Traditional Chinese Medicine has revered Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or Ling Zhi), the “king of mushrooms”, for centuries. Reishi is well-known for its anticancer, balancing, immune enhancing, sleep promoting and stress relieving properties – not to mention being abundant with minerals, fatty acids and amino acids like Glycine and Alanine!

Women taking Reishi tea supplements for four weeks were found to experience reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, likely as a result of its ability to reduce levels of an enzyme that inhibits serotonin production in their bodies. Reishi can also be used as an insomnia remedy and help maintain healthy blood pressure and heart rhythm levels.

Reishi contains complex sugars known as beta-glucans that have been shown to trigger white blood cells that attack and destroy tumor cells. Though further research must be conducted to understand its effectiveness, reishi may serve as an excellent cancer supplement when combined with chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Studies have also demonstrated that Reishi may reduce chronic fatigue symptoms, which is defined as feeling tired all of the time despite sleeping or rest. This may be caused by infections, immune system disorders, hormonal imbalances or stress; Reishi could reduce this feeling by providing energy boost and supporting balanced hormone levels.

Reishi may help increase concentrations of hexosamine protein in your skin, which accelerates wound and cut healing, improve collagen production and keeps skin soft, flexible and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Reishi’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, its pain relieving qualities may make it useful in relieving other inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. Reishi may help decrease inflammation by blocking certain enzymes’ activity or helping the body produce more prostaglandins – two effects which would likely reduce inflammation significantly.

Reishi has also been shown to increase production of nitric oxide in the body, helping lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Reishi also improves oxygen circulation in the body, fighting free radicals and protecting tissues. Reishi can be taken either in tea form or capsule form for maximum effectiveness – we suggest pairing it with cinnamon and rooibos for an enjoyable combination that’s sweet yet soothing before bed.