Reishi Mushrooms
Referred to as the Mushroom of immortality and/or the medicine of kings, reishi mushroom is probably the oldest mushrooms to have been known and used for its medicinal properties. For over two thousand years the Chinese have made use of this little shiny fungus to heal and treat an array of diseases and other health complications. Owing to its presumed health benefits as well as its evident absence of side effects, reishi has gained a reputation in the entire Eastern world as the decisive herbal substance, and is commonly referred to as elixir of eternal life.
The modern science has in the recent past developed intricate interest in the fungi, encouragingly the finding this far only serve to strengthen the initial ancient finding on the health potency of reishi. Rebecca Wood in her work, published in her book New Whole Foods Encyclopedia regards reishi as a cure all mushroom. Extensive research on the same has gained momentum in Japan where the findings are promising. Over and above this the Western world is developing interest in this wonder fungi and a number of research institutes and Universities in Europe and America are carrying extensive research on the same.
As early mentioned Reishi is well known as a cure of an array of diseases and other health conditions including; serving as an immunostimulant especially to HIV, Epstein-Barr, leaky-gut syndrome, chronic bronchitis and a number of other infectious diseases. In addition it is used as sleep aider, as a laxative, a diuretic and to lower cholesterol.
Immune System Support
This mushroom has over the years been used as a immune system booster. A research conducted on patients with what would be regarded as advanced tumors; the researchers found that these patients exhibited an increased and a significant positive effect with a considerable decrease in CD8 counts and increase in T lymphocytes. Subsequently the patients recorded lesser side effects emanating from radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as a smoother post operation recovery. Studies also deduced that reishi contain higher concentrations of organic Triterpenes, germanium and polysaccharides all of which are known for their role in immune-system boosting.
Lower cholesterol and averting heart diseases
Reishi is well known in lowering cholesterol levels by making the liver to inhibit or suppress cholesterol production.
Lowering blood pressure
This has been documented for years. As a matter of fact studies done in China showed that the mushroom has the ability of improving blood flow and lowering oxygen consumption in the heart. Rerishi is perceived to prevent blood clots especially due to the fact that it contains triterpenes, a natural compound that prevent blood clots.
Blood sugar regulation
As we had mentioned before reishi is rich in polysaccharides and an array of ganoderans including Ganoderans A, B, and C, that are essential components in regulating sugar levels. This is important in averting health risks associated with high sugar levels such as diabetes among others.
Studies have as well shown that reishi is cancer prevention, though the exact mechanism is well known.