Reishi Mushroom Benefits

Reishi Mushroom benefits have been known throughout Asia especially in China for thousands of years. It was administered for many diseases having been called the "king of herbs." Reishi has been used for medical purposes in China for over 4000 years making it one of the oldest known mushroom used for medicine.

Reishi mushrooms are of several different kinds, from long stalks and small fruit bodies to big fruit and small stalks. Each of these kinds are known to treat a different part of the body. Mushrooms are actually the fruit that is grown on a fungi. This fungi grows out of network like threads called mycellium. Mushrooms usually feed off of organic waste and grow underground or on logs and tree stalks.

Reishi mushroom benefits all kinds of patients, from Alzheimers disease to heart problems, these mushrooms have been known to promote vitality and long life. In Asia, Reishi mushroom teas and elixirs are drank to treat different conditions and increase the body's blood flow. They are also good for decreasing inflammation in the body making them a good treatment for any degenerative disease which is believed to be caused by inflammation.

Reishi mushrooms are also shown to fight cancer and a special constituent in the mushroom called the polysaccharide beta-1,3-D-glucan raises the T-cell count in the body which helps build the immune system fighting many immune system diseases. The increase of the T-cells in the body then aid the body in fighting the cancer. It reduces the amount of cancer cells in the body. This is achieved by the glucan which is present in the Reishi mushroom which helps to bind the immune cells to the cancerous cells which then aids in getting rid of these cancerous cells.

Red Reishi mushroom benefits are far amazing than many of the other types of the same mushroom kind. This fact is known my herbalists who call red Reishi the most potent form of mushroom and it is also the most widely used for medicinal purposes.

A few of the commonly known Reishi mushroom benefits are:

1. They are a wonderful immune system booster, making them good for AIDs, bronchitis, cancer, infectious viruses and many other ailments.

2. They really are a cure-all! They not only aid the body in healing itself but help to maintain the body's natural balance warding off dangerous diseases that result because of an imbalance within the body's system.

3. Reishi also acts as a laxative and is known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Taste:

One thing to note about Reishi mushrooms is that they do not have the most pleasant taste. They are extremely bitter which is why a lot of the natural food stores sell capsules that can be taken without actually tasting the mushroom itself. The more daring Reishi lovers usually make a tea out of the mushroom. It is necessary to note that Reishi mushroom benefits cannot be experienced unless they are extracted. It has a wood like structure which has 90% indigestible fiber making it important to first boil the mushroom to break the fiber and make it digestible by the body.

Dosage:

Although a balance should be administered when taking any medicinal herb or mushroom, there is no set amount of dosage for Reishi mushrooms. Each individual should first consult with their nutritionist, naturopathic doctor or an herbalist before taking any set amount.

Side-Effects:

Reishi mushrooms are relatively safe except for a few minor side-effects like dizziness, nose bleeds, abdominal upset and a dry throat and mouth. Patients that are on blood thinning prescription drugs should also avoid Reishi mushrooms because of the similar effects the mushroom has on the body.

Please refer to your area's nutritionist to find out more about Reishi mushroom benefits and how it can help you live a longer and healthier life. Reishi is truly an age old remedy with life long strengthening and toning effects.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia, "Lingzhi Mushroom." Wikipedia.com.

2. Guide to Reishi Mushrooms, "What is Reishi?" Reishi.com.