(NaturalHealth365)  If you haven’t heard of the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, it’s likely that you soon will.  A staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years, these ancient edible fungi are now being taken seriously by researchers around the globe and explored for their potential to promote health, longevity, and even help people to heal from chronic health issues.

A new review in Food Science and Human Wellness shines a spotlight on one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms – the reishi mushroom.  Botanically known as Ganoderma lucidum, the reishi mushroom is also called Ling Zhi (meaning “The Mushroom of Immortality” – a clue to the high esteem in which it is held).

Let’s take a closer look at the compelling health benefits of this mighty mushroom.

The reishi mushroom’s wide range of benefits include boosting the immune system

In the new review, the authors reported that reishi mushrooms have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-allergy, and antitumor properties.  These versatile mushrooms are also adaptogenic, meaning that they can help the body adjust to prolonged physical and psychological stress.  The team pointed out reishi’s high levels of triterpenoids – which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to protect heart and liver health – and polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

The authors declared that the most studied of all reishi benefits involve the fungus’ ability to stimulate the immune system.  In a placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, twelve weeks of supplementation with beta-glucans from reishi mushrooms increased the amounts of lymphocytes (immune system cells critical to the body’s defense) in children with immune deficiency.

In addition to their gifts to the body, reishi mushrooms can also benefit the psyche. 

Medicinal mushrooms can have nootropic effects – meaning they can promote mental function and concentration – along with mild calming and mood-elevating properties.  In fact, Taoist monks have used reishi mushrooms to enhance spiritual practices and meditation.

Mysterious mood-lifter: Reishi extracts increased happiness in women with fibromyalgia

Our current “sick care” system attempts to manage fibromyalgia – a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, and depression – with synthetic muscle relaxers and other toxic medications.  However, these pills may provide only partial relief and can feature unwanted side effects.  Hence, there is an ongoing search for natural alternatives.

In a 2020 trial involving women with fibromyalgia, volunteers were given either six grams of reishi extract or a placebo daily – with intriguing results.  Although the reishi group didn’t see any statistically significant differences in body aches or other symptoms, they reported feeling substantially happier!

The intervention reduced depression levels from 7.6 to 5.36 – which is near the cut-off level for a diagnosis of depression.  The participants reported the reishi’s efficacy at between 2 and 3 on the Global Impression of Improvement Scale (GIIS), which means that they quantified improvements in the way they were feeling on a spectrum ranging from “slightly improved” to “greatly improved.”

Meanwhile, the control group did not fare nearly as well, ranking their status between 3 and 4 on the GIIS.  This signifies that they either noticed no change at all or were only minimally better. Clearly, these findings – brighter mood, increased happiness, and less perception of physical discomfort – call for further exploration.

Breast cancer patients struggling with mood disturbances find relief

Depression, fatigue, and anxiety can sap the strength and threaten the morale of those battling cancer.  However, a four-week study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that a reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum spore powder) reduced cancer-related emotional upset, tiredness, and improved quality of life in women with breast cancer who were undergoing endocrine therapy.

Incidentally, earlier studies have supported reishi’s calming effects.  A study published in Cellular and Molecular Biology showed that lucidone D, a terpene from reishi mushrooms, helped to reduce body aches and promote sleep.  In yet another study, reishi extracts improved quality of life and alleviated tiredness and physical discomfort in people with neurasthenia.

Access the power of reishi through convenient supplements

With their deep reddish-bronze color and glossy sheen, reishi mushrooms have a distinctive appearance – and a notoriously bitter taste to go along with it.  Although perfectly edible, this harsh taste is why people rarely nibble reishi mushrooms “solo.”

Fortunately, supplements are available in powders, tinctures, capsules, and teas.  Opt for an organic product certified for purity and marketed by a reputable vendor.

For immune support, holistic healthcare providers typically advise 1.5 to 9 grams daily, but consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with reishi, especially if you have any health concerns.

By the way, reishi powder actually “plays well with others” when balanced with pleasant, robust flavors such as cacao or coffee.  You can add this mushroom to your favorite morning meal, or favorite smoothie.  You may also find specialty chocolates, coffee alternatives, and energy bars enhanced with reishi.

As the new review demonstrates, reishi mushrooms appear to promote physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being.  Maybe it’s time to try the “king of mushrooms.”

Editor’s note: For the highest quality, medicinal mushrooms … check out the LuvByNature brand for a variety of healthy options.

Sources for this article include:

Sciencedirect.com
MDPI.com
Begelhouse.com
Healthline.com
Thespruceeats.com
NIH.gov
Whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com