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The Healing Power of Reishi Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Overview

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Reishi mushrooms have captured the attention of wellness enthusiasts for centuries. Also known as Ganoderma lucidum, these unique fungi have a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Because it’s the end of the year, now feels like a good time to offer an overview of some of the remarkable health benefits of reishi mushrooms, and also explore how incorporating them into your daily routine can enhance your overall well-being.

History and Cultural Significance

Reishi mushrooms have a storied history that stretches back thousands of years in Eastern cultures. In ancient China, reishi mushrooms were considered a symbol of longevity and vitality, earning them the nickname “the mushroom of immortality.” Reserved for emperors and nobility, these esteemed fungi were treasured for their perceived ability to promote health and well-being. Today, reishi mushrooms have transcended geographical boundaries and are embraced by individuals worldwide who are seeking natural remedies to support their health.

Nutritional Profile and Active Compounds

The healing properties of reishi mushrooms can be attributed to their rich nutritional profile and abundance of bioactive compounds. These fungi are a powerhouse of health-promoting elements, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. In a broad sense, the polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms play a vital role in modulating the immune system, while triterpenoids (like the eponymous ganoderic acids) contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the antioxidants present in reishi mushrooms help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

  1. Immune Support: Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-supporting properties, thanks to the polysaccharides they contain. These compounds have been shown to enhance the function of white blood cells, thereby strengthening the body’s defences against infections and diseases. At the same time, they help calm and moderate an overactive immune system that causes autoimmune diseases and allergies.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The triterpenoids found in reishi mushrooms possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for individuals with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergies. Regular consumption of reishi mushrooms can help reduce inflammation in the body and promote overall health.
  3. Adaptogenic Benefits: Reishi mushrooms are classified as adaptogens. Adaptogenics, by definition, are natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors and maintain a state of balance, also known as homeostasis. While people often think of stressors as things that you feel emotionally, stressors can also be physical. This means that they can either increase or decrease a function, depending on the body’s needs. For example, reishi can either boost or sedate an immune response or increase or decrease blood pressure, depending on the direction needed.
  4. Stress Reduction: Called ling zhi in Chinese medicine, this translates to “divine mushroom” or “herb of spiritual potency,” and it is classified in the category of calming the spirit or nervous system. Because of its adaptogenic properties, reishi can help promote relaxation and support mental well-being without causing sedation or sleepiness in waking hours. Note that for this benefit, you’ll need to ensure that you get the fruiting body of the mushroom, and not just the root-like mycelium.
  5. Support Restful Sleep: While reishi is not a sedative, its calming properties help promote a restful, restorative sleep. If you often find that you have a hard time slowing down your thoughts when it’s time to go to bed, having reishi might help you get the zzzzzzs you need.
  6. Cardiovascular Support: Studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have a positive impact on heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, and supporting healthy blood pressure. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your diet, you can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and promote overall heart health.
  7. Kidney and Liver Support: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of reishi mushrooms help the liver and kidneys accomplish their essential functions.

Choosing a Reishi Supplement

Because reishi mushrooms have a hard, chitinous shell and their key triterpenoid compounds are bitter in flavour, these wonderful fungi don’t make for the tastiest culinary treats. That’s why reishi supplements are commonly found in capsule format.

Make sure your reishi supplement includes the fruiting body (that’s the stem and cap that are commonly identified as a mushroom). Versions that have only the root-like structure of mycelium will contain the polysaccharides which can help with the immune system, but will be missing the triterpenes, which are important for virtually everything else. You’ll also want to ensure that you get a concentrated format of high-quality reishi mushrooms so that you will get enough of the health-promoting benefits.

The healing power of reishi mushrooms is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of nature’s remedies. From supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation to promoting heart health and relieving stress, reishi mushrooms offer a multitude of benefits for overall well-being. Embrace the ancient wisdom of reishi mushrooms and unlock their potential to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

The Power of Reishi Mushrooms for Stress Relief and Mental Well-being

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In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress seems to have become almost status quo. The hustle and bustle of daily life combined with various stressors that are often outside of our control can take a toll on mental well-being. Fortunately, nature offers a potential solution in the form of reishi mushrooms. These powerful fungi have been revered in traditional medicine for their ability to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being, making them a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for stress relief.

Understanding Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, have a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and are commonly referred to as the king of mushrooms due to their potent medicinal properties.

While Chinese medicine recognizes an array of health benefits for reishi (called ling zhi), it classifies this powerful fungus as an herb to calm the mind. It does so without sedating, so you are safe to take it and still be able to focus and do what you need to do. With modern techniques, we’ve learned that these mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, polysaccharides, and antioxidants, which contribute to their therapeutic effects.

Through centuries of traditional use and emerging scientific research, reishi mushrooms have garnered attention for their potential to help relieve stress and support mental well-being.

The Impact of Stress on Mental Well-being

Before delving into the benefits of reishi mushrooms, it’s important to understand the impact of stress on mental well-being. Chronic stress can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive function, fatigue, insomnia, digestive distress, and poor immune function, not to mention that it can aggravate existing conditions. It has even been associated with a shorter life expectancy, as stress has been associated with speeding up our biological epigenetic clocks.

While lifestyle changes and therapy are key to helping manage stress and its symptoms, natural remedies like reishi mushrooms offer additional support in promoting mental resilience and well-being.

Stress Relief and Adaptogenic Properties of Reishi Mushrooms

When chronic stress has taken over your life and you still have lots to do, look for adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors, thereby promoting balance and resilience. They are like magic, as they can either increase or decrease cellular and chemical reactions, depending on your body’s needs.

Reishi mushrooms, as you may have already guessed, fit into this category of adaptogenic herbs. Nature has delivered this miracle that can assist the body in coping with various stressors and maintaining equilibrium. TCM doctors and herbalists from hundreds of years ago got it right. Reishi supports a calm nervous system.

By supporting the body’s adaptive capacity, reishi mushrooms have the potential to alleviate the physiological and psychological effects of stress, ultimately contributing to improved mental resilience.

Calming Effects and Sleep Quality

In today’s digital age, sleep disturbances and insomnia are prevalent issues that can exacerbate stress and diminish mental well-being. A poor night of sleep can amp up the stress. And feeling like an overwhelmed hot mess is likely to disrupt your restful recovery time. You can break this awful cycle with reishi mushrooms.

While reishi is not sedating, feeling calmer and more relaxed supports a more restorative sleep. Taking reishi can help you find your REM and deep sleep so you can wake up feeling re-energized and better able to tackle the next day.

Reishi Mushrooms and Cognitive Function

Beyond stress relief, reishi mushrooms have also been associated with potential cognitive benefits. Studies have demonstrated that the bioactive compounds in reishi mushrooms may exert neuroprotective effects, supporting brain health and cognitive function. These compounds have been shown to promote the growth of nerve cells and protect against age-related cognitive decline, highlighting the potential of reishi mushrooms in preserving mental acuity as we age.

Mood Enhancement and Anxiolytic Effects

Furthermore, reishi mushrooms can positively impact mood and mental health. Research has suggested that these mushrooms may possess antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, meaning they could alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Since stress can have a direct impact on depression and anxiety,

While it sounds complicated, with phrases like, “increased synapsin I and PSD95 levels in the prefrontal cortex,” what you really want to know is that reishi has been found to help keep “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin circulating while lowering stress-related chemicals like corticosteroids. For you, that would feel like support for your mental health and well-being.

Embracing the Potential of Reishi Mushrooms for Mental Well-being

Reishi mushrooms offer a natural and holistic approach to stress relief and mental well-being. With their adaptogenic properties, calming effects, and potential cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits, reishi mushrooms are a valuable ally in promoting overall mental resilience and wellness.

The Incredible Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms for Your Animal Companion

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Many of us consider the animals we share our homes with as part of our family, and we are always on the lookout for ways to improve their health and well-being. One natural supplement that has gained popularity in recent years is reishi mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms, also known as ling zhi mushrooms, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years due to their numerous health benefits. These amazing mushrooms are not only good for humans but also for our beloved animals.

With Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, National Pet Day on April 11th, and International Search and Rescue Dog Day on April 28th, this month is all about pets. So, what better time to discuss all the amazing benefits of reishi mushrooms for your furry, feathered, whiskered, or scaled friends.

1. Boosts the Immune System

Just like humans, animals benefit from a strong immune system. Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties, thanks to their high content of polysaccharides and beta-glucans. These compounds have been found to stimulate the production and activity of immune cells, enhancing their ability to fight off infections and diseases. By adding reishi mushrooms to your pet’s diet, you are giving their immune system a powerful ally.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for animals suffering from conditions such as arthritis or allergies. By reducing inflammation, reishi mushrooms can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance your animal companion’s overall quality of life.

3. Supports Respiratory Health

Respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis can also occur in animals, especially those with allergies or congenital conditions, or in older age. Reishi mushrooms have long been used in TCM to treat coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

4. Enhances Liver Function

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and removing harmful substances. Reishi mushrooms have been found to support liver health and enhance its function. Studies have shown that reishi mushrooms can help protect the liver from toxins and oxidative stress, as well as improve liver enzyme levels.

5. Calming and Stress-Relieving Properties

Animals, just like humans, can experience stress and anxiety. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise phobia, travelling-induced stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder (yes, animals can experience PTSD too), reishi mushrooms can help calm and soothe their nervous system. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have a calming effect on the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. So, if your animal companion gets anxious during thunderstorms or trips to the vet, reishi mushrooms might just be the solution.

6. Provides Antioxidant Protection

Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, preventing oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Reishi mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including triterpenoids and phenolic compounds, which have been found to have strong free-radical scavenging activity. By adding reishi mushrooms to your animal companion’s diet, you are providing them with a natural source of antioxidants, which can help protect against age-related diseases and promote longevity.

Reishi Supplements

Reishi mushrooms truly are a remarkable natural supplement for both humans and animals. From boosting the immune system to supporting liver function and providing antioxidant protection, the benefits of reishi mushrooms are vast and impressive. However, it’s important to note that it may be important to talk with your veterinarian to determine dose, particularly if your animal companion is on medications.

How do you give reishi to an animal? Note that the flavour of a high-quality reishi supplement will be bitter, so you might hide the capsule in a treat if your animal is a gulper and won’t likely chew it. Otherwise, it’s best to hide the powder in some other food that they love. While taking your reishi supplement for your own wellness, why not share the health with the animals you share your home and your heart with?

Reishi Mushrooms: Nurturing the Physical and Emotional Heart

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Our heart, both physically and emotionally, plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing. It is not just the organ responsible for pumping blood but is also the centre of our emotions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the TCM Heart is king.

Taking care of our hearts is crucial, and one natural remedy with a long history that has gained popularity in recent years is reishi mushroom. Read on to learn how red reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been treasured in traditional can help nurture both the physical and emotional heart.

Physical Heart: Promoting Cardiovascular Health

One of the key benefits of red reishi mushrooms is their potential to support cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential if you want to live a long and healthy life. Reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds called triterpenes, which have shown promising effects in reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy blood pressure. High cholesterol and elevated blood pressure are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Incorporating reishi mushrooms into your diet, whether through supplements or as an ingredient in food and beverages, may help in maintaining a healthy heart.

In addition to their cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-controlling properties, reishi mushrooms also possess anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation in the body can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Research has indicated that consuming reishi mushrooms may help reduce inflammation markers, ultimately protecting the heart from damage.

Oxidative stress is another factor that can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect our cells from oxidative damage. By reducing oxidative stress, reishi mushrooms can contribute to a healthier heart.

Emotional Heart: Enhancing Emotional Well-being

While the concept of an emotional heart may seem abstract, it refers to our mental and emotional wellbeing. Our emotions can have a significant impact on our overall health, and finding ways to nourish our emotional heart is essential. Reishi mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, which means they can help restore balance and reduce stress in the body. Chronic stress can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including cardiovascular problems. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your daily routine, you may experience reduced stress levels and improved overall emotional well-being.

Reishi mushrooms also stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating mood and promoting feelings of happiness. Low serotonin levels are associated with conditions such as depression and anxiety. By naturally increasing serotonin levels, reishi mushrooms can potentially alleviate symptoms of these mental health disorders.

What’s more, reishi mushrooms are often referred to as “holy spirit mushrooms” in TCM due to their impact on the mind and spirit. They are believed to have a calming effect and promote tranquillity, aiding in relaxation and promoting a sense of inner peace. By helping to cultivate a calm and serene emotional state, reishi mushrooms can help individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

Incorporating Reishi Mushrooms into Your Lifestyle

Now that we understand the potential benefits of reishi mushrooms for both the physical and emotional heart, let’s discuss how to incorporate them into your daily routine. The heart-healthy and calming compounds of reishi mushrooms taste bitter, so they aren’t the most delicious mushrooms to consume as food. That’s why it’s easiest to get their benefits by taking supplements. If you do opt to open a capsule to consume them in food, they mix best with foods that are already bitter tasting, like hot chocolate.

When choosing reishi mushroom products, it is important to ensure they are sourced from reputable suppliers and cultivated under suitable conditions. It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting the fruiting body (the stem and cap), not just the mycelium (root-like structure), as that’s where the triterpene compounds are found.

Reishi mushrooms offer a natural and holistic approach to nurturing both the physical and emotional heart. With their potential to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress, they can contribute to a healthier heart. Additionally, their adaptogenic properties and ability to enhance emotional wellbeing make them a valuable ally in promoting a balanced and serene mind. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your lifestyle, you can take proactive steps towards nourishing your heart. What a perfect Valentine’s gift for yourself or someone you care about!

Reishi Mushrooms—Nature’s Secret to Achieving Your 2024 Health Goals

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With the start of the new year, you may be among the many who have decided to prioritize your health and well being. Whether it’s boosting your immune system, reducing stress, getting better sleep, or losing excess weight, perhaps you’re looking for natural solutions to help you achieve your goals. One such solution that is gaining popularity is reishi mushrooms.

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been treasured in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Once reserved for royalty, they are known as the “mushroom of immortality” due to their myriad of health benefits. Let’s explore how incorporating reishi mushrooms into your routine can help you achieve your New Year’s health goals.

Supporting Natural Immunity

With cold and flu season in full swing, it is essential to have a robust immune system. Reishi mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans which have powerful immune-boosting properties. Consuming reishi mushrooms can help enhance the activity of white blood cells and strengthen the immune system, thus reducing the risk of infections.

At the same time, while we might be feeling the full effects of winter, spring really isn’t that far away. And that means allergy season. Working on balancing your immune response with what are called immunomodulators can help save you from constantly having to say, “It’s just allergies” every time you sneeze, sniffle, or cough your way through hayfever season. Reishi mushrooms are—you guessed it—immunomodulators, so starting them now and keeping them going is a good plan whether you’re fighting infections or calming an overreactive immune system.

Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become commonplace. Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens, meaning they help the body adapt to stressors. TCM has long classified reishi under the category of herbs that calm the nervous system. In fact, Taoist and Buddhist monks have also recognized the soothing effects of reishi, and they’ve used this mushroom to help them meditate. We now know that it’s the bioactive compounds found in reishi, like ganoderic acid and triterpenes found in the fruiting body (the stem and cap), that promote relaxation and help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your routine, you may find you feel calmer and more balanced, making it easier to tackle your New Year’s health goals with a clear mind.

Enhancing Sleep Quality

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and well being. So, for those struggling to get a good night of sleep, sleeping pills or sedatives are a common solution. Unfortunately, they can leave you feeling drowsy the next day, and there’s the possibility of side effects and even addiction. Thankfully reishi mushrooms offer a natural way to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality without being sedatives. This means they won’t “knock you out,” but by calming your mind, you may more easily find the sleep you’ve been searching for. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your bedtime routine, you can experience deeper, more restorative sleep, leaving you refreshed and energized the next day. That’s a bonus because improved sleep can enhance your ability to stick to healthy habits.

Supporting Healthy Weight Loss

Weight loss is often one of the top New Year’s resolutions. Reishi mushrooms can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey. You’re likely less inclined to feel the need to overindulge in your comfort foods like chocolate bars, chips, pastries, or cheese-laden meals if you feel less stressed, and reishi—as mentioned above—can support that.

Because you may also find it easier to get a restful, restorative sleep, resulting in more energy to exercise, get active, and tackle your New Year’s to-do tasks. It’s also important to note that poor sleep has been associated with weight gain, as it appears to contribute to a slower metabolism.

Additionally, reishi mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate insulin levels and improve metabolic functioning, potentially aiding in weight management.

Reishi mushrooms are a natural powerhouse that offer an array of health benefits and can play a significant role in helping you meet your New Year’s health goals, so here’s to a year filled with health, vitality, and success!

Five Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms for PTSD

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs for some people who’ve experienced or witnessed a dangerous, intensely shocking, or terrifying event, and it is often associated with symptoms like anxiety, depression, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Usually beginning within a few months of the traumatic event, to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must occur for over a month and be severe enough to interfere with daily life activities, work, or relationships.

While traditional treatments for PTSD often include pharmaceutical medications and counselling, many people also turn to natural remedies, such as reishi mushrooms, to help manage their symptoms. Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and because of their numerous health benefits, they were once reserved for royalty.

Reishi mushrooms are recognized in the modern world as adaptogenic herbs, meaning they help the body to adapt to stressors, whether physical, emotional, or mental. For thousands of years, TCM has classified reishi, known as ling zhi, under the heading of Calm the Spirit. In other words, while reishi has a lot of health benefits, its main function is helping to calm the nervous system.

1. Reduced anxiety and stress

One of the most significant benefits of reishi mushrooms for individuals with PTSD is their ability to reduce anxiety and stress. Reishi mushrooms’ adaptogenic compounds help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calmness. Regular consumption of these mushrooms can help lower cortisol levels—one of the hormones related to chronic stress—and alleviate symptoms of anxiety commonly associated with PTSD.

2. Improved sleep quality

Many individuals with PTSD experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality and duration. The compounds found in reishi mushrooms help regulate the sleep cycle, promoting deeper and more restful sleep. By improving sleep quality, reishi mushrooms can help individuals with PTSD feel more rested and energized during the day. A bonus about reishi’s use for improving sleep is that it is not a sedative, meaning it won’t make you feel drowsy during the daytime.

3. Enhanced mood and emotional well-being

PTSD often leads to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of depression. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called triterpenoids in their stem and cap—so make sure the supplement you choose is “fruiting body” or “whole mushroom”—that can help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These play a vital role in mood regulation. Using reishi mushrooms can help stabilize mood, reduce irritability, and enhance overall emotional wellbeing.

4. Supported immune system

PTSD can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-supporting properties. They contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off pathogens and boosting overall immunity. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into a regular routine, individuals with PTSD can strengthen their immune system response and improve their overall health.

5. Support for cognitive function

Individuals with PTSD often experience difficulty with memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Reishi mushrooms have been found to have neuroprotective properties. Because of their ability to help calm the nervous system, they can also help with improving higher cognitive functions like focus, planning, and organizing by moving the nervous system out of fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system) into a calm state (parasympathetic nervous system).

Reishi mushrooms offer numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting emotional wellbeing for individuals living with PTSD. While counselling is likely still key and pharmaceuticals may still be included, incorporating reishi mushrooms into your regime can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health.

Six Amazing Health Benefits of Red Reishi

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For centuries, medical practitioners in East Asia have used reishi mushroom because of this its long list of therapeutic pluses. But only recently has awareness about this highly revered superfood reached the shores of the western world. So, why is red reishi gaining so much popularity around the globe? Today, we want to dive a little deeper into the amazing health benefits of this miraculous medicinal mushroom.

Increase calm and reduce anxiety

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi is known as ling zhi, or the “herb of spiritual potency.” When a person feels anxious, depressed, manic, or agitated, or suffers from a mental illness, TCM practitioners may describe this as the spirit or “Shen” being out of balance.

Reishi is categorized in its materia medica of herbal medicines as an herb that helps “calm the Shen.” As such, it can help calm the nervous system during times of stress, without causing sleepiness. So, you can still go ahead with operating large machinery (e.g. driving) when you take reishi, unlike some sedative herbs. In fact, reishi mushrooms are also considered “Qi tonics,” loosely meaning they can improve energy.

Stress comes in a number of forms. It includes physical stressors like extremes in temperature, lack of nutrients, insufficient restorative sleep, infection, or disease. Stressors can also be mental and emotional ones like loss of a loved one, loneliness, fear, worry, anger, frustration, being overwhelmed, depression, and more. It is no wonder why this medical mushroom is the go-to tonic in TCM.

Boost the immune system

No matter the time of year, colds and flus are always a concern. One of the most beneficial effects of consuming reishi mushroom is its ability to support the immune system. The beta glucans, compounds found in this holistic herb, have been shown to promote a healthy immune response to fend off diseases and infections.

Fight off cancer

While so much surrounding the cause of cancer remains a mystery, fortunately, great strides have been made in treatment options, including reishi mushrooms. Studies have shown that including reishi mushroom supplementation renders conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments more effective at killing cancer cells. 3 Furthermore, the study groups who received reishi reported that their quality of life after these powerful conventional cancer treatments was higher than the control group who did not receive reishi during their treatments.

Further studies have shown promise with inhibiting the growth of cancer cell lines, potentially preventing cancer from developing. 2,6 Thus, reishi mushroom may be helpful as both a supportive therapy and also a preventative one for cancer.

Promote liver health

The liver plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins. So, if you want to ensure your liver is working in peak performance, consider giving reishi a try. Studies have demonstrated that triterpenes found in reishi has been shown to prevent free radical damage and support healthy liver function. 6

Keep allergies at bay

If you are looking for a more natural way to manage allergies, take reishi. Studies have revealed that the compounds found in Japanese red reishi are an effective treatment for allergies 5 and other respiratory ailments. Researchers also detected that the ganoderic acids found in this herb act as a natural antihistamine.

Reduce cardiovascular risks

Did you know that reishi mushrooms can help lower blood pressure? The ganoderic acid in reishi is responsible for a variety of heart health benefits, from decreasing high blood pressure 4 and reducing excessive cholesterol levels to lowering the risk of dangerous blood clotting. There is also evidence to suggest that this mushroom can improve blood flow and reduce plaque build-up on artery walls. 1

Choosing Reishi Supplements

When it comes to reishi mushrooms, the advantages of using this natural medicinal wonder are far too many to ignore. But it’s equally important to make sure you are getting a quality product with the medicinal compounds that your body can use.

  1. Firstly, if you are only getting the mycelium (root-like structure) found in some reishi supplements, you are missing out on the ganoderic acids and other useful compounds found in the fruiting body (cap and stem).
  2. Second, if you are getting a supplement that has only ground up the mushroom and is not an extraction, then you are unlikely to be able to absorb many of the important compounds, and those compounds are also not going to be in sufficient quantities to have true medicinal value.
  3. Third, a quality reishi mushroom is one that is grown cleanly in a high-nutrition foundation and allowed to sufficiently mature.

Ways to Manage Anxiety Naturally

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While much of the focus in the world of healthcare is often placed on physical wellness, mental wellness is equally important. Anxiety is one of the most commonly experienced mental health issues, and those who suffer know how all-consuming they can be, especially at a time of such uncertainty with the constant influx of bad news regarding the effects of COVID-19.

Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion that most have felt, perhaps related to a first date, a job interview, taking a test, or giving a speech. Feeling apprehension, nervousness, or fear about an event, something new or unknown, or something that makes you uncomfortable is a natural response to stress. However, if the anxiety is extreme, interferes with your life, and lasts longer than six months, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Those who suffer anxiety also often report feeling anxious even at times when nothing particularly stressful is happening. Anxiety may arise while you are simply relaxing or trying to go to sleep.

As the most common type of emotional disorder, it includes phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and illness anxiety disorder. Symptoms include an increase in heart rate and breathing rate, feeling restless, sweating, feeling faint, shortness of breath, problems focusing and concentrating, worry, obsessive or repetitive thoughts, and problems sleeping.

Ways to manage anxiety

While there are medications to help manage anxiety, there are many natural and lifestyle-oriented things that can be done. One of the most frequently recommended ways to counter to anxiety is practicing deep, slow breathing. Let’s explore why.

The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic. When the sympathetic nervous system is fired up, it signals the body to be ready for “fight or flight,” increasing heart and breath rate, pumping blood to the big muscles of the body, increasing pupil size, and decreasing salivation. Your body is behaving like you’re about to be attacked. Conversely, when the parasympathetic nervous system is triggered, the body is prepared to “rest and digest,” slowing the heart and breath rate, stimulating gastric juices and saliva for digestion, and allowing for cellular repair. The body is responding to a relaxed environment.

These systems operate in opposition to each other, so as one is stimulated, the other tones down. One of the things we can control is how we breathe, so consciously breathing more deeply and slowly signals the parasympathetic system to come into play and suppresses the sympathetic system response.

Of course, in the midst of a panic attack, it’s difficult to practice this calming breath, so regular, daily practice through breathwork, meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or other methods is key. The oft repeated health tips of regular exercise, creating a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol also help with managing anxiety. And since caffeine is a stimulant, it is best avoided.

Supplements for anxiety

In addition to eating healthy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B complex vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium, supplementing with these nutrients may also help. You may want to talk to a natural health professional to make sure to get high-quality versions in the right format and dosing for you so that you will notice the benefits.

Green tea contains a compound called l-theanine, which has been shown to help stimulate the brain waves associated with an alert, but calm state of mind. Since green tea usually also contains caffeine, you could seek out a supplement version—often found in combination with other nutrients and herbs—to get the dosing that will help you without the caffeine.

Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower, and valerian are common herbs to help calm the mind, though some can also be sedating, so best not to take during the daytime.

Reishi Mushroom

Japanese red reishi mushroom, also called ling zhi, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal medicine categorized to calm the mind, while also providing energy and supporting whole body health. Modern science has recognized it as an adaptogen—a natural substance that can help the body adapt to stressors, returning the body to a normal and balanced state.

While most herbs used in TCM are given in combination formulas, reishi mushroom is one that is sometimes given on its own. It is used to treat insomnia, fright, racing or skipping heartbeat (palpitations), forgetfulness, and fatigue—all familiar symptoms of anxiety.

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, it is always a good idea to discuss the addition of any supplement with your qualified healthcare practitioner. However, reishi mushroom, unlike some other herbal supplements, is not commonly listed as a substance that interferes with anxiety medications.

Like many other natural supplements, it doesn’t generally yield instant effects like a pharmaceutical, but it is unlikely to give unwanted side effects.

Whether you have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, tend to feel anxious, or are just feeling anxious now with the uncertainty around you, it’s important to know that you can regain some control over your anxiety by incorporating some lifestyle changes and with the options of some supplements, including Japanese red reishi mushrooms.

Coping With the Daylight Saving Time

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Like it or not, autumn is here. While it’s only an hour difference, the switch out of Daylight Saving Time can disrupt your daily routine and alter your body clock, affecting your mood, energy, and sleep patterns.

It’s particularly difficult for those who already have sleep issues, and for those with children or animals that don’t understand the change of time. And if you are not getting enough proper sleep, you can put your memory, productivity, emotional stability, and physical health at risk.

While there is much talk in some regions about doing away with Daylight Saving Time changes, for many of us, we still have to do this for at least another year.

Fortunately, there are some sleep-better tips you can do to ease yourself back to the fall time jump.

​Start preparing early

Believe it or not, even just one hour can wreak havoc on your sleep pattern if you are not prepared for it. Attempting to acclimate to the fall time change all at once can be tough for many people. A more effective plan? Ease into the fall time schedule by staying up a little later and getting up a bit later too for a few days prior to the new time change.

If you have young children, you may want to start this routine even a bit earlier, with gradual adjustments to the bedtime and waketime routine.

​Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Stimulants like alcohol and caffeine can disrupt your body’s internal clock, especially when you’re are trying to adjust to the time change. Caffeine can stay in your system for a long time, so stop with the caffeine at least four to six hours before you plan to wind down for bed. While you may think that alcohol can help you sleep, the truth is, that it reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, resulting in a less restful and restorative sleep.

Instead, drink an herbal tea like chamomile. It will not only help you unwind after a long day, but also help you get a good night’s sleep.

​Get some exercise

The fall time change means earlier morning sun. So, why not make the most of it with some exercise? Getting the body moving early in the day causes your brain to release serotonin, a feel-good hormone that can help your body better adjust to the time change.

​Use Japanese reishi mushrooms

Known as ling zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (or “divine mushroom” for the English speakers), Japanese reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries as a super sleep aid. This incredible herb has been shown to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, manage stress, and treat insomnia.

Though it sounds paradoxical, reishi can help you both relax enough to sink into a restful sleep and support your energy through the daytime. It is neither a sedative nor a stimulant.

And, it’s not just seasonal Daylight Saving Time changes that this can help. The same benefits apply for shift workers and time-zone-changing travelers.

Japanese reishi mushrooms also boost the immune system, helping you stay healthy when time changes can throw your body’s internal clock for a loop. Don’t let the fall time change get the better of you this year. With reishi to the rescue, you will be fully prepared for this annual autumn switch in time.