Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or other species) is one of the most beloved adaptogenic mushrooms, widely revered for strengthening immune function, relieving stress and anxiety and helping individuals feel more balanced overall. Furthermore, Reishi also serves as an anti-inflammatory.

Reishi tea can be an easy and straightforward way to take advantage of its benefits. Here is how it should be prepared: 1. Heat one cup of water

Ingredients

Ganoderma, more commonly known by its Chinese name reishi mushroom, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to increase vital energy and promote longevity. Citations were even made in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic — considered one of the oldest books on oriental herbal medicine — about how this powerful ingredient helped enhance vital energy and prolong lifespan [1]. Ganoderma can even help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating natural oils production that help hydrate skin from within [2-3]. [1-5].

Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are soluble fibers which have been shown to stimulate immunity, prevent tumor growth and lower blood pressure. Other medicinal mushrooms, like turkey tail and cordyceps varieties can also be added for additional health benefits.

The recipe below combines organic green tea and the prized reishi mushroom for an energizing and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed either hot or chilled. Refrigerated batches will keep for several days; make multiple batches at one time to store for later use. It can also be done using other tough medicinal mushrooms such as true tinder polypore (Fomitopsis officinalis) or artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum), served either sweetened or unsweetened as desired by you or your guests!

Preparation

Ganoderma, a polypore macrofungus found in decaying logs or tree stumps, boasts over 80 species (Kirk, Cannon, Minter & Stalpers, 2011). Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has long been revered as a sacred herb; many regard it as tonic to increase spiritual potency as well as treating conditions like liver disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Reishi contains numerous water-soluble proteins, dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins that have antifungal properties. One component contributing to these antifungal effects is Ganodermin (15kD protein). Furthermore, Ganoderma lucidum also boasts other bioactive substances with immunoregulatory and hepatoprotective effects that have been studied extensively.

Ganoderma lucidum’s polysaccharides can be extracted using various solvents, with hot water being the most popular choice. Polarity of the solvent as well as ratio between substrate/solvent play an integral part in yield. Other methods for extracting Ganoderma’s polysaccharides may include using dilute acids, dilute salts or even aqueous hydrogen peroxide as methods of extraction.

For optimal results, double extraction tincture extraction should be used, which captures both water- and alcohol-soluble components of mushrooms. It is also the most cost-effective method. Once completed, this tincture can be used as tea or added to other liquids for an added health boost.

Reishi mushrooms can be purchased both as dried powder or mixed into coffee as a beverage, and are advertised as natural health supplements to boost energy levels, fight viruses and fungus, increase immunity function, combat stress and depression and promote longevity. It has long been used in Eastern cultures; ancient Chinese referred to this mushroom as the “Mushroom of Immortality” (Lingzhi in Chinese; Reishi in Japanese; Youngzhi in Korean) due to its healing powers and longevity benefits.

Storage

Ganoderma (Ganoderma lucidum), commonly referred to as Lingzhi or Reishi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has long been used as part of preventative health and longevity practices in China. First described by Curtis at Peckham in England in 1781 and known by its Chinese name Lingzhi which translates as ‘mushroom of longevity,” is revered throughout China for its longevity-increasing properties as well as its antitumor, immunomodulatory, liver protecting effects as well as TCM medicinal uses.

Ganoderma can be enjoyed as an easy and highly beneficial tea. Reishi tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine, and remains its primary form of consumption today. Reishi is packed with polysaccharides, amino acids, peptides, enzymes and fatty acids which act as powerful tonics; furthermore it supports immune systems while providing powerful antioxidant effects.

Reishi can be prepared either through hot water extraction or stronger decoction methods, with decoction being the preferred approach as it allows ganoderma to break down more of its chitin components that become bioavailable with exposure to heat.

Ganoderma contains polysaccharides as its active chemical constituents, including glucose, mannose, galactose, fucose, xylose and arabinose connected by various forms and combinations of glycosidic linkages. Studies on these polysaccharides have demonstrated their antitumor, antifibrotic and antiangiogenic activities (Zhang, Cui, Chen & Lin 2007).

Reishi polysaccharides have also been linked with improved learning and memory in sleep-deprived rats, reduced oxidative damage and inflammation in liver tissue, promoted normal cell proliferation, and suppressed cancer cell growth in a recent study. Ganoderma extract GLE-101 significantly inhibited breast cancer cell growth while simultaneously decreasing expression of oncogenic gene c-myc, showing significant anti-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic effects against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells; in addition, its combination with green tea enhanced its anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic properties by an additional factor; researchers concluded that its combination with Reishi and green tea significantly enhanced its anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic properties of GLE.

Recipe

Ganoderma lucidum has long been recognized for its health-boosting and longevity benefits in Asia. Commonly referred to as Lingzhi in Chinese, Reishi in Japanese, and Youngzhi in Korean, Ganoderma lucidum was even praised in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic as an ingredient that enhances vital energy while improving sleep and preventing diseases.

Ganoderma fungus contains beta-glucans that may increase skin’s moisture retention while protecting immunity and providing additional immune support. Furthermore, this mushroom may reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

This recipe can also be used with other hardy medicinal mushrooms such as the hemlock varnish shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) found in Northeast Appalachia on dead hemlock trees, or true tinder polypore (Fomitopsis officinalis). While alcohol extraction tincture offers maximum benefit, making ganoderma tea can still provide its anti-inflammatory benefits; additionally it may lower blood pressure and relieve stress. However, people taking blood thinners should avoid drinking this tea due to potential bleeding risks.