Reishi mushroom of immortality – why should you include it in your daily supplementation?

Reishi is one of the most sought-after mushrooms in the world due to its unique health benefits. This explains why it is also called the ‘Mushroom of Immortality.’ Reishi tones the body, stimulates the immune system during infections, and is also known for its anti-ageing properties. Used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, it is becoming an increasingly popular remedy in Poland. Let's find out what Reishi has to offer.

Reishi mushroom – what is it?

Ganoderma lucidum, better known as Reishi or yellow lacquer mushroom, is a mushroom native to the Asian continent. Its countless benefits have been known in this part of the world for over 2,000 years. Over the centuries, it has been attributed with many abilities, such as increasing vigour and energy, preserving youth, and strengthening immunity in the case of more or less serious diseases. However, its rarity in the natural environment has hindered its widespread use. Reishi only grows in the deep wilderness of the mountain forests of East Asia, often on tree trunks. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, only the most distinguished inhabitants of Asia could count on the benefits of Reishi. However, the situation changed in the 1970s, when, thanks to the efforts of Japanese researchers, large-scale cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum became possible. Today, its use is widespread in most parts of the world. In Poland, it is used to treat various ailments and is also supplemented as a so-called nootropic or superfood.

Reishi properties worth knowing about – what are they?

The diverse applications of Reishi result from the whole range of active ingredients contained in the mushroom. Unlike many plants with proven benefits, such as goji berries, the antioxidants contained in Reishi are not vitamins and minerals, but active ingredients in themselves. On the one hand, these are specifically functioning polysaccharides, and on the other, triterpenes from a large family of secondary plant substances.

• Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) – the mushroom contains over 100 different highly effective polysaccharides, including so-called sulphate polysaccharides, which, due to their good antiviral effect, are even recommended for the prevention of influenza or other viral diseases. Reishi components have also shown surprisingly positive results in the treatment of HIV. Triterpenes (components that promote, among other things, the development of new healthy cells) – these components protect Reishi from attack by microorganisms and have a strong antibacterial, calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the entire body. More than 140 highly active triterpenes have been found in Reishi, which, among other things, counteract liver failure, inhibit the release of histamine, and lower both high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, triterpenes strengthen the cardiovascular system and prevent the formation of tumours.

In addition to the above, Ganoderma lucidum also contains various nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the proper functioning of the body. These include vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also contains a significant amount of fibre, which is excellent for good intestinal transit.

The effects of Reishi on the human body – how does it help?

Among its health-promoting effects, Reishi is particularly valued for its abilities such as:

• Antioxidant and anti-ageing effects – for thousands of years, Reishi has been recommended for restoring health and promoting longevity. This is due to its antioxidant power. Indeed, this mushroom is able to effectively combat oxidative stress, i.e. the accumulation of hyperactive oxidising forms, which are particularly harmful to the continued survival of our body's cells. Reishi counteracts this phenomenon by protecting the body and helping to combat ageing. It is therefore credited with anti-ageing, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective and neuroprotective properties.
• Immunostimulatory effect – in addition to its antioxidant effect, Reishi is able to stimulate the immune system. In other words, it helps to strengthen the body against various external attacks.
• Antimicrobial properties – studies have found that Reishi is particularly effective in fighting infections. This antimicrobial activity is linked to its immunostimulatory activity, which also influences the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the fungus.
• Lowers blood cholesterol and glucose levels – patients suffering from diabetes or hypercholesterolaemia showed an improvement in their blood balance when consuming Reishi-based products. The mushroom is able to significantly lower blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Protects the circulatory system – some of the active ingredients in Reishi have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The mushroom seems to help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations and chest pain.
• Cares for the liver – Reishi has hepatoprotective properties. It prevents the increase of alkaline phosphatase and transaminases. In this way, it supports the liver in its work and protects it from many diseases that can affect it.

What is the appropriate dosage of yellow lacquer?

There are no specific recommendations for the dosage and supplementation of Reishi. In addition, we should be aware that the content of active ingredients may vary depending on the mushroom obtained. To avoid this variability, it is worth choosing standardised Reishi extracts containing specific doses of triterpenes and polysaccharides.

Depending on the extract content, the dosage ranges from 400 to 1500 mg per day for a period of two to three weeks. Of course, this dosage may also vary if Reishi is combined with other active ingredients. In general, it is advisable to read the package insert and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Contraindications for the use of Reishi – what should you watch out for?

Reishi is a mushroom that has been consumed without risk for nearly two millennia. However, as a precaution, it is recommended to exclude its supplementation in the following cases:

• Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• Patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy;
• People who are about to undergo surgery.

As for side effects, only rare and temporary side effects of Reishi use have been reported to date. These are usually short-lived sensations of itching, nosebleeds, diarrhoea and dry mouth, throat and nose.

Research on Reishi – what does science say about it?

In recent decades, Reishi has been the subject of ongoing scientific research. Repeatedly studied in prevention, the mushroom has shown promising results. During the research, it was found that Reishi is particularly effective in fighting infections. Some researchers also present Reishi as an adaptogen, i.e. a substance capable of increasing resistance to stress, concentration, performance and endurance in cases of fatigue or chronic stress.

More recent studies have also shown that in diabetics, Ganoderma lucidum helps improve kidney function and reduce the level of protein in the urine. Of course, more scientific evidence is still needed to confirm all of the above effects.

Interesting facts about Reishi

• Reishi is known in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’, mainly due to its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties, which maintain vigour and youthfulness.
• Reishi is a good supplement for athletes. By reducing the oxidation process and promoting increased physical performance, it is especially recommended for runners.
• Reishi powder extracts are perfect for morning smoothies, coffee or protein shakes! Just mix it with your favourite drink to get all its benefits.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, only the flesh of the mushroom (cap and stem) is used, as it contains the highest amount of health-promoting active ingredients.

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