The reishi mushroom is a species considered by many to be miraculous. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, by which it was called the mushroom of longevity. From today's article you will learn exactly what the reishi mushroom is, the history of its use or its properties. We will also discuss the topic of its supplementation and the beneficial compounds that can be found in it. Find out everything there is to know about reishi mushrooms.
The reishi mushroom - what is it?
The reishi mushroom is otherwise known as yellow lacewing or Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. It has many bioactive components that exhibit antibacterial and antiviral activity, among other things. Reishi are sometimes considered an adaptogen, but what exactly are adaptogens? They are substances that come from nature and have been recognized by proponents of unconventional treatments as means by which the body can more easily adapt to unfavorable conditions.
They are supposed to assist in restoring the body to homeostasis. However, they are not included in mainstream medical or pharmacological practice. The reishi mushroom was initially used mainly in China, but currently, due to advances in technology, it is also easy to get in European countries. This, in turn, has led to a much more willing use of it as a supplement or as a remedy for various ailments.
Reishi mushroom - family
The reishi fungus belongs to a collection of Ganoderma P. Karst. species, or lacewings. This group includes more than 250 different species, but only a few are found naturally in Europe. The rest, however, are mainly native to warm tropical areas with moist, waterlogged conditions. The ganoderma group includes fungi otherwise known as hubs in Poland. They are parasites and saprotrophs that cause the so-called white rot of trees, leading to their corrosion and destruction. The tree then becomes lighter in color, and its various components gradually decay. It most often attacks dead trees, as well as diseased and weakened trees.
Structure of reishi mushrooms
Mature specimens of reishi mushrooms are brown or brownish-red in color. When they are young, they are light, creamy and yellow, while they darken with time. Their hats are wavy at the edges, which even in adulthood remain lighter than the area around the center of the hat. In the middle part of the fruiting body, they also have an irregular structure.
What is very interesting about reishi is that not all individuals have stems. Those that do have them can be up to about 15 centimeters long and up to 2 centimeters thick. Others, on the other hand, grow laterally to the trees, being a stemless form. Sometimes you can also find a reishi mushroom that has a very faint stem, being an intermediate form between the two discussed earlier. The flesh has the consistency of a sponge and has no distinctive taste or smell.
Reishi mushroom - taxonomy
Reishi is, as previously mentioned, a fungus of the yellow lacewing species, genus Lacewing. It is a member of the family of the giardia (Polyporaceae), of the order giardia. More generally, it has been classified in the class of the roasters. Their domain is eukaryotes, while the type is basidiomycetes. It belongs to the kingdom of fungi. Shortly after the discovery and naming of this species, it was classified quite differently than it is currently. Initially, the reishi fungus was called Boletus lucidus and belonged to a completely different family of fungi, but in the 19th century it was transferred to the genus ganoderma, laccase.
Reishi mushroom - nomenclature
In Polish literature, it is not uncommonly referred to as shiny wroth, shiny shiner, shiny lacewing, lacewing hub or shining jagweed. The most common name, however, is reishi, ganoderma or lacquerwort. The last term only became widespread in Poland at the turn of the 20th century. In China, the mushroom's name "Ling Zhi" is translated as "of spiritual power" or "spirit plant." Some Chinese quacks also refer to the reishi mushroom as "immortality mushroom" or "strength-giving plant."
The reishi fungus, or lacewing - occurrence
The reishi mushroom is relatively rare in Europe and Poland, which has warranted its listing as an endangered species. It is currently under partial protection, although there have been times in history when the reishi mushroom was under strict protection. It grows on all continents except Antarctica. It is quite widespread in Asia due to the fact that it has become an important part of the culture there. It is mainly found in wet and shady areas, in forests, and on islands. It does best, growing on deciduous tree species. Usually singly, but sometimes it can also be found in groups, if conditions for growth are exceptionally favorable.
History of reishi use and beliefs related to yellow lacquerwort
The reishi mushroom is used in alternative medicine. The first documented use dates back to almost 4,000 years ago. They were attributed with magical properties, extraordinary strength, longevity. For this reason, they were made into protective talismans, intended to ensure good health and prosperity for those wearing them. One can also find reports that the mushrooms were used to improve fertility and cure various diseases. The reishi mushroom does not have psychoactive properties, but is considered a remedy for a wide variety of ailments. What uses of lacquerwort have you heard about?
Reishi mushroom - for what? What properties does it have?
Today, reishi are often sold as dietary supplements that are supposed to make it easier:
- Supporting the production of sex hormones,
- Improving the performance of the immune system,
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and upper respiratory tract infections,
- Delaying the appearance of the first signs of aging.
Reishi are said to have antiviral and antibacterial effects. They facilitate the regulation of blood sugar levels, which is said to have a beneficial effect on weight loss. One can also find information that reishi supports the digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It is eagerly used by people fighting chronic fatigue, as well as those who want to lower blood cholesterol levels.
What other uses does the reishi mushroom have? In alternative medicine it has been used to treat asthma, joint problems and stomach ulcers. Some claim that it helps prolong life, but others are skeptical of this claim. However, reishi mushroom supplements are not recommended for longer than 30 days, mainly because of the risk of liver damage or internal bleeding.
Reishi mushrooms - effects
The reishi mushroom is said to support the fight against various diseases and enable the body to adapt more easily to difficult conditions - both mental and physical. It can contribute to the proper functioning of the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs and nervous system. It can promote:
- Improving overall well-being, reducing fatigue and tiredness,
- protection against various diseases, especially civilization diseases,
- preserving in health the most diverse organs,
- Improve the appearance of skin, hair and nails.
Reishi mushroom - what does it contain?
Reishi contains simple and complex carbohydrates, as well as a wide variety of amino acids. Reaching deeper, we find in it:
- Antioxidants - also known as antioxidants. These are chemical compounds whose purpose is to neutralize free radicals that are responsible for aging.
- betaine - one of the essential amino acids. Often supplemented by athletes and people who want to take care of their digestive system and metabolism. Betaine is extremely popular during weight loss.
- Ascorbic acid - also known as vitamin C. It fights free radicals, improves immunity and facilitates regeneration. It can relieve many ailments and accelerate wound healing.
- Stearic acid - with properties that cleanse the body of toxins and promote the restoration of a healthy complexion after treatments. It moisturizes and thickens the skin, making signs of aging less visible.
- Coconut acid - with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Used in the economic and cosmetic industries.
In reishi we can also find magnesium, zinc, calcium or iron, as well as a lot of B vitamins. Since magnesium is called the element of life, it is supplemented by people who face excessive work or above-average physical exertion on a daily basis. Its deficiency is very easy for those who regularly drink coffee, alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
Zinc, on the other hand, is often supplemented by athletes. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels much more efficiently and has a positive effect on fat metabolism. It also has a supportive effect on muscle development. Calcium is responsible for strong bones and teeth. It participates in processes related to proper blood clotting and the functioning of the endocrine system. Adequate levels of iron are associated with proper muscle function (including the heart), immunity and the fight against free radicals. As you can see, reishi mushroom is a real treasure trove of health!
Review of studies about reishi
Some of the best-known studies on reishi are those that tested their effects on Russian cosmonauts. They tested whether the substances contained in the mushrooms could allow them to return to full fitness after being in exhausting conditions. It was also wondered whether the reishi mushroom would allow them to increase their performance while working. In the course of other studies in the 1990s, the effects of reishi were tested on:
- An increase in the frequency and amplitude of heart contractions, blood pressure and its self-regulation or vasodilation,
- immunity, speeding up recovery from hospital treatment, weakening of the body or as a preventive measure,
- pain and addiction treatment,
- Cancers of various types, viruses (especially HIV),
- allergy and the body's secretion of histamine in situations of exposure to an allergen,
- Increasing oxygen consumption in situations that require it, the well-being of patients at low pressure.
In later years, research was conducted on what potential effects reishi might have on cell survival and overly rapid cell killing due to oxidative stress. It was examined whether the mushroom might have neuroprotective and inflammation-reducing effects. It has been of interest in the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but due to unsatisfactory research results, reishi has never been and probably will not be used in mainstream medicine.
Reishi mushrooms - opinions
People who use reishi mushroom supplements note that they add energy and have immune-enhancing effects. They note that their cholesterol levels improve and that the ailments they have been experiencing gradually disappear. Like the manufacturers, however, they pay attention to proper dosage, as exceeding the allowed daily dosage can easily lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Liver damage can also occur. Ultimately, however, most people in their reviews of reishi mushroom use strongly recommend this type of supplementation.
How are reishi mushrooms used?
Reishi mushrooms are very easy to use. Due to the fact that it is a protected species, it cannot be harvested, even if found in the forest. Due to the conditions it needs to grow, it is also impossible or very difficult to produce on its own. As reishi has begun to become more widespread in Europe and beyond, supplements with it can increasingly be found.
Breeding of reishi mushroom
How are reishi supplements made? Due to the properties of the mushroom, it is established to be cultured under special, controlled conditions. The two most popular methods of its commercial production are:
- culture of mycelium in a bioreactor - on a solid medium with immersion in a properly selected liquid medium, which provides reishi with moisture.
- Cultivation of fruiting bodies on logs of wood - appropriately selected logs of large size are stored outdoors in order to provide reishi with the right conditions for growth.
As a supplement, reishi mushroom usually comes in the form of powders or easy-to-swallow capsules. The powders are usually dissolved in a glass of water or (to improve the taste) tea at a rate of 1-2 teaspoons per cup. However, check the manufacturers' recommendations each time. Capsules are ingested 1-2 per day, sipped with water. There are no recommendations related to whether it is better to do it during meals or completely independent of them.
What is reishi most often combined with?
Reishi can be used alone, but most people include it in vitamin complexes and combine it with other mushrooms as well. Among the most popular combinations are reishi and:
- ashwagandha - like reishi, it is called an adaptogen. It improves libido and fertility, has a calming and protective effect on the nervous system. It supports the functioning of the body in various fields and makes it easier to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep.
- Lion`s Mane - or coneflower, which, like reishi, is a parasitic fungus. It is used to prevent diseases of civilization, accelerate wound healing and lower blood sugar levels.
- Cordyceps - is the combination of choice for protecting cells from damage, reducing oxidative stress, offsetting fatigue and generally improving physical and mental health.
- Bacopa monnieri - a.k.a. Gotu Kola, an herb that originated in Ayurveda. In combination with reishi, it is said to improve the brain's cognitive functions, improving memory and allowing for increased concentration.
Safety of reishi mushrooms
If the place where you purchase reishi mushroom supplements is reliable, there is usually no cause for concern. However, pay attention to whether the manufacturer presents EU and other certifications such as the FDA. It is very important that the product is conscientiously tested and well checked for bacteriological contamination. Ideally, the mushrooms in a product should come from organic farming. They may contain only one type of reishi or a variety of subspecies, which are usually assigned different colors, such as red, black, white or purple. It is also common to find blends in which the reishi mushroom is combined in various proportions with the herbs and mushrooms mentioned in the previous paragraph.
With reishi, the key to proper use and safety is moderation. Never exceed a period of one month during supplementation. Reishi should also be avoided if you are struggling with low blood pressure or blood clotting problems. Reishi supplements absolutely must not be used several weeks before and after surgical procedures. If you are taking any permanent medications in addition to these, you should absolutely consult your doctor about your desire to take reishi. The reishi mushroom should not be used in children or pregnant women.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/905.html
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/reishi-mushroom-uses-and-risks
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom