Reishi is regarded as a supreme nourishing tonic. This functional mushroom is packed with immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties that treat a wide spectrum of ailments. It’s no wonder this restorative adaptogen is gaining popularity in our busy, modern world! 

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine. 

History of Use

Widely known as the “Mushroom of Spiritual Potency,” the historical use of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) dates back over 2,000 years. First recorded during the Han Dynasty, Reishi was revered as a superior food and medicine for Chinese royalty. Consuming the tea of this polypore mushroom was thought to bring longevity, wisdom, and good fortune.  

Reishi’s Chinese name, “Ling Zhi” translates to “divine fungus,” alluding to its heart-opening and meditative benefits. Taoist followers and monks often used it to enhance enlightenment and spiritual practice. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is considered a “three treasure herb”, meaning that it harmonizes Jing (life force), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit). 

Benefits of Reishi

Calms the Nervous System

Reishi is a nerve tonic and adaptogen. When our bodies are emotionally and mentally taxed, we release cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) to cushion the impact of stress. Reishi can regulate our cortisol levels, creating a more balanced nervous system. This mushroom is a potent adaptogen that helps us build resilience to stress, get grounded and combat anxiety (1). 

Strengthens Immune Function

Historically, Reishi mushrooms have been used to fortify the immune system. This mushroom works both preventatively and as a restorative in a wide variety of ailments. Reishi gently modulates the immune system over time, helping to boost the body’s natural defenses (2). 

Eases Inflammation & Soothes Allergy Symptoms

Like many other anti-inflammatory foods, Reishi is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, beta-glucans, and amino acids. Modern research shows the polysaccharides found in Reishi help inhibit the release of histamine (3). They’re also found to suppress the body’s inflammatory response (3). 

Improves Liver Health

Research suggests that the high antioxidant levels in Reishi may improve liver function and prevent liver disease (4). These plant compounds flush out toxins and bacteria while boosting production of liver enzymes. Studies show that Reishi may help reduce inflammation and damage in the liver (5).

How to Add Reishi to Your Routine

We offer multiple ways to add Reishi to your wellness routine.

Mushroom Powders

Our Reishi Powder features a potent extract ratio of 12:1. This means that you get 12g of 100% fruiting body Reishi in just 1g (¼ TSP) of concentrated powder.

Mushroom Capsules

Our Reishi Capsules are easy to add to your current supplement regime or take with you on the go. Feel the benefits of our potent Mushroom Powder in a convenient capsule form.

Mushroom Tinctures

Our Reishi Tincture features fruiting body, mycelium, organic cane sugar alcohol and spring water. This formula creates a highly bioavailable mode of mushroom medicine.

Tincture Blends

Fortify immune function with Immune Depth and find relief from seasonal allergies with Allergy Ease. Both tincture blends feature this functional mushroom.

Artisan Teas

Find Reishi in our grounding Adapt Artisan Tea. Infuse your day with the slow ritual of our Artisan Tea blends and restore balance with each sip.

Feeling torn between Mushroom Powders, Capsules and Tinctures? Check out this guide to help you decide which form of mushroom medicine is right for you.

References 

1. Zhao, H., Zhang, Q., Zhao, L., Huang, X., Wang, J., & Kang, X. (2012). Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 2012 , 1–8. doi: 10.1155/2012/809614 
2. Gao, Y., Zhou, S., Jiang, W., Huang, M., & Dai, X. (2003). Effects of Ganopoly®(A Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients. Immunological Investigations , 32 (3), 201–215. doi: 10.1081/imm-120022979 
3. Bhardwaj, N., Katyal, P., & Sharma, A. (2014, July 21). Suppression of Inflammatory and Allergic Responses by Pharmacologically Potent Fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Recent Patents on Inflammation &Amp; Allergy Drug Discovery, 8(2), 104–117. https://doi.org/10.2174/1872213x08666140619110657 
4. Gao, Y., Gao, H., Chan, E., Tang, W., Li, X., Liang, J., & Zhou, S. (2005, January). Protective Effect of Ganoderma(a Mushroom with Medicinal Properties) Against Various Liver Injuries. Food Reviews International, 21(1), 27–52. https://doi.org/10.1081/fri-200040586 
5. Zhong, D., & Yang, B. (2019). Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Liver Injury. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 217–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_9