Meet the Mushrooms- Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom has often been associated in oriental culture with happiness, health and good fortune. It is highly regarded as the most important mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and was once exclusively consumed by royalty. It has been traditionally nicknamed as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ or the ’10,000 year mushroom’.

Found;

Growing in Europe, North America, China and East Asia on hardwoods such as maple, oaks, and elms.

Extraction;

The mushroom must be grown to completion and the entire fruiting body harvested, as the beneficial compounds are not in the mycelium alone. Hot water/ethanolic extraction methods are needed to pull the beneficial compounds out of the fruiting body, so they are contained in the reishi mushroom powder.

Traditional Uses;

It was traditionally used in the Taoist quest for immortality as well as for immune, liver, cardiovascular and respiratory support.

Why should you use it?

Allergy sufferers may benefit from Reishi powders combination of high immune-modulatory and anti-histamine activity. It is rich in triterpenoid compounds like lanostan which has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine activity, helping to stabilise the mast cells which release histamine causing symptoms.

Reishi powder also contains immune-modulating polysaccharides which reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation. It addresses both the symptoms and root cause of imbalanced immunity responsible for hay fever and other allergies. Reishi also supports the liver to function optimally, which can help to clear any leftover histamine from the bloodstream.

The triterpenoid compounds in Reishi powder may also support sleep improvements, by promoting calmness and helping to bring the body into balance. It is also thought to support overall heart health.

Active Compounds:

Its many benefits come from its combination of highly active immune-modulating polysaccharides and over 130 anti-inflammatory triterpenoid compounds. Reishi spore products contain much higher levels of triterpenes which support organ health and have even greater anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Reishi powder also contains Beta Glucans which support the immune system.

How to take it?

Adults take 2 mushroom capsules, 1-3 times a day with or without food or try adding Reishi powder into a smoothie. You can also make a tasty tea or hot chocolate using reishi powder.

Fun Fact;

The original description of Ganoderma Lucidum was based on material collected in London, UK in 1781.

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