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. 

Lion’s Mane: What’s the Evidence

I think when people hear about mushrooms in the context of medicine, it may make them uneasy as it conjures images of intoxication or poisoning. For anyone who isn’t familiar with mushrooms, anything other than a button mushroom or a shiitake mushroom may seem like something dangerous. In reality, mushrooms can have medicinal properties without being psychedelic. One such mushroom that is gaining popularity in the general public is Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Lion’s mane is a mushroom that has a long history of use both in cooking and medicinally. It is not known to be an intoxicating mushroom. Let’s explore what scientists have uncovered about Lion’s Mane. 

Historical Use

Lion’s mane has been used for ages in traditional medicine systems in Asia. It was believed to be an energizing tonic to the mind and body and was also used to target specific digestive issues.

Cognitive Function

Research has found that Lion’s Mane has properties that help it protect and promote the growth of nerves. It does this by promoting the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) among other possible mechanisms.  It’s been studied in the treatment of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Small studies have shown it has improved cognitive function in those with mild cognitive impairment. 

Mental Health

Some of the research on Lion’s Mane focuses on mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Small studies have shown that it can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and promote better sleep. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory effect and its positive impact on nerve health. The active ingredients inside the mushroom may also positively affect neurotransmitters in the brain to promote better mood and lower anxiety. 

Other Benefits

This mushroom may have other benefits outside of cognitive and mental health such as supporting the immune system and healing gastric irritations (like ulcers). It may also improve nerve pain throughout the body and help repair nerve injuries in various parts of the body. 

It’s important to note that more, better quality research needs to be done to solidify the findings discussed here. Many of the studies on Lion’s Mane are small and need improvement in their design. I respect that Lion’s Mane has been valued throughout history by various regions of the world. Due to the limited studies on it, I don’t use it in my practice as often as other remedies. That being said, I think it’s a promising botanical remedy and I look forward to seeing more studies explore its benefits. 

If you need support for your mental or cognitive health and you’re a resident of Ontario, contact me to learn more about my virtual naturopathic appointments.