Reishi Powder: What is It?

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Ganoderma lingzhi, better known as reishi, is a famous mushroom widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Nicknamed the ‘mushroom of immortality,’ it has been used in TCM for at least 2,000 years. It grows at the stumps and base of deciduous trees, particularly the maple. However, only 1 in every 3,000-5,000 aged trees have reishi growth, so it is extremely difficult to find the wild form.

However, a growing number of brands sell reishi powder taken from mushrooms cultivated on hardwood logs. It is also possible to grow it on wood chips and sawdust. Reishi powder has become an extremely popular supplement in recent times due to growing public knowledge of its benefits. This article looks into three of the main ones.

1 – Reishi Could Boost Your Immune System

There is an increasing trend towards people using reishi mushrooms to provide their immune systems with a much-needed boost. There is a suggestion that reishi could impact the genes in white blood cells. These are essential parts of the immune system. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer in 2010 found that certain forms of the fungi could alter the inflammation pathways in white blood cells.

Historically, reishi has been used as a means of enhancing the immune system. Some Asian cultures even use it as an immunostimulant for HIV and cancer patients.

One possible reason for the mushroom’s effectiveness is its beta-glucans content, which could stimulate the immune system, helping us fight infection.

2 – Reishi May Promote Heart Health

The reishi powder available for purchase contains triterpenes, which could lower blood pressure and help reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. The belief is that reishi could reduce inflammation within arteries and blood vessels while restoring hormonal balance.

Hormonal problems are sometimes responsible for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Those who use reishi mushrooms claim the fungi help restore optimal hormonal levels while strengthening the cardiovascular system.

As well as reducing blood pressure, reishi powder may decrease the inflammation that otherwise causes heart issues. By keeping cholesterol under control, it might prevent clogged arteries and improve blood circulation.

3 – Reishi Might Combat Depression & Fatigue

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food looked at the effects of reishi mushrooms on 132 neurasthenia patients. This condition is associated with pains, aches, irritability, headaches, and dizziness. After eight weeks of using reishi supplements, the researchers found that the volunteers experienced improved wellbeing and reduced fatigue.

A 2010 study, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, involved 48 breast cancer survivors using reishi powder. After four weeks, the group reported improved quality of life and reduced fatigue. Also, the volunteers experienced lower levels of depression and anxiety.

It seems as if reishi mushrooms may hold promise for individuals with certain medical conditions. It is less clear whether it provides obvious benefits for generally healthy individuals. Hopefully it will continued to be studied in the future.

What Else Could Reishi Help With?

Reishi is one of the best-studied natural supplements given its popularity and long history. There is also research on its ability to:

• Increase HDL (good) cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides
• Control blood sugar levels
• Prevent damage to our cells due to its antioxidant level

Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Reishi?

After 3-6 months of usage, there is a possibility that reishi mushrooms could cause an allergic reaction, leading to dryness of the nasal passages, throat, and mouth. There is also a possibility of experiencing the following issues:

• A nosebleed
• A rash
• Dizziness
• Itchiness
• Upset stomach
• Headaches

It is also slightly riskier to use a reishi powder supplement if you have an immune system disorder, low blood pressure, or use diabetes medication. However, the vast majority of users tolerate reishi well and suffer no side effects.

Final Thoughts

Reishi mushrooms are linked to a massive number of benefits. While there is already a significant degree of research in the supplement’s favor, researchers have only scratched the surface. The humble reishi mushroom hasn’t been a staple of TCM this long for no good reason!

Although you can consume dried reishi mushrooms, most users don’t enjoy the taste or texture. This is why reishi powder supplements are more popular. You can stir them into a drink or sprinkle them on food to reduce the intensity of the taste.

As with any herb or supplement, use caution and be sure to seek out advice from your healthcare professional on whether it's for you. Information in this post and on the internet in general is not meant for any healthcare advice.

Disclosure: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer:

Disclosure: This content has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product {or products} mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please note I am not a healthcare professional and this post is for sharing product information or our own experiences only. Please seek health advice from a qualified professional, rather than online.