What is Reishi: The medicinal mushroom and its effects on the body and mind

Anyone seeing the ‘mushroom of immortality’ – as it is sometimes called – for the first time might suspect that it is not real at all, as the fruiting body of this organism is covered with a strikingly shimmering, reddish-brown layer of resin. This is why Reishi is also known in German as ‘Shiny Lacquer Polypore’. However, it is not native to German-speaking regions, but to the deciduous forests of China and Japan and the Himalayan region. There, it feeds on dead organic matter, thereby contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem. It is now also cultivated specifically for this purpose. Unlike shiitake or oyster mushrooms, Reishi is not classified as an edible mushroom; it is purely a medicinal mushroom.

Due to its numerous benefits, Reishi is renowned in the Far East as ‘humanity’s oldest medicine’. It has long been used there in a variety of ways to improve health. No wonder, as reishi boasts an exceptional complex of active ingredients that holistically supports your body. Its many different polysaccharides and triterpenes, in particular, play a key role. These are secondary plant compounds that can ward off viruses and have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

Reishi also contains antioxidants, which protect your body from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Numerous vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and other essential nutrients round off its composition.

A mix of exciting ingredients, then – Reishi can therefore have a positive effect on various parts of your body, for example:

The active compounds in the mushroom can strengthen your immune system and promote wound healing – leaving numerous pathogens with no chance of taking hold. An active immune system is not only important for supporting your body’s natural healing processes, but also for preventing illnesses from developing in the first place. In the case of autoimmune diseases, however, reishi can help to regulate the immune system if it is responding incorrectly or overreacting.

Anyone suffering from stress should also turn to this medicinal mushroom, as Reishi can calm the nervous system and help you sleep better. Reishi tea in particular has proven effective for this – it relaxes you, makes you drowsy and helps everyday worries fade away. In general, reishi is regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a regulator of hormonal balance, which primarily affects stress hormones.

The triterpenes in the mushroom combat all types of inflammation, curb the release of histamine and thus improve general well-being. Consequently, people struggling with arthritis, allergies, kidney inflammation or hepatitis benefit just as much from Reishi as those troubled by atopic dermatitis or other skin problems.

The mushroom is also used to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, and can strengthen the cardiovascular system as well as protect your body against tumours. The medicinal mushroom increases blood flow and reduces the heart muscle’s oxygen consumption. People suffering from bronchitis, asthma or other lung conditions may also find that it helps to alleviate their symptoms. The gut and liver also benefit from Reishi – the mushroom strengthens the liver whilst simultaneously detoxifying it. Furthermore, it has a positive effect on the gut microbiome. As a result, Reishi can help with weight loss.

The mushroom can also boost your energy levels and is therefore regarded as an effective tonic. People who are physically weakened, in particular, use its power to strengthen their immune system. Reishi also stimulates the appetite and has an invigorating effect, thereby contributing to improved general well-being.

Reishi is processed by crushing, grinding, heating or drying to produce a very fine extract or high-quality powder – both of which can then be made into capsules, making them easier to take and dose. Reishi is also available as tea or tincture. In TCM, the usual daily dose ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 mg – depending on the individual’s circumstances.

As with many other active ingredients, combination therapies have also proved effective with reishi. An outstanding combination is reishi and vitamin C. The latter improves the absorption of the mushroom’s active ingredients and further supports the immune system. Green tea is also an ideal complement – both products enhance each other’s effects, resulting in greater benefits. Furthermore, Reishi is often combined with other medicinal mushrooms, such as shiitake, Cordyceps or Hericium. This creates a high-quality medicinal mushroom complex that benefits your whole body.

Reishi has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is now becoming increasingly popular in the Western world too – and rightly so! After all, this medicinal mushroom offers a wide range of benefits. If you want to give your body the best possible support, follow Aristotle’s principle, who once declared that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Combinations – for example, with vitamin C, green tea or other medicinal mushrooms – are key and provide your body with optimal nourishment.