Reishi Mushroom: Health Benefits, Risks & Recipe

For hundreds of years, reishi mushrooms were among the several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for decades in the traditional medical systems of Asian countries due to its health-promoting effects ^[1] . More recently, these mushrooms have also been used in the treatment of cancer and pulmonary diseases.

What Is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom is a fungus that grows in the hot and humid locations in Asia. It is also known as Ganoderma lucidum and Lingzhi. This particular mushroom contains several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans and comes with a lot of health benefits like strengthening of the immune system and fighting cancer.

Eventhough they taste bitter, but Reishi mushrooms are edible, and have a rough texture. They are often found in the form of a supplement, tincture, or in a mushroom powder form.

Reishi mushrooms produce a 'fruiting body' along with connective strands, which can be turned into herbal medicines, teas, powders, tinctures, and extracts. These mushrooms contain very little calories , a small amount of protein and dietary fibre.

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Health Benefits Of Reishi Mushroom

1. Prevents cancer

Reishi mushroom contains cancer-fighting properties. A study has concluded that these mushrooms can kill cancer cells ^[2] . Also, another study has shown that reishi mushrooms could be beneficial for inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer ^[3] .

2. Fights depression and fatigue

The consumption of reishi mushrooms could lessen the severity of anxiety and depression. A study showed that, the intake of reishi powder for 4 weeks had reduced fatigue in a group of 48 breast cancer survivors ^[4] .

3. Promotes heart health

According to a study, Reishi mushroom increases good cholesterol and decreases triglycerides ^[5] . It aids in preventing clotting of the blood within blood vessels and arteries, lowering inflammation, and blood pressure.

4. Controls blood sugar

Reishi mushrooms contain certain molecules that helps in decreasing the blood sugar level ^[6] . A review study published in the Journal Phytochemistry showed that, reishi mushrooms are able to lower the blood sugar levels and insulin ^[7] . These mushrooms also have the ability to improve the manner in which the body uses insulin to transport sugar from the blood to the tissues, so that it can be used as fuel.

5. Strengthens immune system

Reishi mushroom boosts up your immune system, mentioned a study published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences ^[8] . Certain molecules in the mushroom increases the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells, which fights infections and the cancer cells in the body.

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6. Improves liver function

Reishi mushroom works as adaptogens that aids in the proper functioning of the liver and prevents liver diseases. A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms concluded that, reishi mushroom contains antioxidants, which have the hepatoprotective properties that can improve liver function ^[9] .

7. Fights allergies, asthma & infections

Reishi mushroom contains active ingredients like triterpenes, a type of ganoderic acid that helps in reducing allergies and histamine reactions associated with asthma. This is one of the reasons why reishi mushroom is used as a natural remedy for asthma. Further, Triterpenes present in it also protect the body against viral, microbial, and fungal infections.

Reishi Mushroom In Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reishi mushroom is used as a common ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance the stamina, strength, and vitality, to slow down ageing, to improve heart and liver health. This particular mushroom is also used to calm and relax the mind and is often used in numerous spiritual practices.

Risk Factors Of Reishi Mushroom

The intake of reishi mushrooms will depend on your age, form of the mushroom, health condition for which mushroom is being prescribed, and also on a person's overall health. When used for more than 3 to 6 months, these mushrooms can cause allergic reactions leading to dryness in the mouth, throat, and nasal passages.

Other side effects of reishi mushrooms include rashes, headache, dizziness, itchiness, nosebleed, stomach upset, and bloody stools.

Note: Avoid having reishi mushrooms if you have low blood pressure or if you are under diabetic medications.

What Is The Oral Daily Dose Of Reishi Mushroom

2 to 9 grams of mushroom extract in the form of reishi mushroom powder, capsules or ticntures is enough ^[10] .

Reishi Mushroom Recipes

1. Reishi mushroom tea ^[11]

Ingredients:

• 113 g of whole dried reishi mushrooms
• 8 cups water

Method:

• Chop the mushrooms coarsely and grind it to a fine powder.
• Wrap the powder in a muslin cloth.
• Boil 8 cups of water, place the muslin cloth into it and heat until the water has reduced to half.
• Pick out the cloth and drink the liquid warm.

2. Reishi Mushroom Soup With Carrot And Kale ^[12]

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium sized onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 fennel bulb diced
• ¼ cup dried ground reishi mushrooms
• 2 cups Cremini mushrooms sliced
• 2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 6 cups water
• ¼ cup miso paste
• ½ tbsp thyme
• 3 cups chopped kale
• Sea salt and black pepper as per your taste

Method:

• In a pot, heat olive oil and add the onion and garlic to it. Sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add the ginger and the remaining vegetables (except reishi mushroom powder) and sauté for another 5 minutes.
• Add the water, miso paste, reishi powder, and dried spices.
• Bring to a boil and simmer it for few minutes.
• Cook for 1 hour. Add salt and pepper as per your taste. Enjoy the delicious soup!