Reishi Mushroom: effect and use

What is the Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of mushroom traditionally used in Chinese medicine and other Asian cultures for its therapeutic effects. It was discovered several thousand years ago in ancient China and is also known as the “mushroom of eternal life” because of its beneficial properties.

Reishi is considered the jewel of traditional Chinese medicine and is one of the building blocks of many therapies.

It is a wood-destroying fungus with a characteristic appearance that occurs on trees, especially on the wood of the Fagaceae family, such as oak and chestnut. In shape, the reishi resembles a smooth, shiny hat with an orange to dark brown colour.

Reishi has long been known for its potential therapeutic properties and is considered an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress and increases its ability to cope with various stresses. It is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains many bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, peptides and polyphenols, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties.

What are the effects of the Reishi Mushroom?

• Strengthening the immune system: This is probably the most important role of the Reishi mushroom. The Reishi contains bioactive substances such as polysaccharides that support the immune system and can strengthen the body's defences against infections and diseases.
• Adaptogenic effect. Helps to increase the body's physical and psychological resistance to various stress factors.
• Antioxidant properties: Reishi contains polyphenols and other substances with antioxidant properties that help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage. The antioxidant effect can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Some components of reishi have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial in the supportive treatment of various inflammatory conditions.
  Increased vitality and energy: Reishi is traditionally considered a tonic that increases energy, vitality and stamina. Many people report that they experience an improvement in their overall health and vitality when taking reishi regularly.
• Promoting healthy sleep: Reishi is often used to improve the quality of sleep. It has a calming effect and helps to reduce stress and tension, which promotes better sleep.

What is the correct dosage of Reishi mushroom?

As with CBD dosage, this is very individual and one should keep in mind that it is a natural product and dosage is very individual, and it is recommended to start with a lower dosage and increase it gradually.

It is also recommended to take the Reishi mushroom only 5 days per week and to take a break 2 days per week.

Other factors that affect the dosage are age, weight and finally, how the Reishi mushroom is consumed.

The recommended daily dose is: For tea about 1 – 2 cups per day, for Reishi capsules 1 – 3 capsules per day and for powder about 1 – 3 grams per day.

Why is it recommended taking the Reishi capsules for 5 days and then take a 2-day break?

With some mushrooms from the Traditional Chinese Medicine range, it is recommended to take the capsules for only 5 days per week and then take a 2-day break.

This is done for practical reasons, to avoid developing a tolerance to the mushroom (i.e. this way of taking it helps to maintain the effectiveness of the Reishi). It also helps you avoid possible side effects.

How long can I take Reishi at a stretch?

The duration of continuous Reishi intake depends on individual needs, health status and specific recommendations. There is no exact definition of how long one should take Reishi continuously, as various factors can influence this.

In some cases, it is recommended to take the Reishi regularly over a longer period of time, such as several weeks or months. This gives the body enough time to absorb and develop the effect of the reishi.

However, if you follow the recommendation to take the Reishi 5 days a week and skip 2 days, you can take the Reishi over a long period of time without having to fear tolerance or side effects.

How long does it take for the Reishi to show its effects?

It is important to remember that we are all different and react to everything individually.

For some people, the effect of the Reishi shows after a few days or weeks (better sleep, energy, vitality). For others, it takes months (strengthening of the immune system, reduction of inflammation).

Studies on the effects of the Reishi mushroom

Did you know that not all effects of the Reishi mushroom can be openly stated on product websites? This is because of the so-called ON HOLD list that has been approved in the EU (this is a list of approved claims), and only these claims can be officially stated on products.

So if you would like to know more precise data about the effect of the Reishi mushroom, we recommend that you research the results of various international studies that have investigated the effect of the Reishi mushroom yourself.

Below is an overview of some of them:

• “Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi nebo Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom” This review study provides comprehensive information on the bioactive compounds found in Reishi and their pharmacological actions, including immunomodulatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
• “Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” – This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of reishi in the treatment of cancer. The study summarises the results of several clinical trials and points to the potential of reishi to support conventional cancer treatment and reduce side effects.
• “Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) for Cancer Treatment” – This review analyses the results of clinical trials on the use of reishi in cancer treatment. It summarises the various uses of the Reishi to promote health and reduce the negative effects of cancer therapy.
• “Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and cancer immunotherapy: an overview” – This study focuses on the immunomodulatory properties of Reishi and its potential in immunotherapy. It includes an overview of studies on the relationship between Reishi and the immune system.
• “Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): A Comprehensive Review on its Biomedical Potential” – This review looks at various aspects of the beneficial properties of reishi, including the immune system, cardiovascular health, liver health, neuroprotective properties and more.

How is the Reishi used?

The most common ways of taking reishi are:

1. Reishi tea is the traditional way to use reishi (as with hemp, traditional use also includes the use of hemp tea). With reishi, dried reishi fruits, possibly finely chopped, or reishi powder are used together with the tea. The pieces or powder are poured over hot water and left to steep for a few minutes. The tea is then strained and can be drunk. It is generally recommended to drink 1–2 cups of tea per day.
2. Reishi extract: The Reishi is also available in the form of extracts. Reishi extract is a concentrated product that contains the biologically active substances of the mushroom. The extract is usually obtained from the mushroom by drying and then extracting the substances with a solvent. Reishi extract is offered in the form of drops, capsules (Reishi Capsules by Hemp Health) or as a powder to mix with liquids or food.
3. Reishi capsules or tablets. Capsules contain dried Reishi powder or extract. The advantage of capsules is that they are convenient and easy to take.
4. Reishi powder: Another option is to take Reishi in powder form. Reishi powder can be added to drink, smoothies or meals, or mixed with honey or yoghurt (hemp protein is used similarly).

What are the side effects of reishi?

Reishi has practically no side effects, or if it does, they are very mild. They may be the following:

• Digestive problems: When taking Reishi, some people may experience digestive problems such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, or indigestion. However, these reactions are usually mild and temporary. Reducing the dose or taking a break from taking it can help the body adjust.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to reishi. If you are allergic to mushrooms or sensitive to other natural products, it is possible that you may also have an allergic reaction to the Reishi. If allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, facial swelling or difficulty breathing occur, you should stop taking the Reishi and seek medical attention.
• Drug interactions: Reishi may interact with some medications. For example, it may have a weak anticoagulant effect, so people taking blood-thinning medication should be careful when taking Reishi. People with low blood pressure should also be cautious, as reishi can slightly lower blood pressure. It is important to consult your doctor if you are taking medication to ensure that there are no known interactions with Reishi.

When should you not take reishi?

Do not take Reishi if:

Allergy to mushrooms - Reishi is a mushroom, and if you are allergic to mushrooms, you may also be allergic to Reishi. In this case, taking the reishi may cause an allergic reaction.

Operations – the Reishi may have a mild anticoagulant effect, i.e. it thins the blood slightly and affects blood clotting.

Low blood pressure - Reishi may slightly lower blood pressure, so it is not recommended for people with low blood pressure.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding – due to limited research, taking reishi during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.

Children – the safety of using Reishi in children has not been fully studied, so use of the mushrooms in children is not recommended.

Can Reishi mushrooms be combined with medicine?

If you regularly take medication, we definitely recommend that you consult your doctor about taking Reishi mushrooms. If your doctor agrees to your taking the Reishi, be sure to leave at least one hour between taking your medication and the Reishi.

It is not recommended to combine the Reishi with medicines for: low or high blood pressure, to slow down blood clotting, diabetes or immune system disorders. If you are taking these medications and would like to take the Reishi mushroom as well, be sure to consult your doctor first.

Can Reishi be combined with CBD?

Yes, it is possible to combine Reishi with CBD, and in some cases it is even recommended, as the products work synergistically with each other and enhance the effect.

The combination of CBD and Reishi strengthens the body's capacity to absorb endorphins and serotonins, a very useful combination for stress management, mood elevation or anxiety.

Combination of Reishi and vitamin C

If you choose to take Reishi mushrooms, we definitely recommend combining them with vitamin C – ideally liposomal vitamin C, which has a higher absorption rate.

The combination of reishi and vitamin C offers:

• Antioxidant synergy – together they increase the body's antioxidant potential and protect against oxidative stress and free radicals.
  
• Synergy to support the immune system – both products have an immunomodulatory effect. In combination, they provide a synergistic effect to support the immune system
  
• Synergy in absorption – vitamin C improves the absorption and utilisation of certain substances in the body. The addition of vitamin C to the Reishi mushroom improves the absorption and utilisation of the bioactive substances of the Reishi mushroom in the body.

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