Health Benefits of Red Reishi

Health Benefits of Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)

Reishi Mushrooms Help Boost Energy & Immune System - frankenstoen

Reishi mushrooms lower blood cholesterol and have anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Reishi mushrooms are red in colour and belong to the Ganoderma mushroom family, with the word "reishi" being the Japanese name for "spiritual mushroom." In China, locals have been using reishi for healing purposes for a few thousand years and see it as being en par with the herbal supplement ginseng.

Health Benefits of Red Reishi Supplements

While reishi mushrooms are not used in cooking, it is commonly used in the form of a tablet as a herbal supplement. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) highlights key health benefits and healing properties associated with reishi, to include the following:

• adaptogenic, antihypertensive, anti-allergic and antibacterial properties
• anti-viral, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties
• tonic and anti-oxidant properties
• strengthens liver, lungs, heart and immune system
• increases intellectual capacity and improves memory
• boosts physical/mental energy levels
• promotes vitality and longevity
• speeds up convalescence
• regulates blood sugar levels
• helps minimize chemotherapy/radiotherapy side-effects
• reduces blood clotting, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
• helps increase brain blood flow, oxygen uptake in Alzheimer's patients
• promotes restful sleep
• improves stress-related symptoms, low mood and fatigue
• helps treat bronchitis

In addition to the above benefits associated with reishi supplements, Lakin et al. (2006) in Healing Supplements, identify that reishi are traditionally used by the Chinese to encourage relaxation. This herbal remedy is also recognised to help fight heart disease and reduce forms of respiratory health conditions.