Reishi Mushroom Supplements

About Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are considered to be rare mushrooms that grow at the base of deciduous trees. It has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. While the mushrooms themselves can be eaten fresh, it is also common to use powdered forms of the mushroom or extracts that contain these specific molecules.

Reishi Mushroom is one the most beloved of all foods in Asia. Called Ling Zhi – “The Mushroom of Spiritual Potency” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, It holds its place as an essential ingredient in a healthy life.

In Asian cultures it has been stated that Reishi Mushrooms promote centeredness, calmness, balance, inner awareness and inner strength. They have used it to improve meditative practices and to protect the body, mind, and spirit so that the adept could attain both a long and healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reishi

Are there side effects?

No. Reishi is classified as a superior herb. Superior herbs are said to be non-toxic and can be consumed in large quantities and for a long period without any side effects.

After 2,000 years, there are still no side effects reported in available literature and clinical studies. However, people who have very sensitive digestive issues may experience some detoxification symptoms such as mild digestive upset, dizziness, sore bones, and skin rashes during the initial period of intake. This is the excretion of accumulated toxic matters from modern day foods and vigorous activities of the body metabolism. These are all normal signs of recovery and an indication that the medicinal effect of Red Reishi is functioning well. These detoxification symptoms will usually go away within a few days of continuous use of Reishi.

Taking a source of Vitamin C with Reishi can help reduce any side effects which may occur upon the initial intake of the herb.

How does it take to see the results of taking Reishi?

Each person may experience slightly different results.

Typically one can notice the benefits from taking high quality Reishi after about 10 days to two weeks. One can experience a significant difference with their overall well-being after taking Reishi continuously for two months. It is important for individuals to make Reishi a part of their daily routine for preventative health.

Where do Reishi Mushrooms come from?

The Reishi mushroom is found in nature on plum trees. However, it is extremely rare and very difficult to find in this manner. For this reason, it was deemed as priceless and only consumed by royalty in China and Japan for thousands of years.

In the early 1970s, Japanese researchers discovered a method for cultivating Reishi on a mass scale. Now Red Reishi is easily available and can be found cultivated commerically in Japan, China, the US, and other parts of Asia.

How many types of Resihi Mushrooms are there?

There are six different kinds of Reishi have been researched in greater detail to uncover potential health benefits – red, black, blue, white, yellow and purple Reishi. Of these six types of Reishi Mushrooms, black and red have shown the most significant positive health-enhancing outcomes, and both are now used in the global health supplement market today.

Studies have demonstrated Red Reishi has been proven to be the most effective in improving one’s overall health by enhancing the vital organs, immune system, and many bodily functions. Black Reishi, is fairly common and can be found in most Chinese herbal shops. The majority of Reishi products that claim to be using “wild”, generally use black Reishi. While it still possesses some value as a moderate herbal tonic, black Reishi is considered to be less beneficial compared to red Reishi because of its lower polysaccharide content.

Beta Glucans is a key active constituent of the Reishi Mushroom, learn more about the medical benefits in our post “Beta Glucans – The Great Modulators”.

Sources – Natural Medicine Journal