The Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi Mushrooms are known as “the mushrooms of immortality” and are considered to have health and skincare benefits.  This article explains some of The Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms.

About Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are kidney-shaped mushrooms that grow on trees. They are often called “the mushroom of immortality”.

These mushrooms are also known as Lingzhi mushrooms, Red Reishi, Mannentake, Ganoderma lucidum, or Ganoderma lingzhi. They have a bitter taste and are available mostly as an extract in powder form, or as a mushroom tea or coffee. 

Reishi mushrooms are often taken in doses of 1400-5400 mg by mouth daily in divided doses. Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting Reishi mushrooms.

Reishi Mushrooms for Health Benefits

Reishi mushrooms can:

  1. Boost the Immune System
  2. Reishi mushrooms are also an excellent antioxidant.
  3. Fight Fatigue
  4. Promote Cardiovascular Health
  5. Provide Blood Sugar Control, but can also interact with diabetes medications
  6. Lower blood pressure, but can interact with Antihypertensive drugs.

There is some limited data that Reishi mushrooms have:

  1. Anti-Cancer Properties.  Studies indicate some support for Reishi as a complementary therapy in certain cancers, but more research is needed.
  2. There is no significant data that reishi can lower cholesterol or help Alzheimer’s disease

Potential Side Effects

When consumed in excess, Reishi Mushrooms or extract can cause dizziness, nausea, and stomach upset.

Reishi Mushrooms for Beauty

Reishi mushrooms can be found in some hair growth preparations to reduce DHT and increase blood circulation. It is also found in beauty serums and skincare creams.  

Skincare Benefits

Reishi mushrooms promote cell regeneration and reduce skin redness and inflammation.  The result is a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.

Reishi mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which enhance the skin’s ability to hydrate and retain water.

It pairs well in creams with actives such as Retinol and Vitamin C in anti-aging creams.

Reishi mushrooms also pair well with reparative skincare ingredients such as CBD, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera.

Summary of The Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are kidney-shaped mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional medicinal practice. Those with bleeding disorders should avoid use. Reishi mushrooms and extracts should be avoided while pregnant, breastfeeding, or before surgery.  Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting Reishi mushrooms. Reishi is very helpful in skincare creams for redness, inflammation, and anti-aging.

Was the article The Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms useful? Then you may also like other healthy food articles such as 7 Ways to Use Red Ginseng for Better Health


References

Berger, A., Rein, D., Kratky, E., Monnard, I., Hajjaj, H., Meirim, I., Piguet-Welsch, C., Hauser, J., Mace, K., and Niederberger, P. Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs. Lipids Health Dis. 2-18-2004;3:2.

Cao, Q. Z. and Lin, Z. B. Antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide. Acta Pharmacol.Sin. 2004;25(6):833-838.

Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K., and Tomlinson, B. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.

Hikino, H. and Mizuno, T. Hypoglycemic actions of some heteroglycans of Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies. Planta Med 1989;55(4):385. View abstract.

Jiang, J., Slivova, V., Valachovicova, T., Harvey, K., and Sliva, D. Ganoderma lucidum inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3. Int.J.Oncol. 2004;24(5):1093-1099.

One Comment Add yours

  1. Iggy says:

    Thanks

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