Description
Benefits
Red Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is known for it’s usefulness in immune system regulation, insulin resistance, increasing overall subjective well being and reductions in anxiety and depression. Research shows it may promote sleep and relaxation. Supplementing Reishi can also have anti-oxidative effects.
Dosage
Standard dosage for Reishi tends to range from 1.5 -5 grams daily. This can be taken in divided doses.
Mode of Action
Reishi contains an active ingredient called polysaccharides which work by activating the immune cells known as macrophages. This in turn has anti-tumour, immune modulating and blood pressure lowering effects. Recent findings suggest that Reishi mushrooms also lower inflammation, which can lead to a host of positive health effects.
Toxicity
There is no reported LD 50 for Reishi mushroom. It is generally regarded as very safe to use.
Full Analysis
Reishi medicinal mushroom has been revered in China for thousands of years, with a variety of heath benefits due to the presence of highly active beta-glucans.
- Increases well being and reduces fatigue (reference)
- May reduce anxiety and depression (ref)
- Enhances immune response (ref)
- Mat promote relaxation and sleep (ref)
Reishi Benefits
Reishi mushrooms have a variety of health benefits. The most well known and researched of these is it’s potential for immune modulation. Research shows it can strengthen immune cells and improve general immune system health. It also has the ability to inhibit fungus growth and act as an antimicrobial.
Reishi can also provide neuroprotection by stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).
Other benefits may include the following:
-reducing anxiety and depression
-reducing inflammation
-allergy relief
-improved sleep
Reishi Studies – What’s the Research?
There’s an abundance of data on Reishi extracts, much of which surrounds the immune system.
As with other medicinal mushrooms, Reishi continues to be studied as a cancer treatment. Available research shows promise in overall subjective well-being in cancer patients as well as anti-tumor activity.
Reishi Side Effects
It’s always best to check with your doctor prior to using any supplements, however, there are no side effects reported in available literature and clinical studies.
Always consult a physician if you suffer from any autoimmune related disease, while rare Reishi can make some autoimmune conditions worse by activating/increasing the already overactive immune system.
Buy Reishi
When considering buying any mushroom product it is important to ensure that it is made from the fruiting bodies and NOT the mycelium. The fruiting bodies are where the advantageous ingredients are located even though 70 – 90% of the products on the market sell mycelium based products.
