Reishi mushrooms, known scientifically as Ganoderma, have been celebrated for centuries for their remarkable health benefits. From traditional Chinese medicine to modern wellness practices, these fungi have earned a reputation as one of the most powerful adaptogens. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind Reishi mushrooms, their historical use, and ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.
What Are Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms, often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” are a type of polypore fungus that typically grows on decaying hardwood trees. They have a distinct appearance, with a shiny, reddish-brown cap and a woody, tough texture. Their bitter taste and unique properties make them less popular for culinary use but more sought after for their medicinal purposes.
The genus Ganoderma contains many species. The most sought after of all being Ganoderma lucidum, which has been the subject of much scientific research. Other species like Ganoderma multipileum and Ganoderma applanatum are also often cultivated for their unique morphology and visual characteristics, including bright colors ranging from reds, browns and yellows.
Ganoderma species are classified as saprophitic fungi, which are primary decomposers. They primarily consume lignin and cellulose and can be grown on almost any material that contains those fibers. Commercially, Ganoderma is grown on hardwood sawdust that has been supplemented with minerals like gypsum for added calcium.
If you'd like to try growing Reishi for yourself, we offer both ready to grow mushrooms kits as well as all of the supplies needed to do it from scratch yourself.
The History of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have a rich history, particularly in East Asia. They have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Ancient Chinese texts, including the Shennong Bencaojing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), described Reishi as a “heavenly herb” that could extend life, enhance vitality, and promote overall health. The mushrooms were often reserved for emperors and royalty due to their rarity and value.
In Japan, Reishi mushrooms are known as “Lingzhi” (霊芝), and they have been revered in the culture as symbols of longevity and spiritual wisdom. In modern times, the popularity of Reishi has spread globally, and it is now a cornerstone of many herbal wellness routines.
Science of Reishi Mushrooms benefits
Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their wide-ranging health benefits, including support for the immune system, promoting sleep quality stress reduction, cardiovascular health, and organ health.
Since Reishi is primarily known for its medicinal properties, modern scientific research has begun to study and validate many of the benefits that have been long attributed to them in traditional medicine. Here are some of the key findings:
Immune System Support
Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting effects. Research published in PLOS one has shown that compounds in Reishi, including beta-glucans and triterpenes can help modulate immune function. Studies suggest that Reishi may enhance the activity of white blood cells, such as T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are vital for fighting infections and cancer cells.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Reishi mushrooms have long been investigated for their potential anticancer properties. While clinical evidence in humans is still evolving, laboratory studies in Oncology Reports have shown that compounds like triterpenes from Reishi extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, even causing apoptosis or programmed cell death.
These findings have been validated through other groups of researchers, and the Journal of Medicinal Foods studied the efficacy of Ganoderma water extracts in patients with advanced lung cancer, finding that it had the capacity to reactivate the p53 pathway, which is a known tumor suppressant gene. Through this, they also showed that reactivation of this pathway, caused by the Ganoderma extract induced apoptosis and cell tumor cell growth inhibition. The researchers recommended this as a treatment alongside traditional chemotherapy.
Adaptogenic Effects
Reishi mushrooms are considered adaptogens—substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Studies like this one in BMC Microbiology show that Reishi helps regulate the body’s stress response by balancing cortisol levels. Adaptogens like Reishi can improve overall well-being by reducing fatigue, improving sleep, and enhancing resilience to stress. The researchers even looked into its efficacy when used to mitigate symptoms of chronic insomia. They found that Ganoderma intervenes in both central and peripheral mechanisms to ameliorate insomnia.
One of the primary mechanisms thought to be involved is Reishi’s ability to influence the central nervous system by modulating the production of neurotransmitters involved in relaxation, including serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It’s recommended to consume Reishi shortly before bed for these reasons. A study published in Nature validated this further and reinforced that it also was able to enrich gut bacteria and metabolites, which can indirectly have positive downstream effects.
Heart Health
Several studies have indicated that Reishi mushrooms may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. One such study in the journal of Phytomedicine found that after consuming reishi mushrooms for seven weeks, it was capable of reducing blood pressure levels to the same effect of a prescription blood pressure medication known as losartan.
The reason reishi is studied for use as a blood pressure medication alternative is because most medications prescribed for hypertension (High blood pressure). have undesirable side effects. Fortunately, the researchers found that reishi had no noticeable negative side effects.
Liver Protection
Reishi mushrooms have been studied by Phytotherapy Research for their hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties. In the mice model that they used, they found that Ganoderma extracts had the ability to reduce liver fibrosis and even described the mechanism of action.
A review in Nutrients found that Ganoderma lucidum shows a broad range of hepatoprotective impacts in a broad range of liver disorders, such. as hepatic cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol induced liver disease and hepatitis B to name a few. They claim that it does this through the modulation of both liver Phase I and Phase II enzymes.
Reishi is a fantastic option if you regularly smoke, drink or regularly eat ultra-processed foods. All of those things put a heavy stress on the liver and the benefits from Reishi can help combat the negative effects of these practices.
Digestive Health and Gut Function
Reishi mushrooms are also gaining recognition for their digestive benefits, particularly for improving gut health, supporting digestion, and promoting a healthy microbiome. Although the digestive benefits of Reishi are still under study, research has already suggested that it helps protect the gut lining, reduce inflammation, improve the microbiome and support overall digestive function.
A study in Nature found that Reishi is capable of supporting gut health by increasing good microbiota and their metabolites, leading to a more stable stomach. They suggest that increased mood stability and digestion are likely downstream effects of this.
Studies done in Frontiers of Microbiology and Measurement: Food have supporting evidence for Reishi's ability to regulate gut microbiota and provide physiological support for the gut, intestines and colon.
The researchers in Carbohydrate Polymers found that Ganoderma exhibited anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties that can benefit the digestive system by reducing inflammation in the gut and tumorigenesis (tumor development) in the colon. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and other digestive disorders. By balancing inflammation and supporting the immune system, Reishi has been shown by researchers to provide relief from the symptoms of these ailments.
Additionally, it has been found that Reishi may improve gut motility (the movement of food through the digestive tract), thereby helping with issues like bloating, constipation, and general discomfort.
Ways to Consume Reishi Mushrooms
While fresh Reishi mushrooms have a tough, woody texture and a bitter taste, there are several ways to incorporate them into your diet or wellness routine. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Reishi Tincture
Reishi tinctures, which are concentrated extracts are a convenient option for those who don’t enjoy the incredibly bitter taste of this mushroom but want to reap its benefits.
We grow all of our own Reishi, and extract it into tinctures ourselves using ultrasonic extraction technology. Check out our Reishi tincture for yourself today!
Powdered Reishi
Reishi powder is one of the most versatile ways to consume this mushroom. The powder can be added to smoothies, coffee, or soups. Many people mix it into their morning coffee or hot chocolate as part of their wellness routine.
Reishi Tea
Reishi mushrooms can be made into a powerful tea by simmering dried Reishi slices in water for 15-20 minutes. The resulting tea has a distinct bitter taste, which can be balanced with honey, lemon, or other herbs.
We sell dehydrated Reishi mushrooms on our website that are perfect for making tea, both in a powdered form and chunks. Find the product listing here.
As always, if you’re considering adding Reishi to your health routine, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.