Mycologists refer to Reishi as Ganoderma Lucidum (or “the Mushroom of Immortality”). Reishi is one of the best-researched medicinal mushrooms and prized for its longevity-promoting effects. Reishi can provide many health benefits including relieving fatigue, improving restful sleep and soothing frayed nerves. Reishi can be consumed in numerous forms: fresh or dried mushrooms, powders, nutritional supplements and tea.

Amy Charnay and Lily Mazzarella, two herbalists who decided to experiment by adding reishi extract directly into their morning coffee for 10 years ago. This produced a soothing and comforting blend they called Reishi Roast and offered for sale at their natural apothecary and integrative clinic, Farmacopia.

Reishi contains natural antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic compounds as well as stimulating white blood cell production to fight infection, disease and aging. Furthermore, Reishi acts as an adaptogen – helping the body deal with stress by balancing hormone levels – providing additional immune-supporting benefits.

Reishi contains naturally sedative and hypnotic compounds that assist the body in entering a healthy cycle of sleep, while its endocrine-balancing effects improve quality of restful slumber and promote overall calmness. Furthermore, Reishi interacts with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) pathways in the brain known as the brakes to inhibit neural activity and induce drowsiness; making it the ideal wind down extract and great way to ease into bedtime.