Ganoderma tea, commonly referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its many health benefits and has become one of the world’s most researched functional mushrooms.

Ganoderma, more commonly known by its Japanese names of Reishi or Lingzhi, is an edible polypore mushroom with medicinal properties (Upton 2000; Wachtel-Galor et al. 2004). As a natural immune booster it has been demonstrated to improve immune function as well as protect liver, heart and lung in animal studies; additionally its many metabolites with medicinal uses including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptides exhibit antiviral qualities (Liu et al. 2007).

Reishi mushrooms are an outstanding source of water-soluble proteins, dietary fiber, lipids, minerals (such as sulfur and phosphorus) and vitamins (particularly riboflavin and thiamin). Furthermore, its enzymes support healthy digestive function. Furthermore, its spores contain several phytochemicals with antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and immunomodulatory activities (Chang et al 2004).

Studies suggest that Reishi can be used to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate and ovarian. Studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while inducing apoptosis in human breast cancer cells (Yang et al. 2009). Reishi extract can also be used to suppress expression of oncogenes c-myc and b-raf in Melanoma cancer cells (Hong et al. 2010).

Reishi may play an integral part in preventing metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels in animals with diabetes. Furthermore, Reishi can help protect against and manage viral infections like coronavirus infections.

Reishi mushrooms contain several therapeutically valuable compounds that have been extensively researched. Furthermore, their rich concentration of antioxidants has been shown to protect against oxidative stress and aging processes. Furthermore, it may improve liver health while treating hepatitis C; additionally they offer plenty of fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins such as Vitamin D and Folic acid as additional sources.