The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years.
Reishi has often been referred to as the mushroom of immortality, as well as ganoderma lucidum lingzhi or the "herb of spiritual potency" and for good reason. It has been used to treat cancer, immune disorders, depression, stomach issues, and so much more.
Want to learn more about how this medicinal mushroom can benefit your health?
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom Tea
Reishi has high levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it a great way to benefit your overall health.
As if reishi's nutritional benefits weren't fantastic enough, it is also frequently used for immune support and to help prevent, treat, or ease the symptoms of a variety of diseases and conditions, such as:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Respiratory diseases, like asthma
- HIV and AIDS
- prostate cancer
- Fights cancer cells
- Shingles
The reishi mushroom can also help reduce stress and fatigue, helping improve your overall mood and energy levels. It may also help with blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level management.
Boosts Immune System and Heart Health
Reishi has the potential to boost your immune system by affecting genes and altering inflammation pathways in white blood cells.
It can improve your immune system's cell function, has antioxidant properties, and combats viruses. It can also help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of immunity-related conditions.
Alongside this, reishi may help you maintain your heart health and blood sugar levels, as it helps increase "good" HDL cholesterol, decrease triglycerides, and lower blood sugar.
Combats Cancer
There are numerous studies indicating that reishi has the potential to combat cancer by decreasing the number and size of tumors.
It can boost the activity of "natural killer cells" or lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections and cancer in the body. It can also potentially boost the immune function of advanced cancer patients with lowered immunities.
While reishi cannot replace chemotherapy and other mainstream treatment methods, it can boost the quality of life and immune function of cancer patients when used alongside them.
Improves Mood
The reishi mushroom may help combat fatigue, depression, and anxiety. This can help improve many people's quality of life, including those with neurasthenia, cancer, and other serious conditions.
The soothing qualities of reishi can benefit anyone who wants to unwind after a long day. Reishi mushroom may help improve your sleep quality, so you can get a restful night's sleep and reduce the amount of fatigue you feel in the morning.
Buying Reishi Mushroom Tea
Reishi comes in many forms, including dried mushroom pieces, extracts, tinctures or powder.
Reishi mushroom tea made from dried slices or chunks should be steeped for at least 30 minutes, as they are too woody to eat raw.
What is the Recommended Dosage?
The recommended dosage for reishi often falls between 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams per serving.
The best dosage for you may vary based on your age and your overall health, and it may also vary based on the condition it is being used to treat.
You should keep in mind that the way you take reishi—whether through tea, extract, tincture, or supplement—can also change the recommended dose. Be sure to follow the packaging's instructions on how much you should consume to get the best effects from your reishi mushroom.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Reishi is considered safe for consumption and is not known to cause severe side effects, except in cases of extreme over consumption.
That being said, in rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction. Those who have sensitivities to mushrooms may experience:
- Dryness in mouth, throat, and nasal passages
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Nosebleed
- Bloody stools
Consult a doctor before taking reishi, especially if you have low blood pressure or an immune system disorder, or you are taking low blood pressure, diabetes, or immune system disorder medications. You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in those with low platelet count. Consult a doctor if you are using anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), warfarin, heparin, or any herbs or supplements that prevent normal clotting or lower blood pressure.
What to Look for in Reishi Mushroom Tea
Not all reishi teas are made equal.
Mushroom teas made from organic ingredients have better overall quality and are safer to consume, as they are free from preservatives, chemicals, and pesticides.
When you are looking for an alternative to eastern medicine reishi tea or reishi mushroom extract is a good choice.
At Annanda Chaga, our functional mushroom products are certified organic and have been lab-tested by a 3rd party to ensure they are safe from harmful pesticides.
Be sure to check out our reishi tea and other quality products to boost your health today. Statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Statements have not be rated by the Food and Drug administration.