The Mushroom of Immortality: Reishi Mushroom Health Benefits

These days, finding ways to cure illnesses and live longer has been the main concern of most people. That is why experts are putting their efforts into researching these possibilities. One of the things they had studied is the Reishi Mushroom health benefits. They coined this fungus as “The Mushroom of Immortality”. Though they didn’t mean that Reishi can make you live forever. Its abundant health benefits can justify the exaggeration.

What is Reishi Mushroom?

Also known as Lingzhi, the Reishi mushroom has been used in the Chinese medical field for over 2,000 years. This red kidney-shaped fungus has a bitter taste. It can be taken in different forms such as extract and powder. Then, the extract or powder is mixed in a drink or dish.

If this is the first time you had heard of Lingzhi or Reishi, then you had been missing out. This mushroom is packed with nutrients. They contain antioxidants, detoxifiers and many more. Read on to know why you should give Reishi a chance.

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefit 1: Tumor Shrinker

One of the biggest buzzes about Reishi mushrooms is its ability to fight cancer. Once the body has this fungus, it focuses its attention on cancer cells and helps remove them. Reishi is not considered as a first-line approach to cancer therapy. However, it is still recommended as complementary. In recent studies, Reishi showed more useful properties in eradicating cancer cells. Only time can tell when this tumor-shrinking mushroom will become an official cure for cancer. 

Reishi Health Benefit 2: Liver Detoxifier

Lingzhi has also shown tremendous results in reducing Hepatitis B. This is very beneficial for the livers of those who infected with the said virus. The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms also testified that Reishi is capable of protecting the liver from toxic substances. Thus, this makes it an amazing detoxifier.

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefit 3: Blood Sugar Stabilizer

Though Reishi cannot replace insulin altogether, it is still a good aid in stabilizing blood sugar. They are very useful for those who regularly suffer from hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Those with diabetes can benefit too but there is a precaution. Taking Reishi along with your diabetes medicine can make your blood sugar drop too low. So, be careful with the amount of Reishi, you are ingesting.

Reishi Health Benefit 4: Mood Lifter

Though there isn’t any substantial evidence that Reishi can treat depression, it still showed some promising results. It demonstrated its ability in reducing irritability, pain, and depression in those with neurasthenia. With further studies, Reishi will soon become a good alternative for antidepressants.

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefit 5: Brain Protector 

Alzheimer’s disease is only one of the neuro-degenerative conditions that Reishi can fix. Because of its neuroprotective properties, Reishi can help in stimulating new nerve growth. As a result, nerve cells regenerate. If you have a family history of any neuro-degenerative conditions, adding Reishi extract in your meals is a good preventive measure. It is good for the brain.

Reishi Health Benefit 6: Blood Pressure Reducer

Heart problems are silent killers. That is why caring for the heart is vital to one’s life. If you are struggling with high blood pressure, ingesting Reishi is a good reducer. It helps you get high blood pressure under control. Plus, it also helps in the overall efficiency of the heart.

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefit 7: Sleep Regulator

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you want to correct your sleeping cycle? Then, Reishi mushrooms can do the trick. They won’t make you fall asleep immediately. But gradually, they help you develop healthy sleeping patterns. For the right amount of dosage, the recommendation is to drink one cup of Reishi tea a day.

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefit 8: Anxiety And Stress Levels Degrader

Since the time of ancient Chinese medicine, Reishi can help the body adapt to stress. In recent studies, it shows that Reishi does act as an adaptogen. This is why this red fungus can reduce anxiety and stress.

Wrap Up

Whatever form you decide to ingest a Reishi mushroom, health benefits are definitely what you’ll get. But like any other medicine, it is important to take the right dosage. If overdosed, you might get some side effects. If under-dosed, you might not get the Reishi mushroom health benefits. Thus, it is best for you to ask experts regarding taking the right dosage.