Immunity
Reishi strengthens the immune system by enhancing monocyte, macrophage and T lymphocyte activity (these are all immune cells). Furthermore, reishi has been shown to increase the longevity and strength of white blood cells (WBC), supporting both quality and quantity. Reishi has further been shown to protect from radiation and has anti-angiogenesis activity (meaning it inhibits the growth of new blood vessels). The increase of WBC is particularly interesting with regards to colds and flu, reishi can be effective in preventing but also shortening the lengths of flu.
Reishi not only stimulates the immune system once it is weakened, but more so, reishi helps to 'wake up' the immune system prior to full disease, actually preventing it. So how does reishi work in the body? It is thought to be the high polysaccharide content in reishi that lends itself to its potent immune-modulating benefits. For those with Candida albicans, reishi has been shown to help regulate the overgrowth of candida in the body. Both clinical and traditional use suggests that reishi may be beneficial in a range of immune-related conditions, like acute and chronic viral conditions such as Epstein Barr Virus, rheumatism, chronic pneumonia and even HIV.
Cardiovascular Health
Through a Taoist lens, Reishi has been revered as a Shen tonic, nourishing Heart Firem however over recent years it has also been recognised through the Western lens for its cardioprotective effects. This is thought to be attributed to the mushroom’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as heart cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage. These properties have also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, improve HDL and regulate blood pressure in some studies.
Nervous System Support
Acting as an adaptogen, reishi provides an individual with protection from various biological, environmental and social stresses. The adaptogenic triterpenes in particular have a harmonising effect on both the immune system and circulatory systems, thus helping with mental tension, memory and general stress. Reishi works as an antioxidant against free radicals, and the ganoderic acid provides anti-inflammatory effects for cells, leading to an overall decrease in physical stress to the body.
Reishi has a calming effect and can relax the central nervous system, helping with insomnia, anxiety and general restlessness, promoting feelings of peacefulness. Reishi can also be particularly effective during menopause if anxiety is present. To promote a deeper, more restful night’s sleep, Reishi is a wonderful tonic to have before bedtime.
Those who take reishi notice a peacefulness that arrives with its use, accumulating over time as she strengthens the nerves of the body. That’s why she’s seen as the greatest anti-stress herb and has been used for thousands of years to calm the mind, improve memory, strengthen the nerves, sharpen focus, build willpower and ease tension.
Allergies
Reishi has shown to be an effective antihistamine, helping to reduce the severity of asthma, hay fever and other histamine-mediated allergic responses. In histamine-mediated allergic responses, the treatment focus is to decrease the inflammatory response (reversing a T-Helper 1 to T-Helper 2 shift). Reishi (specifically the compound ganoderic acid) has been shown to restore a harmonious balance between these T helper cells, regulating the histamine release. Reishi’s immune-modulating actions also help to upregulate innate and adaptive immune responses. A clinical study in China involving more than 2,000 patients with chronic bronchitis was treated with reishi. Within two weeks, 60-90 per cent of patients showed significant improvement, with older patients and those with asthma showing significant improvement.
Pregnancy
There is a rich history of use and empirical knowledge of Reishi in pregnancy, providing a calming anchor for mothers during pregnancy, as well as during the birthing process. Reishi is used to fortify immunity, adaptability, and hormone health and offers the nervous system deep support. ‘
In Eastern philosophy, there is a concept of “reishi babies”, this is a beautiful quality observed in babies whose mothers took reishi during and after pregnancy. In Eastern philosophy, there is a concept of “reishi babies”, this is a beautiful quality observed in babies whose mothers took reishi during and after pregnancy.
Tonification / Treasures
Tonification
In ancient Taoist medicine, tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms were used to nourish and tonify specific systems within the body. These systems correlate with the natural elements, and their direct effect can be classified as either Major or Minor.
Major: Heart Fire/Liver Wood/Lung Metal
Minor: Kidney Water
Treasures
When there is harmony between the body systems and elements, we cultivate the expression of health known as our Treasures.
Major: Yin Jing/Qi/Shen
Serving Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Reishi Mushroom and Its Incredible Benefits
Reishi is one of the most revered medicines in history. Known as Ling zhi in China, the folklore surrounding this magical adaptogen describes the reverence the ancient Daoists had for this life-enhancing mushroom.
Reishi, Mushroom of Immortality Dan Sipple (EP#8)
Mason and Tahnee come together on the podcast today to take a dive deep into the wonders of Qi, the second Treasure in the Taoist system.