Reishi Mushroom Supplements

With a long history of therapeutic use spanning over 2,000 years, reishi mushrooms have been highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their astounding wellness benefits. Often called the “mushrooms of immortality” not for mythical reasons, but because of the strengthened immunity and overall vitality users experienced.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits 

Immune Support

Reishi contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating compounds that may strengthen immune function and white blood cell production to fend off illnesses.

Mood Booster

Compounds in reishi mushrooms may calm the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue while improving overall well-being.

Anti-Cancer Potential 

Reishi contains triterpenes and polysaccharides that have demonstrated anti-tumor effects in laboratory studies. While not a substitute for medical treatment, reishi may support an integrated health approach.

Anti-Anxiety

Compounds in reishi may have tranquilizing and anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate anxiety, stress, and depressive behaviors, with results comparable to prescription medications.

Energy & Fatigue

Multiple studies found enhanced energy levels and reduced fatigue in those taking reishi, including cancer patients suffering from treatment-related exhaustion.

Diabetes Aid 

Through improving insulin secretion and lowering blood glucose levels, reishi shows promise as a supplement to support healthy blood sugar regulation.

Antioxidant Protection

The diverse antioxidants in reishi mushrooms help eliminate free radicals, reducing oxidative damage to cells and protecting vital immune and organ function.

Side Effects of Reishi

While generally well-tolerated, reishi mushrooms may cause some side effects including:

1. Dryness: Reishi can sometimes cause dry mouth, nose, throat, or skin due to its concentrated medicinal compounds. Staying well hydrated can help ease any dryness issues.
2. Digestive Upset: Sometimes, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or other GI issues may occur. Starting with smaller doses can allow your body to adjust.
3. Blood Thinning: Reishi has antiplatelet effects, which may increase bleeding risk or negatively interact with anticoagulant medications. Those on blood thinners should exercise caution.
4. Liver Toxicity: Rare cases of liver damage have been reported among East Asians following 2-3 months of frequent reishi use. Individuals with impaired liver function should avoid reishi or consult their doctor.

Other than this reishi mushroom supplements can interact with immunosuppressants, chemotherapy drugs, diabetes medications, and other substances due to effects on the immune system and blood sugar regulation.

How to Use Reishi Supplements 

Here are some of the most popular ways to use reishi mushrooms:

Brew Reishi Tea

Simply add dried or fresh reishi mushrooms to hot water along with desired herbs and flavors like lemon, ginger, or honey. Allow to steep before straining and drinking for an easy medicinal tea.

Cook with Reishi

The rich, earthy flavor of reishi works well in dishes like stews, sauces, gravies, and even desserts. Dice or powder and add reishi pieces or extract to chocolate, coffee, broths, grains, and more.

Blend Reishi Drinks

Make smoothies, lattes, or tonics using reishi powder or extracts blended with your choice of milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, cocoa, and other mix-ins for a soothing beverage.

Take Reishi Extract

Standardized reishi extracts offer concentrated convenience free of any bitterness or tough texture. Capsules provide easy routine supplementation. Liquid extracts can add potency to other beverages.

Pair reishi with complementary flavors and ingredients that align with your health goals to take advantage of its benefits through teas, foods, drinks, and supplements.

How to Choose Quality Reishi Supplements

When evaluating the quality of a reishi mushroom supplement, first verify that you have a highly concentrated mushroom extract rather than a diluted powder containing fillers. Opt for products made from the reishi’s fruiting body which offer more complete nutrition than mycelium-based options. The ingredient sourcing should be disclosed as organic and contaminant-tested. 

Reputable reishi brands like Real Mushrooms and Life Cykel those we sell on Dynamic Pure have their supplements third-party inspected for quality and safety, and manufactured in facilities compliant with FDA standards. Transparency from companies allows you to better judge the purity and potency of their offerings. 

A lack of production details may conceal poor mushroom selection, processing, or production methods – so be wary of substandard products. By investigating sourcing, facilities, testing, and ingredients, you can determine which reishi supplement delivers superior composition and reliability.

FAQs Related To Reishi Mushroom

Do reishi mushrooms need to be cooked or can I eat them raw? 

Reishi mushrooms are too tough to consume raw. Cooking by boiling, simmering, stewing, or adding to baked goods can help break down the cell walls and make them edible. Some other preparation methods require cooking as well, like making mushroom tea, broth, or cocoa.

How long does it usually take to notice the beneficial effects of reishi supplements? 

While some effects may occur rapidly, the full range of benefits usually takes 2-4 weeks of consistent daily usage as reishi builds up in your system over time. Results are enhanced by using high-quality, standardized extracts.

When should I take reishi – morning or night? 

For energy and daytime anti-stress benefits, take reishi supplements in the morning with food. For relaxation and sleep support benefits, reishi can be utilized before bedtime. Discuss optimal timing with your healthcare provider.

Are reishi supplements safe to take along with my current medications? 

Reishi can potentially interact with blood thinners, sedatives, immunosuppressants, and other prescription drugs, especially when taken in high doses. Have your doctor review any mushroom supplement to confirm appropriate usage.