [1]
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Reishi mushroom is also a natural anti-inflammatory. This may have the potential to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
This is thanks to its triterpenes content, which help to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
One animal study found that reishi mushroom was able to significantly reduce inflammation in rats with arthritis. Another animal study also found that reishi mushroom was able to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of colitis. [1]
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Perhaps one of its most interesting benefits, reishi mushroom is well known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. This is thanks to its adaptogenic properties which help the body to adapt to stressors.
One study found that reishi mushroom was exceptionally effective at producing an antianxiety effect at only 100 mg per kilogram of bodyweight. [2]
How Much Reishi Mushroom Should You Take Each Day?
The recommended dose of reishi mushroom will depend on the individual but at least 1,000 mg is a good place to start.
The best way to consume reishi mushroom is a tincture. It’s quick, effective, and doesn’t leave you with a nasty aftertaste like powders.
Get the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement
These are just some of the benefits of reishi mushroom. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce stress and anxiety, then a high-quality reishi mushroom supplement is a must!
Purchase your own here!
References
- Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Feb;13(1):32-44. PMID: 26770080; PMCID: PMC4684115.
- Singh R, Dhingra GS, Shri R. Evaluation of Antianxiety Potential of Four Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Species from India in Mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(11):991-998. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v18.i11.40. PMID: 28008811.
