The reishi, scientific name Ganoderma lucidum, is a mushroom that comes from Japan, considered among the medicinal mushrooms used for millennia by traditional medicine. Not for nothing, in fact, it is also known as the mushroom of immortality, able to promote longevity and good health. So let's see, on the basis of scientific studies, what are the beneficial properties of this so special mushroom.
Reishi, properties
To the reishi mushroom are recognized antioxidant properties, namely, it is able to counteract the aging processes. But it has also hepatoprotective properties, it is anticancer and supports the immune system (Wachtel-Galor et al, Herbal Medicine, 2011 - Wang et al, Aging Dis, 2017). In particular, reishi acts for the well-being of the respiratory tract, helping to soothe cough, bronchitis and asthma (Lin et al, World J Gastroenterol., 2006). In addition to this, it also performs an antihistamine action to help fight seasonal allergy (Bhardwaj et al, Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov., 2014). But the properties of the reishi do not end there, this mushroom, in fact, calms the mind and strengthens the body thanks to its tonic and revitalizing action, increases energy, reduces fatigue, promotes good sleep and helps to keep stress and anxiety under control (Wachtel-Galor et al, Herbal Medicine, 2011).
Reishi, where it is found and how to take it
You can find reishi mushroom in the form of capsules that contain its extracts in chemist’s and herbalist’s shops, also online. As for the intake, you can take a reishi capsule twice a day before meals for 15-day cycles, take a two-week break and then repeat. Be careful though, even if reishi is characterized by such a beneficial action, you should pay attention and ask your doctor for advice in case of diabetes or if you are taking drugs for blood clotting or pressure. In fact, the mushroom acts as an antiplatelet agent, not only, it proves able to reduce both blood sugar and pressure and, therefore, if you are already taking drugs, you must check that there are no interactions (Sohretoglu et al, Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2019). Attention therefore if you’ll have a surgical operation, it is better to stop taking reishi a couple of weeks before to avoid an increase in bleeding. There are no studies on the safety of reishi in pregnancy and breastfeeding and therefore it is better not to take the mushroom during this period.
