Understanding the Medicinal Properties of Reishi Mushrooms

When it comes to holistic health and wellness, it’s hard to ignore the mounting evidence supporting the use of adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms. Among the most revered and researched of these mushrooms is the reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum. With a history deeply rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, reishi mushrooms have continued to capture the attention of scientists and health enthusiasts alike due to their remarkable medicinal properties and potential health benefits.

What Are Reishi Mushrooms?

First, let’s take a closer look at reishi mushrooms and where they come from. Reishi mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on the decaying logs and stumps of various hardwood trees. These mushrooms are distinctively characterized by their reddish-brown caps and woody texture. While they have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, reishi mushrooms gained wider recognition in the Western world in the late 20th century, largely due to the increasing interest in natural medicine and remedies.

Medicinal Compounds in Reishi Mushrooms

The potency of reishi mushrooms lies in their rich array of bioactive compounds, which contribute to their impressive health-promoting properties. Some of the key compounds found in reishi mushrooms include:

  1. β-Glucans: Reishi mushrooms contain high levels of β-glucans (beta glucans), which are polysaccharides known for their immune-balancing and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds play a crucial role in supporting the body’s immune system and promoting overall health.
  2. Triterpenes: Reishi mushrooms are also abundant in triterpenes, particularly ganoderic acids, which are responsible for the mushrooms’ adaptogenic and anti-tumour properties. Triterpenes have been the focus of numerous studies for their potential to combat cancer and reduce the risk of tumour growth.
  3. Polysaccharides: Apart from β-glucans, reishi mushrooms contain other polysaccharides that exhibit antioxidant and immune-regulating properties. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage and support the body’s defence mechanisms against infections and diseases.
  4. Lingzhi-8: One specific compound found in reishi mushrooms is a unique polysaccharide peptide complex called Lingzhi-8. This compound has been shown to have immunomodulating effects, contributing to the mushrooms’ ability to regulate immune function and promote overall well-being.

Medicinal Properties of Reishi Mushrooms

The diverse array of bioactive compounds in reishi mushrooms gives rise to a wide range of potential health benefits. Some of the most notable medicinal properties of reishi mushrooms include:

  1. Immune Support: Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their ability to either boost immune function to fight off infections and strengthen the body’s natural defences, or to calm an over-reactive immune system response, as is the case for allergies and autoimmune disorders. This is called immunomodulation.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of reishi mushrooms can help alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergies.
  3. Stress Reduction: As adaptogens, reishi mushrooms can help the body adapt to stress, promoting a sense of calm and mental well-being without causing drowsiness.
  4. Antioxidant Protection: The powerful antioxidant compounds in reishi mushrooms help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  5. Liver Health: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to support liver function and aid in detoxification, making them beneficial for overall liver health.

The medicinal properties of reishi mushrooms are vast and well-supported by scientific research. From immune support to stress reduction and beyond, these remarkable fungi offer a wealth of health benefits that deserve our attention. As our understanding of holistic health continues to evolve, reishi mushrooms stand out as a shining example of nature’s ability to provide powerful remedies for the body and mind.

How to Benefit from Reishi’s Medicinal Compounds

Because some of reishi mushroom’s medicinal compounds are very bitter in flavour, and since the skin of the mushroom is hard and chitinous, they don’t make the best culinary mushroom. They are more commonly consumed in supplement format, but of course the quality of the starting ingredient and the way that it is processed become vitally important. Some of the compounds are found only in the fruiting body (the stem and cap) of the mushroom. Reishi mushroom supplements that only contain the mycelium (root-like parts) will be missing some of the key compounds.

Look for a high-quality, concentrated reishi supplement that includes the fruiting body. Take it with vitamin C-rich foods or a vitamin C supplement to improve your body’s ability to absorb the beneficial compounds. Because reishi is an adaptogen, it is generally safe to take regularly, but if you have complex health issues or are taking medications, you are best to consult with a regulated health professional.

By harnessing the incredible bioactive compounds within reishi mushrooms, we can tap into their potential to promote vitality, resilience, and overall well-being.

Can Reishi help treat Chronic Disease Syndromes?

May 12th has been designated as the Day for International Awareness of Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases. But what does this mean? It’s clear that we need a day to promote awareness around these oft debilitating conditions that can take years to diagnose. These diseases include Fibromyalgia (FM), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

The date of May 12th was chosen because it was Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Florence became a nurse in the mid-1800s, and she is considered the founder of modern nursing. She is thought to have suffered from ME/CFS, though of course that was not recognized at the time.

Because these syndromes have many things in common and they can be difficult to diagnose, these diseases have sometimes been categorized together under the heading of Chronic Disease Syndrome (CDS).

What Is Chronic Disease Syndrome?

Chronic Disease Syndrome is characterized by long-term, often progressive symptoms that are not easy to diagnose. Many of the symptoms of CDS are shared with other conditions, which can make it difficult for a doctor to pinpoint the cause. Because there are currently no specific blood tests or imaging tools (Xray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) that can be used to diagnose these conditions, diagnosis comes from a thorough assessment that analyzes the timing of onset, history of illness, details of symptoms, and more, while ruling out other known diseases and conditions.

  1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition that was first named in 1988, but we still don’t know that much about it. When, in the mid 1980s, there were two large outbreaks of mystery illness in New York and Nevada that resembled mononeucleosis, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated, couldn’t find a cause, and gave it a name—CFS.

    This syndrome remains difficult to diagnose, but the severe and chronic fatigue must have lasted for at least six months, other conditions must be ruled out, and at least four defined symptoms must be present, including from the list of muscle pain and weakness, headaches, insomnia, tender lymph nodes, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, depression, mood swings, light sensitivity, and more.

  2. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a term that has been around in various forms for decades but remains poorly understood and highly unrecognized. It is a chronic and complex disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Myalgia means muscle aches and pains, while encephalomyelitis refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. ME causes severe exhaustion, as well as problems with thinking and memory. ME can also make it hard to do simple things like stand up or walk around. Additionally, some people have trouble talking because they’re too tired to form words properly.

    People who have ME experience extreme fatigue—more than just feeling tired after an activity or task—and this fatigue can last for weeks at a time without any relief from rest or sleep. Other symptoms include dizziness when standing up quickly, muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, headaches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sensitivity to light and noise.

    Because it can be difficult to distinguish between the two, ME and CFS are often combined to a diagnosis of ME/CFS.

  3. Fibromyalgia (FM)

    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome that can affect people of all ages, though it more commonly affects women and often starts in middle age. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive issues. The cause of FM isn’t well understood but it may be related to abnormalities in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).People with FM often feel tenderness to touch where even light pressure can cause pain. The diagnosis used to include having to describe at least 11 of 18 listed “tender points,” but now diagnosis includes having widespread pain for at least three months and that other conditions have been ruled out.

  4. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

    Also known as Chemical Sensitivity (CS), Chemical Intolerance (CI), and Idiopathic Environmental Illness (IEI), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a condition that is widely debated in the medical community. The symptoms are varied, but can include headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, confusion, rashes, and asthma.

    We are well aware that we are heavily exposed to a wide variety of chemicals, and some chemicals and substances are highly recognized as being harmful to our health, including asbestos, lead, mercury, arsenic, tobacco smoke, and PCBs. But some people appear to be more sensitive to lower levels of environmental chemicals, and they can experience severe symptoms, especially when exposed to things with a high degree of synthetic and scented additives like perfumes, cleaning products, body care products, plastics, new carpets and furniture, and pesticides.

A Common Thread

While each of these syndromes has its own system of acquiring a diagnosis, they share many symptoms, are all difficult to diagnose, and sufferers of these conditions are often told its “all in your head.” More recently, it seems that Long COVID can also be added to this list of chronic, debilitating syndromes.

Personalized care that calms the nervous system, supports a healthy immune response, and strengthens organ function is key to address Chronic Disease Syndrome.

Managing Chronic Disease Syndrome (CDS)

While conventional medicine can offer pharmaceuticals to try to manage symptoms, there are many key things you can do to improve your condition. It should come as no surprise that the first things you can do are to make healthy lifestyle choices.

  • Get enough sleep. Sleep allows your body to rest and recuperate, which can help you feel better during the day. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try being consistent with a wind-down routine like taking a warm bath before bedtime, reading, doing some gentle stretches, listening to relaxing music, meditating, or practicing breath work. You may also want to speak with your healthcare provider about natural remedies to help improve sleep quality and quantity.
  • Maintain a healthy diet. Eating the right foods can help manage Chronic Disease Syndrome. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide you with the nutrients you need to maintain good health. Make sure to also include enough high-quality proteins and good fats. Good bacteria found in fermented foods (or probiotic supplements) are also important to maintain a healthy immune response.
  • Exercise regularly. Aim for some form of physical activity every day. This depends on your ability, as fatigue and pain can make everything challenging. Activity can be divided up into short segments through the day, rather than done in one block of time. For some this will mean gentle stretches and joint mobility. For others it will mean walking a block or doing a household chore like dusting. As your health improves, this might mean upgrading to walking up stairs instead of taking the elevator or riding your bike instead of driving your car. The important thing is that you do what you can for movement activities, make it important, and do your best not to get discouraged. Physical activity also helps reduce stress levels which can help treat CDS as well.

How Reishi Mushrooms Can Help Treat Chronic Disease Syndromes

While there is currently little known about these chronic disease syndromes, one way that people have found success managing their symptoms is to take reishi mushroom supplements.

Reishi mushroom is an adaptogenic herb. That means it can help with a wide range of symptoms caused by stressors to the body, returning the body to a state of homeostasis, or balance. As a Qi tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi can address symptoms of fatigue. It also supports the liver and kidneys, organs key to removing toxins from the body.

Perhaps even more importantly, reishi is classified as an herb to calm the nervous system and modulate the immune system. Since one aspect that seems common to all these chronic disease syndromes is a hypersensitive, hyper-reactive response by the nervous system, calming the nervous system without causing drowsiness can help CDS sufferers find relief. Additionally, because it is suspected that a potential cause of some of these conditions may be a chronic, lingering viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection that disrupts immune function, a remedy that supports the immune system is also thought to be helpful. But you don’t want to just stimulate a strong immune response because there are aspects of CDS that seem to act like autoimmune issues. So, a modulated response like that offered by reishi’s polysaccharide and triterpene compounds is ideal.

If you suffer from one of these chronic disease syndromes, Japanese red reishi supplements may help you on your journey to wellness.