Functional Mushrooms: Reset with Reishi

Ahhh Reishi, a fungi like no other.

To anyone who isn’t a mushroom geek, the name could easily be confused with the traditional healing practice “reiki.”

However, the two are really only similar in the sense that the general public tends to be a little confused about what it is and how it can benefit us.

Now, a Reishi might not be a middle-aged woman named Star Moongazer who realigns your chakras by hovering her hands over your body for 20 minutes to an instrumental Phil Collins soundtrack. But, we think the mushroom can be just as healing.

At Life Cykel, we know almost nothing about Reiki, but we do know a thing or two about mushrooms, and we would like to share our knowledge with you.

Where do Reishi Mushrooms grow?

Reishi mushrooms are mainly cultivated in the wild from the stumps of trees in the coastal provinces of places like China, North America and Japan, but can also be grown and harvested right from your own home. 1

What are Reishi Mushrooms used for?

The magic of functional mushrooms has been spreading across the world, and today, people commonly use Reishi for immune system support, blood pressure management, and liver support.

The sugars, called polysaccharides, found in Reishi mushrooms are said to have immunomodulatory effects, which means they can help the immune system by either stimulating it, or reducing it when it is overactive. 2

A seven-week trial demonstrated that supplementation with Reishi extract reduced blood pressure. 3

A chemical compound naturally produced by reishi mushrooms, called triterpenoids, has been shown to have positive effects on liver health. 4

What are the potential benefits of Reishi mushrooms? 

Reishi mushrooms don’t just stop at helping your immune system, blood pressure and liver though, they are also known to have anti-ageing properties. Research suggests that anti-ageing effects occur through anti-oxidation, immune system improvement and preventing neuron degeneration. 5

Reishi mushrooms can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

First things first, Life Cykel has an awesome extract that you can add to mushroom coffee. 

One of Life Cykel’s favourite ways to indulge in the benefits of reishi mushrooms is by adding the Reishi cocoa powder to mushroom coffee, or to any of your favourite dessert creations.

For more exciting tips on how to make the most of reishi mushrooms, please check out the recipe section of our blog.

Disclaimer As per US extract label.

Mushroom Research:

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics,2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 255-60.

2. Xu, Z., Chen, X., Zhong, Z., Chen, L., & Wang, Y. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides: Immunomodulation and Potential Anti-Tumor Activities. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 39(01), 15–27. doi:10.1142/s0192415x11008610

3. Shevelev, O. B., Seryapina, A. A., Zavjalov, E. L., Gerlinskaya, L. A., Goryachkovskaya, T. N., Slynko, N. M., ... Moshkin, P. (2018). Hypotensive and neurometabolic effects of intragastric Reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum ) administration in hypertensive ISIAH rat strain. Phytomedicine, 41, 1–6. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.01.013

4. Wu et al., Hepatoprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Triterpenoids from Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) on α-Amanitin-Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Int J Med Mushrooms, 2016. Life Science College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.

5. Chen HS, Tsai YF, Lin S, Lin CC, Khoo KH, Lin CH, Wong CH (2004). Studies on the immuno-modulating and anti-tumor activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides. Bioorg Med Chem, 12: 5595-601.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the Therapeutic Goods of Australia. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.