Top 5 beneficial properties of reishi mushrooms for humans

Reishi (varnished tinder) is a popular medicinal mushroom that is widely used in oriental medicine as an antitumor and immunomodulatory agent.

Reishi mushroom contains a number of molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, which may be responsible for its beneficial health properties.

Although the mushrooms themselves can be consumed fresh, they are more often taken in the form of powders or extracts that contain these specific molecules. It is these forms that have been tested in animal and human studies.

What is a reishi mushroom?

Reishi mushroom (varnished tinder, varnished ganoderma, lingzhi) is a multiporous mushroom that naturally grows at the base and stumps of deciduous trees, especially maple. The fungus is widespread in temperate and subtropical latitudes. It can also be found in the southern regions of Russia (North Caucasus, Stavropol and Krasnodar territories).

For over 2000 years, the mushroom has been considered one of the main means in Chinese medicine. It is cultivated only for medical purposes. The raw material for the preparation of medicines is usually the fruit bodies of the fungus, less often the vegetative mycelium.

Reishi is valued for its ability to provide antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects in the body, Immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects.

Is usually taken in the form of teas or tinctures.

5 useful properties

Reishi contains a variety of vitamins (especially D, C, B3 and B5), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron), antioxidants (terpenoids) and organic acids.

Below are 5 facts about the benefits of reishi (based on the scientific basis).

1. Strengthens the immune system

Chinese scientists underline the special role of the mushroom in order to improve the functioning of the immune system.

Research conducted under the supervision of experts from New Zealand, show that Reishi is able to boost white blood cell level in the blood, as well as to enhance the functional activity of natural killers in response to the introduction of infectious agents or malignant cells.

It should be noted separately that the mushroom effective in order to increase the body's resistance to pathogens of infectious diseases and malignant cells, even under conditions of excessive stress.

2. It has an anti-cancer effect

Several millennia ago, the reishi mushroom was widely used in folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

As of today installed that it is able not only to reduce the risk of malignant neoplasms, but also to cause direct death of cancer cells.

Numerous studies emphasize the effectiveness of reishi in order to prevent and slow down malignant tissue damage to the following organs:

• Mammary glands ;
• Of the prostate gland for men;
• Rectum ;
• Of the large intestine .

It is recommended to regularly consume reishi for people with an increased predisposition to cancer (the presence of a disease in relatives, an incorrect lifestyle).

3. Improves mood and emotional background

Systematic inclusion of the mushroom in the diet improves the quality of life, contributes to reduction of fatigue , as well as the elimination of signs of any depressive disorders.

Experts from New Zealand found that people suffering from neurasthenia, against the background of regular use of reishi mushroom, were able to normalize their general condition. They have disappeared symptoms such as increased irritability, headaches and dizziness, as well as my mood has improved and the craving for life.

The components in the mushroom directly interfere with the metabolic processes in the brain tissues, improving the overall emotional background . It can be effective in preventing cognitive disorders (from thinking, memory and attention).

4. Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels

Proven that reishi, with frequent use, is able to reduce the concentration of total cholesterol in the blood, as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL, TAG), increase the content of "useful" cholesterol – HDL.

With a constantly increased concentration of cholesterol, the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation and the development of diseases such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia and stroke increases several times. Therefore, a varnished tinder can prevent them.

Biologically active mushroom-based supplements are especially useful for the elderly and senile, in whom cardiovascular diseases occur with high frequency.

5. Reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood

Reishi mushrooms reduce blood glucose levels. The described property is provided by several mechanisms:

1. Elimination of insulin resistance. Lacquered tinder box increases sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin, providing faster and more effective absorption of glucose by cells and a decrease in its concentration in the blood.
2. Activation of glycogenogenesis. Reishi Enhances conversion of glucose from blood to glycogen for "strategic" reserves.

The plant can be used with fairly high efficiency for the prevention of early development (with a burdened hereditary history) and for the treatment (together with hypoglycemic drugs or insulin) of type II diabetes mellitus.

Safety and harm

The amount of research on the harmful effects of reishi mushroom on health is extremely small. It is assumed that many side effects are simply not studied.

The complications observed when consuming the mushroom include:

1. A decrease in the "viscosity" of blood. The product is contraindicated when taking medications with anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity. This is fraught with the development of bleeding.
2. Destruction of liver cells. Prolonged intake of reishi (over 1 month) can lead to the destruction and death of liver cells.
3. Sleep disorders. With frequent use of the mushroom, problems with going to bed may occur, reducing the depth of sleep.
4. Allergic reactions. As a rule, they manifest themselves in the form of gastrointestinal disorders and skin rashes. Systemic anaphylaxis has not been described in the scientific literature.

Pregnant women should also limit or completely refuse to take reishi. None of the studies examined the effect of the product on the fetus.

Methods of application

In retail stores, reishi mushroom is found in two forms:

• Ground mushroom;
• Extract.

There is no reishi extract fiber , but biologically active substances prevail.

Ground mushroom or powder can be added to any soups, salads or drinks. The main thing is to take it strictly according to the instructions (no more than 3 teaspoons per day).

Some manufacturers initially pack reishi into capsules, each of which contains 1-1.5 teaspoons of powder.

Let's look at a few mushroom-based recipes.

1. Tea

Will be required:

• 2 tbsp.l. reishi mushroom powder;
• 1,000 ml of boiling water.

Cooking method:

1. Pour boiling water over the mushroom. Put it in a thermos.
2. Insist for about 10 hours.
3. Strain.

Consume 60-100 ml 3 times a day (30-40 minutes before meals). The duration of treatment is no more than 30 days.

2. Tincture

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. l. reishi mushroom powder;
• 500 ml of vodka.

How to do:

1. Place the mushroom in a glass container.
2. Pour vodka. Close with a tight lid.
3. Leave in any dark place for 2 weeks.

Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day (30-40 minutes before meals). The duration of admission is similar – up to 1 month.

To improve absorption, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamin C.

Conclusion

1. Thus, the reishi mushroom contains a lot of biologically active substances that heal the whole body.
2. The mushroom is supposedly able to improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, prevent the development of cancer and type II diabetes, strengthen the immune system and overcome depression.
3. Before use, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions and side effects.