Caer's Eclectic Apothecary

Reishi Mushrooms

Botanical name: Ganoderma lucidum

Pronunciation: RAY-she

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Ling Zhi

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Adaptogen, Alterative, Anti-Allergenic, Antiviral, Immune Support

Overview

Reishi has been cited thousands of years ago in several texts and scripts as being a tonic for emperors. At one time this mushroom was specifically used under the prestigious vestiges of the ruling class, but it has since made its way into the pantries of us common folk. Traditional and contemporary Chinese medicine admire it as a tonic benefiting vital energy or "Qi". Reishi is a polypore mushroom, growing in damp, dark forests and the occasional rotting log. Modern day demand has forced its cultivation in Japan, China and the United States which is promising for the wild stands of Reishi. Our whole Reishi mushrooms can vary in size from approximately 4 inches to 10 inches in diameter.

Affinities

Cardiovascular System, Immunity, Liver

Medicinal Uses

Reishi acts as an alterative, which means that it supports the body in properly assimilating the nutrients from food, eliminating waste, and generally restoring the proper function of organs and tissues.

This “tonic effect” gradually brings the body to a level of greater vitality and well being with a stronger resistance to disease and infection.

Benefits of Reishi as a Heart Tonic

Along with herbs such as ginkgo and hawthorn berries, reishi has an affinity for the cardiovascular system and is an excellent heart tonic. It simultaneously increases the flow of blood to the heart and reduces the amount of oxygen the heart requires to function efficiently.

This allows the heart muscle to perform its vital work with less stress and effort – which may actually prolong its lifespan. Reishi has also shown the ability to:

• ease angina pain
• prevent and correct irregular heart beat (arrhythmia)
• maintain healthy blood pressure
• prevent heart disease
• prevent blood clots
• lower cholesterol levels

Reishi to Combat Fatigue & Insomnia

Neurasthania is a condition caused by nervous system exhaustion that leads to generalized fatigue, and reishi is often helpful in relieving the symptoms and countering the root causes of this issue. Reishi has also shown value in combating chronic fatigue syndrome as research confirms that many people experience greater energy and vitality after taking it.

Consistent dosages of reishi help alleviate insomnia by balancing the body systems in several key areas:

• bolsters the ability of muscles to relax appropriately
• relieves the harmful physical effects of stress
• calms the nervous system

Use Reishi Against Infections

Reishi can help to increase the body’s resistance to disease and viral infections by bolstering the immune system. The mushroom has naturally antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it helpful against many of the infections we encounter:

• cold & flu
• stomach virus
• cold sores
• genital herpes (Reishi can help prevent future outbreaks once the infection is under control.)

Chinese studies have shown reishi to be beneficial in cases of chronic bronchitis also. Study participants experienced 60 to 90 percent improvement after just two weeks of use.

Benefits of Reishi Antioxidants

Reishi mushrooms are high in antioxidants, those wonder substances that bind to free radicals in the body and stop them from turning into cancerous tumors.

Reishi’s anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic activity has been proven by scientific studies. Patients in these studies showed an increase in T lymphocyte counts and also experienced fewer side effects related to chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Additional Benefits of Reishi

Reishi is a natural antihistamine, which means that it can help relieve both seasonal and household allergies.

Reishi has an affinity for the liver, and studies prove its ability to improve the liver’s vital functions. At least one study has shown improvement in people who have hepatitis B with elevated bilirubin and liver enzyme counts. Taking reishi for three months brought these patients’ levels back to normal.

As with any herbal treatment, consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your healthcare routine.

Choosing the Right Reishi Supplement

Reishi is considered a non-edible mushroom because it’s very tough and hard. For medicinal use, the fresh mushroom has been traditionally sliced, allowed to dry, and then boiled in tea or soup. This is still a perfectly effective way to get the benefits of reishi.

Dried reishi can also be ground to a powder and then boiled for tea, soaked in alcohol to make a tincture, or put into gelatin capsules.

Reishi Mushroom Dosage

Reishi Tea