I truly believe that if everyone in the world took Reishi mushroom daily, the world would be a different place. Yes, she is really that magical and beneficial for the mind, body and soul! Reishi is considered the 'Queen of Medicinal Mushrooms' and rightly so as her benefits are extensive. Reishi is safe for all ages, and during pregnancy, and has been highly revered for centuries. So let's meet Reishi...
Known as 'Ling Zhi' in China and as Reishi in Japan and the Western countries, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an incredible medicinal mushroom with a staggering array of health benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine she is considered to be in the highest class of tonic herbs, promoting longevity and helping to reduce symptoms of and helping to heal cancer and other degenerative disease (Hobbs, 1986).
The Magical Benefits of Reishi
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant (it eliminates hydroxyl free radicals)
- Analgesic (relieves pain)
- Cardiotonic action (helps strengthen the heart)
- Antiviral (Reishi stimulates interferon production. Interferons are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several pathogens such as, viruses, bacteria, parasites and also tumour cells)
- A central depressant (Reishi relaxes the muscles and reduces the effects of caffeine on the central nervous system)
- Anti-allergic activity
- Prevents bronchitis and helps regenerate bronchial epithelium
- Anti-HIV activity
- Lowers blood pressure
- Protects and detoxifies the liver
- Protects against ionizong raditation (X-rays) before and after being exposed to them
- Stimulates deep immunity in the bone marrow and spleen and provides immunopotentiation (Enhancement of the immune response by increasing the speed and extent of its development and by prolonging its duration)
- Promoted natural killer cell (NK) activity (NK cells are lymphocytes able to bind to certain tumour cells and virus-infected cells without the stimulation of antigens and kill them by the insertion of granules containing perforin)
- Anti-bacterial especially against Staph, Pneumococcus and Strep
- Anti-tumour
- Increases white blood cells and hematoglobin
- Has expectorant and antitussive properties (helps stop coughing and removes phlegm)
- Improves adrenocortical function (where hormones are produced)
(Wang et al, 1986; Shin et al, 1986; Hsu et al, 1986; Chang & But, 1986)
Reishi is excellent for calming stressed and anxious persons, helping our bodies and minds unite and work in harmony, including harmonizing the organs and creating overall well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Reishi is a warming tonic that nourishes, tonifies, removes toxins and disperses accumulation of waste. Traditionally in Japan, it has been used to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammation, high blood pressure, liver issues and ulcers (Hobbs, 1986). Worldwide, Reishi has been used for sleep issues, as an immune booster, a sedative, laxative, tonic herb and also as an ingredient for many skin lotions where it can help against UV radiation. It also aids meditation as it calms the mind. When taken by pregnant mothers it helps to create 'Reishi babies,' babies who are calm, focused and full of health (perhaps almost too focused if you go by my own two year old 'Reishi baby' whose determination and will could outshine even Genghis Khan ;)
Chemical Composition of Reishi
Reishi contains the following compounds and constituents;
- Carbohydrates (including polysaccharides)
- Amino acids
- Protein and Inorganic Ions
- Steroids (steroids act as hormones in our body)
- Triterpenes
- Lipids
- Alkaloids
- Glucoside
- Volatile oil (essential oil)
- Riboflavin
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
(Ying, et al, 18987; Chang & But, 1986)
Got it, but what does all the mean?!?!
Polysaccharides help store energy from food and some help with cell structure. A few of the polysaccharides found in Reishi have demonstrated anti-tumour activities and also deeply help our immune system by increasing the DNA and RNA synthesis in bone marrow and DNA synthesis in spleen cells (Bone marrow and the spleen are two of the most important organs in our immune system) (Lei and Lin, 1991).
Amino acids are at the basis of all life processes as they are absolutely essential for every metabolic process and many diseases can be traced back to metabolic disturbances.
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body and is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.
Inorganic ions are essential for cellular activity and Reishi contains the inorganic ions of Ca (calcium), Zn (zinc), Mn (magnesium), Fe (iron), Cu (copper) and Ge (germanium) (Shin et al, 1986)
The Sterols (found in steriods) in Reishi have been found to act as hormone precursors (help our hormones stay healthy) and has been found to inhibit blood clots (platelet aggrevation) (Shimizu et al, 1985)
Triterpenes are important for normal physiological activity and the ones found in Reishi have adaptogenic (helps the body deal with stress), anti-hypertensive and anti-allergic effects on our bodies.
Lipids have several important roles in the body, providing a source and store of energy, an important part of the membrane surrounding every body cell and are the basic building blocks from which several hormones (chemical messengers) and bile acids (digestive juices) are made
The alkaloids found in Reishi are cardiotonic, helping to strengthen the heart muscles whilst lowering serum cholesterol levels
Glycosides play numerous important roles in living organisms. Many plants store chemicals in the form of inactive glycosides and these can be activated by enxymehydrolysis, which causes the sugar to be broken off, making the chemical available for use. Many such plant glycosides are as used as medications.
Riboflavin is a B vitamin. It is involved in many processes in the body and is necessary for normal cell growth and function.
So there you have it, pretty much everything you need to know about Reishi! She can be taken in capsules, as a powder in coffee, hot chocolate or smoothies, taken as a tea or even baked and mixed in with food.
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