Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are considered functional food and may provide health benefits when consumed in tea form. Their polysaccharides have been shown to enhance immune system response [2].

Multiple studies suggest that Reishi can help men with male pattern baldness reduce it by inhibiting 5a-reductase. Furthermore, Reishi could aid those suffering from an enlarged prostate as well as ease fatigue experienced by some cancer patients and might prevent clogged arteries and reduce cholesterol levels.

1. Boosts Immune System

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are widely recognized for their immune-enhancing benefits. Naturally antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial in nature, they promote production of natural killer cells – white blood cell types which fight infections and disease – and other white blood cell types to fight infections or disease; additionally they boost antioxidant production which protect cells against oxidative stress while keeping them healthy.

Reishi has long been revered in Eastern traditions as the “mushroom of immortality”, but more recently has gained more traction within modern medicine as an effective health and vitality-promoting agent. Studies suggest it can increase energy, lower cholesterol, and decrease blood pressure, as well as alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms while simultaneously strengthening immunity in cancer patients.

Researchers have investigated reishi mushroom tea‘s immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties extensively. Studies have shown that it increases natural killer cells and macrophages production – key elements for fighting infection and inflammation within the body – while increasing levels of cytokines, chemical messengers that regulate immunity while supporting normal cell growth and function.

Mushrooms like Reishi can play an invaluable role in wound healing thanks to their abundant polysaccharides content, which facilitate macrophage activation – cells responsible for cleaning and repairing damaged tissues in our bodies. Studies have also demonstrated that Reishi mushrooms help boost collagen production – another essential element in fast recovery times.

Reishi mushroom tea should be included as part of your daily wellness ritual, whether in the morning for an energy boost, or before bed to relax and unwind. We highly recommend Coco Dream which features raw cacao, reishi mushroom, ashwagandha and Ceylon cinnamon as ingredients; or try one of our organic varieties of organic reishi tea!

2. Anti-Inflammatory

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or “lingzhi,” has long been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine to reduce liver toxins. Recent research shows it to help regenerate healthy liver cells while simultaneously increasing circulation to flush away existing toxins from your system.

Reishi can also serve as an effective anti-inflammatory remedy, helping to alleviate swelling and inflammation throughout your body. Reishi also supports collagen production – essential to skin health and wound healing – with research showing increased concentrations of hydroxyproline and hexosamine in skin tissue which facilitate its formation, thus hastening healing processes and encouraging rapid healing rates.

Reishi not only acts as an anti-inflammatory remedy, it can also strengthen immunity and safeguard DNA. Reishi contains beta-glucans – polysaccharides linked with increasing natural killer cell activity and suppressing tumor growth – while also acting as an antioxidant protection against free radical damage to cells.

Reishi can not only offer anti-inflammatory benefits, but has also been demonstrated to decrease activity of specific enzymes that breakdown protein and promote inflammation – making it an invaluable addition to any diet if you suffer from arthritis or joint pain.

As a dietary supplement, reishi poses no known risks; however, you should consult your physician prior to adding new supplements to your regimen. Reishi may help slow the clotting of blood, so be wary if taking anticoagulant or bleeding-reducing drugs (anticoagulants). Reishi can interact negatively with certain cancer drugs thereby diminishing their effectiveness, so use it with care when combined with such medicines.

3. Anti-Cancer

Ganoderma lucidum, more commonly known as Reishi Mushroom or Lingzhi in Chinese herbal medicine, is an ancient medicinal plant. Once known as “The Mushroom of Immortality,” this ancient medicinal plant once made up one of the most esteemed herbs in Chinese Materia Medica.

Reishi mushrooms have long been touted for their anti-aging and immunity-enhancing benefits, while recent research has also confirmed its anti-cancer potential (1). Reishi contains polysaccharides, triterpenes, peptides and other active components which have the power to lower cholesterol and blood pressure while improving liver, heart and bone functions at cellular level; hence its longstanding use as an effective cancer treatment (2).

Studies suggest that Reishi can slow the growth of tumors by increasing host immunity and suppressing tumor proliferation (3). In one experiment, mice were given low, medium or high dosages of ReishiMax or Tegree, relative to receiving neither product as control group; ReishiMax prevented development of sarcoma while Tegree helped increase survival rate by shrinking tumor size (4).

Reishi may help to combat cancer; studies have demonstrated this through its extracts improving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in various forms (5). If taking any medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), including reishi supplements, always consult with your healthcare provider prior to beginning. Reishi may cause interactions between medications (see RxList’s Drug Interaction Checker), leading to side effects when combined.

4. Mood Booster

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as lingzhi or reishi in traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the most beloved mushrooms. Affectionately known as “the queen of mushrooms” and “the mushroom of immortality”, reishi is an invaluable functional food that can strengthen immune systems, enhance sleep quality and ease stress.

Reishi contains an abundance of naturally sedative compounds that encourage the body to enter a regular and restful cycle of sleep. According to studies, Reishi promotes relaxation, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and may prevent Alzheimer’s disease onset.

Reishi can serve as an effective mood enhancer by helping prevent collagen breakdown, which in turn slows skin aging and deterioration. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its capacity to boost production of antibodies – essential components of immunity systems that defend against disease.

Studies have confirmed the antidepressant properties of Reishi. Reishi increases dopamine levels in the brain, which acts as an feel-good hormone that can reduce mild depression and anxiety symptoms.

Reishi can be taken in various forms – tea, powder or capsule – to treat various health conditions. Consult your healthcare provider first if pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing health conditions or are currently receiving medical treatments such as Reishi or Lion’s Mane mushrooms are both widely considered medicinal mushrooms that offer body and mind benefits – but which one would work better for you?

5. Weight Loss

Reishi mushroom tea is a widely utilized functional mushroom supplement due to its healing properties. Additionally, Reishi may help aid weight loss as its content of ganoderic acid promotes metabolism and healthy cholesterol levels. Reishi is also commonly utilized in both traditional and alternative medicine settings to treat cancer, high blood pressure, liver disease, nervous disorders and more.

As one of China’s premier balancing and restorative herbs, it has long been revered by Chinese herbalists as one of its key healing herbs. Indeed, one of its more well-known entries can be found in China’s “bible of medicinal plants”, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (or Materia Medica).

Reishi can serve not only as an energy boost and tonic, but it’s also widely considered a mood enhancer and stress reducer. Furthermore, reishi has been proven to increase collagen production – essential for healthy skin and joints as well as skin hydration. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated an increase in concentration of essential amino acids like hydroxyproline and hexosamine which play a vital role in wound healing protein activation.

Reishi may help manage diabetes, as studies have demonstrated it can significantly lower blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore, extracts derived from Reishi have also been proven to enhance poultry performance and quality during various animal trials.

Though research on reishi is promising, it’s essential that before beginning any supplement it be discussed with your healthcare provider first. Reishi may interact with medications including anticoagulants, antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents; for this reason if considering purchasing powder or capsule supplements it would be prudent to buy from a reputable third-party seller to ensure it contains only what is listed on its label and free from contaminants.