Blog
Reishi Mushroom Tea
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as Lingzhi) are celebrated as one of the premier adaptogens, helping promote overall wellbeing and immortality.
They contain antiviral, antioxidant and immune enhancing properties which have been demonstrated to treat chronic fatigue as well as stimulate white blood cells which attack cancerous cells.
Reduces Stress
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogen, meaning it provides multiple health benefits. Commonly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality”, Reishi can promote long-term wellness and increase resistance to stress. Furthermore, Reishi is known to act as a natural mood enhancer that reduces anxiety levels while improving sleep quality – in addition to helping fight off oxidative stress and increasing resistance against disease.
Reishi mushrooms are considered spiritual and sacred herbs in Chinese culture, used to treat various conditions. Taken either in capsule or tea form, Reishi extract has been shown to reduce symptoms related to clogged arteries, diabetes and hepatitis B; additionally they’ve also been associated with anti-aging properties and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Although reishi has some evidence supporting its medicinal properties, much of this comes from animal studies and test tubes. One noteworthy study revealed that extract of reishi significantly reduced tumor sizes among patients suffering from liver cancer. Reishi has also been found to enhance white blood cell count – an essential defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria.
Many wellness companies provide reishi tea, but it’s essential that consumers select the product most suited to them. Many available teas use powdered reishi as an extract of its mushroom source – making it more convenient and less costly than purchasing whole reishi mushrooms which may be hard to come by in stores.
Isokauppila advises drinking Reishi tea during the afternoon or evening, when your body naturally releases stress hormones and needs to unload them. He also suggests doing this during spring when its antihistaminic properties may help with seasonal allergies.
To create Reishi Tea, add one ounce of dried Reishi fungus to a cup of hot water and let the mixture steep for at least 20 minutes so its nutrients can fully be absorbed by your body. Strain out and enjoy as an herbal beverage! Reishi can be taken alone or blended with other herbs like Chaga for maximum immunity boost and energy support.
Boosts Immune System
Reishi mushroom tea is an effective way to support and strengthen the immune system. Packed full of compounds such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides known to support healthy immune function, Reishi mushroom tea can activate key immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages; as well as increasing cytokine production that can fight infection or pathogens.
Reishi mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, making them especially helpful to people suffering from chronic conditions, as they may prevent inflammation flare-ups and reduce symptoms overall.
Studies have demonstrated that Reishi mushroom can also help reduce fatigue and boost energy levels, possibly due to its immune-enhancing properties and ability to fight free radical damage. Furthermore, Reishi is believed to improve sleep quality while creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
Used to treat various conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. Believed to work as an antidepressant and enhance cognitive function. Also commonly employed for treating digestive issues such as stomach pains and ulcers.
Reishi mushroom has long been used in traditional medicine. Commonly referred to as the mushroom of immortality or “king of mushrooms”, Reishi is one of the most potency medicinal herbs available and has shown to help boost immune systems and fight fatigue while improving blood pressure and treating cancer.
Reishi can help combat chronic fatigue and mood disorders such as depression. Furthermore, its antioxidative properties reduce oxidative stress in liver tissue as well as other organs. Reishi may even possess anticancer properties by targeting cancerous cells without harming healthy ones.
Reishi mushroom tea is prepared from the dried fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum fungi. Commonly seen growing on hardwood logs or stumps with its distinctive kidney-shaped cap sporting glossy surfaces; Reishi can also be found growing on conifers such as hemlocks.
Supports Weight Loss
Studies continue to support the traditional use of Reishi mushrooms – known as “mushrooms of immortality”. For centuries in China and Japan, Reishi mushroom benefits were believed to help combat cancer, improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels and help promote weight loss. Additional anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties can support immune system functioning as well as balance hormones and promote healing.
Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides that activate macrophages, an important white blood cell in combatting inflammation and wound healing. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated antibacterial, viral and fungal activity present within their fungi that could potentially prevent infections as well as protect against diseases.
Multiple studies have linked reishi to healthier weight and insulin sensitivity, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. One such study, published by Nature Communications, showed that mice fed high-fat diets seasoned with extracts from the reishi plant experienced greater weight and waistline reduction than mice who consumed identical diets without seasoning from this plant.
Researchers credit reishi’s effectiveness to its ability to suppress fat tissue growth and gut inflammation, both factors which contribute to obesity. A different study published in the same journal also demonstrated how extracts of reishi helped suppress new fat cell development while simultaneously decreasing liver fat accumulation – another common contributor of obesity.
Reishi mushrooms can be enjoyed whole or ground into powder for use in beverages or added to foods as dietary supplements. Four Sigmatic, which makes reishi mushroom supplements, says its supply comes from southeast China and uses spray-drying technology to turn reishi into powder for capsule consumption or addition to meals.
Reishi mushroom is generally safe for most individuals; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as individuals undergoing medical treatments should avoid it. Reishi may interact with medications like blood thinners, herbs, NSAIDs and drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP 2E1, 3A2 and P450 2C8 which could reduce effectiveness; Reishi has also been known to cause allergic reactions so any person with compromised immunity or serious health conditions should refrain from taking Reishi mushrooms.
Promotes Healthy Sleep
Studies indicate that Reishi mushrooms may help stabilize mood, which has an indirect positive effect on sleep by reducing mood swings that impede your ability to fall into restful restful restful restful restful restful restful restful restful restful restful sleep. Furthermore, Reishi mushrooms contain compounds which promote healthy nervous systems by soothing pre-sleep anxiety.
Reishi mushrooms provide relaxation and improved sleep by balancing your body’s fight-or-flight stress hormones, particularly cortisol. High levels of cortisol can interfere with your sleeping cycle by overstimulating the brain, creating an “wired” state that makes falling asleep at bedtime difficult. By managing cortisol levels through supplementation with Reishi mushroom supplements, however, you can improve both quality and duration by going deeper into REM sleep – so you wake up feeling rested and refreshed every morning.
Reishi mushrooms are well known to relieve stress and promote mental clarity, possibly through their high sterol content which enhances neurotransmitter activity that regulates mood. By helping promote an upbeat state of mind and clarity, Reishi mushrooms provide energy boost and mental focus that allows you to make it through each day without feeling bogged down or overwhelmed with responsibility.
Sleep is essential to both mental and physical wellness, and Reishi mushrooms and tea can provide that restorative sleep you need by improving mood, relieving stress, and supporting immunity. To maximize these benefits of Reishi tea for sleep, begin sipping a cup 30-60 minutes prior to bedtime; this will establish a regular bedtime routine while also helping the soothing properties of Reishi tea ease you into restful states that will ensure better nightly restful rest.
Reishi mushroom tea can be prepared at home by steeping dried reishi mushrooms in hot water for several minutes. To add extra flavor, try stirring in some non-dairy milk of choice or cinnamon for extra flair – honey or agave syrup can also add sweetness!