There are Several Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
Also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi, the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms have been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Texts from as early as 25-220 CE documented Reishi’s ability to promote health and longevity, enhance vital energy, strengthen heart function, improve memory, and prolong life. Today, the reishi is still prized for its health benefits, but science has shown that there are some other ways it can boost overall health.
What are Reishi mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms grow in hot, humid locations from South America to Asia. They are part of the polypore family which has the unique characteristic of growing on the side of trees. Each Reishi mushroom resembles a shelf, or set of shelves, with a cap that has a deep red body with colors that lighten to orange, yellow, and white at the edges.
The Reishi has been used for centuries as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often referred to as the “Immortality mushroom” or Lingzhi, which means “spirit mushroom.”
Potential Reishi Benefits
Even though the benefits of Reishi mushrooms have not been approved by the FDA, several therapeutic benefits have been reported. Below are a few of the benefits of Reishi mushrooms that have been studied.
Immune System Boost: Multiple studies conducted on cells outside the body have shown that Reishi mushrooms can increase the number of white blood cells. These are critical to a strong immune system.
Reduce Fatigue and Depression: One study found participants with increased energy and reduced fatigue in just eight weeks of taking reishi. Another study saw a reduction in depression after four weeks of regular consumption.
Natural Mood Booster: One study in 2020 found that women with FIbromyalgia had a significant increase in happiness and satisfaction with life and reduced depression after six weeks of consuming reishi mushrooms compared to the baseline.
Recommended Dosage of Reishi
Dosage can vary depending on the Reishi mushroom product consumed. Whether it is Reishi powder, Reishi capsules, or Reishi gummies most agree that 500 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams per day is ideal. Reishi extract is a concentrated form of the organic beta-glucans and triterpenes found in the Reishi mushroom. Dosages for the extract range from 1.5 grams to 9 grams per day. It requires more raw reishi mushrooms to achieve the same therapeutic benefits as dried ones. To harness the effective benefits, it takes about 25 grams of raw mushrooms to equal the same therapeutic benefit in five grams of dried mushrooms.
Side Effects of Reishi Mushrooms
Typically, there are no side effects when the recommended dose on the packaging is followed. When too much is consumed too quickly, Reishi may cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, upset stomach, and rash. Some studies have found issues with the liver after consuming too much Reishi.
Health issues have also been reported when Reishi mushroom is taken in conjunction with certain prescription medications. Reishi has been known to lower blood sugar, and if taken with diabetes medication might cause blood sugar to drop too low. The same can be said for blood pressure medication. If it is taken with Reishi, blood pressure could drop too low. There is also an increased risk of bruising and bleeding when Reishi is taken with an anticoagulant.
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