As spring allergy season approaches, you may find yourself seeking relief from symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and respiratory issues. Instead of buying a t-shirt that reads “It’s just allergies,” to avoid people giving you dirty looks when they hear you sneezing and watch you blow your nose (again!), why not find out how you can relieve your allergies naturally?
I tell my seasonal allergy patients to start getting their bodies ready even before the allergy season hits. Do things that support a healthy immune system and lessen the allergen load, including healthy eating to decrease inflammation, getting enough sleep, using air purifiers in the home, and doing nasal rinsing with a saline solution. But that alone may not be enough, so I often recommend natural remedies.
Known for their immune-supporting properties and ability to reduce inflammation, reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) offer a promising solution for those seeking relief from allergies and respiratory issues.
The Healing Powers of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi, also known as ling zhi, has been revered for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They aren’t called the “mushroom of immortality” for nothing. In addition to calming the nervous system, supporting the liver and kidneys, and helping fight infection, these impressive mushrooms have long been used to strengthen the lungs, stop coughing and wheezing, and address shortness of breath.
While the how used to be a mystery, we now know a bit more about some of the compounds that give them their medicinal properties. Reishi are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and antioxidants, which contribute to their immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory-supporting effects.
Immune Modulation for Allergy Relief
Allergies result from an overactive immune response to otherwise harmless substances—like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites—leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and congestion.
Reishi mushrooms have been shown to modulate the immune system, helping to prevent overreactions to allergens. It’s amazing that one natural remedy can have opposing actions, depending on the situation. Reishi can both kick up the immune system in response to an infection and sedate an overreactive immune system when addressing allergies.
A 2104 study on reishi’s suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses highlighted that reishi has “immune-modulating and immune-potentiating capabilities.” By balancing immune activity, reishi may reduce the severity of allergic reactions and help the body respond more appropriately to environmental triggers.
Anti-Inflammatory Support for Respiratory Health
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in respiratory conditions that are triggered by allergies, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, easing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Respiratory Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi supports respiratory health in multiple ways, addressing key factors in conditions like allergies, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. By soothing airway inflammation, reishi may help relieve persistent coughing and discomfort.
For allergy and asthma sufferers, it can contribute to reduced airway hypersensitivity, potentially lowering the frequency of attacks and decreasing reliance on conventional medications. Its antioxidant effects help combat oxidative stress, a common underlying factor in many respiratory disorders. Additionally, the immune boosting properties of reishi may help protect against infections that can worsen respiratory conditions.
Incorporating Reishi Mushroom Supplements into Your Routine
Reishi mushrooms aren’t generally considered a culinary treat because the same compounds, including the triterpenes, that provide their medicinal benefits also deliver a bitter flavour. Their mushroom cap is also quite tough. The good news is that you can buy concentrated capsules of reishi and simply take one or more daily.
Reishi mushroom is classified as an adaptogenic herb. By definition, that means it is generally considered safe for regular use. Obviously, do not take it if you’re allergic to mushrooms or if you’ve been told by your healthcare provider to avoid it. However, for many that are looking for comprehensive support for allergies and respiratory health, incorporating reishi mushroom supplements alongside a healthy lifestyle can enhance overall well-being and resilience during allergy season.
If you suffer from spring allergies, it’s best to start taking reishi early, before you’re in the middle of allergy season. Take a proactive approach to your health this allergy season so you can stop carrying a pocket full of tissues with you everywhere you go.
