Amazing Health Benefits Of Reishi Mushroom

Mushrooms (Toadstools)

Mushrooms are massive fleshy fungi which typically grow on soil and trees. Typically, the mushroom plant has a spore bearing cap which is smooth on top and ridged on the underside (gills). There are thousands of different types of mushrooms and they vary in sizes, colors, and textures. Here are few of the categories used to group mushrooms:

Wild edible mushroom
Wild poisonous mushroom
Cultivated mushroom (to supplement the edible mushroom market)
Psychedelic mushrooms (used as a recreational drug)

Many wild mushrooms are edible, but it is extremely important to learn how to differentiate them from the poisonous ones. It is dangerous to harvest wild mushrooms for cooking if you have no expertise in differentiating edible and poisonous mushrooms. Luckily, there are specially cultivated mushrooms to meet the heavy demand of consumers all over the world.

The taste of edible mushrooms has been described as earthy and nutty. The nutrients in mushrooms include carbohydrate, protein, B vitamins, Vitamin C, and trace minerals.

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)

Photo Credit : Eric Steinert at Paussac, France - Reishi mushroom. — Photo Credit : Eric Steinert at Paussac, France – Reishi mushroom.

Reishi mushroom is a species of mushroom also known as lingzhi. It belongs to the genus Ganoderma. This mushroom has been used for thousands of year in China and Japan. It has earned the name of the “King of Herbs” as there have been several amazing health benefits attributed to the mushroom. The anti-oxidant and immune system modulator properties underpin the healing properties.

Health Benefits

Persons have reported overall improvement in their physical health and wellbeing with ongoing use of ganoderma lucidum. The list of claims with specific health benefits include:

Shrinking of some tumors notably lung and colon
Reducing the viral load of Hepatitis B
Boosting the immune system
Improvement of pain due to shingles
Boosting energy and vigor
Resolving insomnia
Stress reduction
Improvement in arthritis
Weight loss
Helping to reduce allergies
Reducing stomach problems such as heartburn and indigestion
Improving constipation
Boosting sexual function

As medical scientists do more research to unravel the mystery and secrets of this “King of Herbs,” we await the evidence to substantiate a very long list of other health claims. Ganoderma which has been formulated in drinks (coffee, tea and chocolate) as well as other products make it easier for the consumer to have the convenience of a ready to use product.

Word of Caution

Dosage, frequency, and length of time a product is used will determine effectiveness or not. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturers. In general, pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid using herbs unless they are doing so under the care and guidance of a licensed healthcare practitioner. It is important to have blood pressure and blood sugar monitored if you are on medication for these. Do not use ganoderma if you are taking blood thinners.