Reishi: What You Should Know

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a wonderful mushroom with multiple important uses. It’s native to China and grows on hardwood trees like oak. Historically, it was used as a calming herb and was known as the “elixir of immortality” because of the belief that it promoted longevity and supported many different systems in the body. Modern research suggests that it has hormone balancing properties as well as blood sugar and cardiovascular benefits but one of my favourite uses for this mushroom is in supporting the immune system and managing stress levels. 

Regulating the stress response 

Sometimes stress gets the better of us and we can’t seem to manage it as hard as we may try. This is when plants that calm the mind and regulate the nervous system can become a powerful tool. Reishi falls into a category of botanical medicine known as adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress. Reishi can help with stress related insomnia, overthinking, brain fog, depression and burnout.

Immune system regulation 

Reishi seems to have the ability to calm down a hyperreactive immune system. This is why it can be helpful for seasonal allergies and hives. With allergic responses, the immune system is inappropriately activated by various triggers which leads to excessive inflammation and histamine release. Reishi seems to reduce histamine release and stabilize the immune system.   

Interestingly it also can support a struggling immune system to help it fight off infections such as viruses. This makes it a great option for cold and flu prevention.

Because reishi regulates both the nervous system and the immune system, this makes it a good fit for those who often get infections when they’re stressed as well as those who get hyperactive immune reactions (such as hives or eczema flares) in response to stress.  

How to take it

Reishi comes in different forms such as powders, capsules and tinctures. It has a bitter taste which makes the powder less desirable and capsules more preferable. Both hot water extracts and alcohol extracts contain beneficial but different active ingredients. Your naturopathic doctor can help you choose the best product and dosing for you. 

If you’re in Ontario and you need support with managing stress and all of the different ways that it’s impacting your body, book a free 15 minute consultation to learn more about how a naturopathic doctor can help you.