Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, and heart health benefits. Reishi is also commonly used as an effective natural mood enhancer that has been suggested as potentially helping with anxiety and depression. Reishi supplements come in capsule form, powder form, tea bags or as extracts.

Reishi mushroom has long been used in Eastern cultures as a symbol of health and immortality. Now scientists are learning more about its medicinal uses; as an antioxidant it may improve liver and brain functioning while relieving stress and increasing energy levels.

Reishi cannot provide sufficient scientific evidence to substantiate its claims of effectiveness against Alzheimer disease, cancer and cold sores. Furthermore, this mushroom may cause gastrointestinal discomfort like stomach aches and fatigue. Pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as people taking medication to lower blood pressure should avoid taking Reishi supplements.

Reishi mushrooms are typically produced by inoculating logs with spores and then placing them in a shaded greenhouse for 9-12 months, similar to other mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster or lion’s mane. Some individuals have managed to cultivate this strain at home using hardwood sawdust mixed with bran (5:1) mixed with water as substrate.

Reishi mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, particularly vitamin D. Furthermore, their potassium content helps to regulate both blood pressure and heart rate. Unfortunately, they should be avoided by people with diabetes as it may lower blood sugar levels; furthermore they could interfere with certain blood thinner medications and may affect certain forms of medication used to control cholesterol or blood pressure. It’s best to speak to your physician prior to consuming any reishi products for these reasons.

Organic

Mushroom coffee combines the rich taste of traditional coffee with functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, Chaga and Reishi which may aid immune function, cognitive health and stress relief. Many of these mushrooms act as adaptogens allowing the body to better respond to stress and fatigue with resilience.

Reishi mushroom varieties may help improve digestive health and digestion by providing prebiotics that feed healthy bacteria, increasing white blood cells in the body and providing immunity against infections or pathogens that could potentially cause illness.

To achieve optimal results, choose an organic mushroom coffee made with whole fruiting bodies that does not include added sugar or fillers such as rice flour. It is wise to consult your physician prior to drinking mushroom coffee if you have serious medical conditions or are taking medications such as blood thinners or blood pressure reducers.