Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to their perceived health benefits. When found growing in the wild, these distinctive mushrooms have a shiny, reddish-brown exterior and a bitter, woody taste.
If you do find them growing, please do not harvest them. They are quite rare in nature, and best left alone. The reishi we use for our drinks is farmed on hardwood logs, a more sustainable alternative.
So what makes reishi mushrooms special?
So, what makes reishi mushrooms so special? For starters, they’re believed to boost the immune system. Some studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may help to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. They may also help to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for those with conditions such as asthma or arthritis.
Reishi and stress and anxiety
But the potential health benefits of reishi mushrooms don’t stop there. They’re also thought to help reduce stress and anxiety, and may even improve sleep quality. One study found that participants who took reishi mushroom extract reported feeling less anxious and more relaxed compared to those who took a placebo.
So, how can you incorporate reishi mushrooms into your diet? The answer is reishi is not a culinary mushroom; it is woody and extremely bitter. The best way to ingest them is as an extract or powder.
While more research is needed to understand their effects fully, they show promise in boosting the immune system.
Are you enjoying the benefits of reishi? Let us know in the comments below.