Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The mushroom comes in a variety of forms and is valued for its health benefits. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at Reishi mushroom, examining its health benefits and tips for preparation and cultivation.
Occurrence of the Reishi mushroom
The Reishi mushroom is native to Asia and grows in subtropical to tropical climates. It is also cultivated in North America and Europe and is now distributed worldwide. The fungus usually grows on trees, especially oaks, but also on other deciduous trees.
Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom is known for its health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Immune System Support: Reishi mushroom contains polysaccharides that may support the immune system. These compounds are thought to increase the production of white blood cells, thereby boosting the body’s ability to fight off disease.
- Antioxidant Properties: Reishi mushroom contains antioxidants that help reduce free radical damage. This can help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease.
- Calming Effects: Reishi mushroom has calming effects and may help reduce stress and anxiety. This is believed to be due to the high levels of triterpenes, which have a sedative effect.
- Lowering Cholesterol: Studies have shown that Reishi mushroom can help lower cholesterol. One study found that consuming reishi mushrooms reduced total cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
Scientific Studies on Reishi Mushroom
There is a growing body of scientific studies supporting the health benefits of reishi mushrooms. For example, a 2009 study* showed that reishi mushrooms can stimulate the immune system by boosting white blood cell production. Another study from 2016* showed that reishi mushrooms can inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
Additionally, another 2020 study* showed that reishi mushrooms may reduce inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. These studies demonstrate the many health benefits of reishi mushrooms and their effectiveness in treating diseases.
How difficult is the Reishi Mushroom to cultivate yourself?
Reishi mushroom is a wood decomposer and grows best on deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and maple. It can be difficult to cultivate Reishi mushroom yourself as it needs to be grown under controlled conditions and should be grown on special substrates such as rice straw or wood chips. The process can be time consuming and requires some experience and knowledge.
There are companies that grow reishi mushroom professionally and offer it in capsule, powder, or tea form. So before you decide to grow the mushroom yourself, you should consider getting it from a reliable producer.
What is the best way to consume Reishi Mushroom?
The fresh Reishi mushroom is considered inedible. However, there are different ways to consume the reishi mushroom. You can drink it as an extract or tea, add it to food as a powder, or take it as a supplement in capsule form. Here are some of the best ways to consume the mushroom:
- Tea: Reishi mushroom tea is one of the most common forms of reishi mushroom use. It can be made simply by chopping dried mushrooms. Simply add a teaspoon of chopped mushrooms to a cup of hot water and steep for five to ten minutes. The tea tastes bitter and earthy, but it’s an easy and effective way to consume the mushroom.
- Extract: Reishi mushroom extract is made from dried mushrooms and is usually available in drops or capsules. The extract contains the active components of the mushroom in a concentrated form and is one of the most effective ways to consume the mushroom.
- Mushroom Powder: Reishi mushroom can also be taken in powder form, which can either be used as an ingredient in smoothies, soups or other dishes, or simply dissolved in water and drunk.
- Capsules: Capsules are a convenient way to take Reishi mushroom as they contain a precise dose of the mushroom. They can be taken simply with water and are ideal for people who don’t like the earthy taste of the tea or powder.
Conclusion
Reishi mushroom is an intriguing mushroom with numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. If you want to grow the mushroom yourself, you should be prepared for a time-consuming process and have the appropriate knowledge and experience. Alternatively, you can source the mushroom from a reliable manufacturer and take it in the form of a tea, extract, powder, or capsules. Regardless of how you consume it, reishi mushroom is a valuable addition to your diet.
If you would like to find out more about other medicinal mushrooms, read the following article.
*Studies:
- Deng G, Lin H, Seidman A, Fornier M, D’Andrea G, Wesa K, … & Yeung KS (2009). A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects. Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology, 135(9), 1215-1221.
- Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M., & Chan, G. C. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
- Li, J. W., Zhao, W., & Yue, S. Q. (2020). Immunomodulatory and antitumor activities of polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum. Journal of medicinal food, 23(12), 1385-1398.)
