Benefits of Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): 

Very popular in Chinese, Japanese and Western Herbal Medicine Reishi is a mushroom of the Ganodermataceae family. Botanical name for Ganoderma, native Japanese term is mannentake and Chinese name lingzhi — meaning “miraculous mushroom.” The beautiful mushroom grows on hardwood (such as oak tree) especially in tropical regions. I saw a few Reishi mushrooms in Caledon area in Ontario this June (2020). In North America the Reishi mostly grows on Hemlock trees. Even though Reishi grows in many parts of the world their medicinal properties are similar.

Herbal Properties: 

In the Herbal Medicine world Reishi is known as an adaptogen, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-tumor Medicinal Mushroom. It also has immune-modulating properties meaning, it can either stimulate or down regulate the immune system, depending on what your body requires.

In North America the Reishi found is known as |Ganoderma Tsugae. It grows on hard wood or Hemlock in tree. You can see Reishi around June-July and in fall (October-November).                   

Benefits

1. Reduces stress and anxiety. It has a calming effect on your body and mind.
2. Reishi sharpens mental acuity and improves sleep. Has shown to improve Alzheimer’s condition.
3. Significantly improves energy. Research shows its helps women suffering with fibromyalgia.
4. Strengthens the body’s immune system or down regulates over active immune system.
5. Known to reduce side effects from chemotherapy.
6. Significantly combats symptoms of type 2 diabetes when taken along with dietary changes.
7. Have positive impact on people with blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
8. Beneficial for auto-immune condition
9. Research in 2015 shows that a certain compound called triterpenoids, can be effective against allergies. It is known to supress histamine release.
10. Researched in using against some cancers such as, leukemia, colorectal, breast and liver cancer.
11. Reishi also helps with high altitude sickness.
12. Christopher Hobb mentions on his website that Reishi has shown to improve Retinitis Pigmentosa – a condition I personally suffer from.