Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom

Health Benefits of Reishi mushroom

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) also known as varnished conk, or lingzhi is a medicinal mushroom native to Asia. Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for over 2000 years. Traditionally, reishi mushroom was used to strengthen heart function, increase memory, detoxify the body, relieve cough and asthma, treat dizziness, insomnia, and shortness of breath.

Reishi mushroom is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases.

Reishi mushroom may help boost your immunity. Reishi mushroom may help reduce the risk of infections including bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Reishi mushroom may lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. Reishi may lower blood sugar levels.

Reishi mushroom may increase strength and stamina.

Reishi mushroom may treat lower urinary tract symptoms in males such as having to pee at night, weak urine flow, peeing more times than usual and not being able to control urine flow.

Reishi may help improve your mood, anxiety and depression. Reishi may also help treat fatigue. In a 2012 study, 48 breast cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue under-going endocrine therapy, who consumed reishi powder for 4 weeks showed that their fatigue, anxiety and depression was reduced and their quality of life improved.

Reishi may have some anti-cancer properties. Some studies showed that reishi induced cell death in certain cancer cells and delayed the response to DNA damage but more research is needed.

Reishi may also promote weight loss, gut health and brain health. Reishi may reduce signs of aging and help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS.

Reishi may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners.

Reishi may worsen symptoms in people who take immunosuppressant medications to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, IBS or psoriasis.

Reishi may have some side effects including dizziness, dry mouth, dry or itchy throat, headache, nosebleeds or liver toxicity. Liver toxicity may lead to death.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22203880/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma_lucidum

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-reishi-mushrooms

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom

https://www.verywellhealth.com/reishi-mushroom-benefits-8727644