Reishi Mushroom: what it is?
Reishi, pronounced "ray-shee", also referred to as Lingzhi in traditional Chinese medicine, is a woody and tough mushroom belonging to the Polyporaceae family with amazing health benefits. Its unique kidney or fan-shaped cap, shiny reddish-brown color, and distinctive woody, bitter taste typically characterize it. Reishi is primarily found in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been cultivated and revered for over 2,000 years. Today, you can find American farms specializing in this divine mushroom's growth. Reishi will grow outdoors on natural logs (best in the southern USA); however, there are farms up north that will have unique greenhouses where they grow these mushrooms and protect them from below-freezing temperatures
The Health Benefits you can achieve with Reishi
- Supports vitality and longevity: Nourishing the Lifeline
A healthy heart is the cornerstone of a vibrant life. Reishi mushroom contains compounds that support cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By incorporating this magnificent fungus into your routine, you're taking proactive steps towards nurturing your heart and ensuring its longevity.
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Helps improve your immune system: your shield of defense!
In times where immunity is paramount, Reishi mushroom emerges as a powerful ally to us. Packed with antioxidants, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, this medicinal marvel stimulates and strengthens your immune system, fortifying it against harmful invaders. By incorporating Reishi into your daily routine, you're equipping your body with the necessary tools to ward off illnesses and stay resilient.
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Stress Relief: Finding Calm in the Chaos
As we navigate the relentless waves of stress and anxiety, Reishi mushroom acts as a gentle yet effective lifeline. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Reishi helps your body adapt and respond to stress in a balanced manner, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. It has compounds that can promote relaxation and improve quality sleep. What we love about Reishi, is that it eliminates jittery nerves and embraces a more grounded, centered version of yourself.
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Liver Support: Nurturing your Internal Cleansing
Your liver is the unsung hero of your body, tirelessly detoxifying and filtering harmful substances. Reishi mushroom has been shown to support liver function, assisting in the elimination of toxins and promoting a healthy liver. Give your hardworking liver the support it deserves and embrace the vitality that comes with a well-nurtured internal cleansing system.
Medicinal Compounds found in Reishi:
The medicinal properties of reishi mushroom can be attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These include:
- Triterpenes: Reishi contains a diverse group of triterpenes, including ganoderic acids, lucidenic acids, and ganoderiol. These triterpenes are believed to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with reishi. They exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Ganoderic acids, in particular, have been studied for their potential anticancer effects, as they may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Polysaccharides: Reishi mushrooms contain a variety of polysaccharides, including beta-glucans. These complex carbohydrates are crucial in stimulating and modulating the immune system. They can enhance the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which are essential for fighting infections and combating cancer cells. Polysaccharides also possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Sterols: Reishi mushrooms contain sterols, such as ergosterol and ganoderol. Sterols have been associated with numerous health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering effects. They may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health. Additionally, sterols have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities.
- Peptides: Reishi mushrooms contain various bioactive peptides, short chains of amino acids. These peptides have shown potential in regulating blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Some peptides found in reishi have been investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making them potentially useful in treating infections.
- Other Antioxidants: Reishi is a rich source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to various chronic diseases and aging. Antioxidants in reishi have been associated with anti-aging effects, neuroprotective properties, and the prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders.
How to incorporate Reishi in your daily routine?
Reishi mushrooms come in different varieties, but the most common type has a soft, cork-like texture and an ear-shaped cap that ranges in color from red-orange to black. These mushrooms have a distinct bitter and woody taste, which is why they are traditionally prepared as tea or in extract form.
Thanks to its rising popularity as a versatile remedy, the cultivation of reishi mushrooms has expanded globally, leading to a wide range of available formats. You can find reishi in teas, tinctures, capsules, gummies and it even makes an appearance in superfood protein powder blends. We offer Reishi in both of our formulas.
Supergreens if you are looking more for a detox and digestive approach; or Mushroom Gummies a multi mushroom gummy that offers many benefits for those looking to improve from cognitive to immune. We recommend taking two gummies every day to let your body adjust and adapt and enjoy the benefits.