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The Power of Reishi Mushroom for Kids: A Natural Wellness Boost

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As parents, we always want to ensure that our children are healthy and happy. One way to support their wellbeing is by incorporating beneficial natural supplements into their diet, such as reishi mushroom. Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a medicinal type of mushroom long revered in traditional Chinese medicine for its numerous health benefits.

With International Youth Day 2024 right around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to explore the benefits of reishi for kids, and why incorporating this powerful mushroom into their diet can be a game changer in promoting their overall health.

1. Immune System Support

One of the most well-known benefits of reishi for kids is its ability to support and strengthen their immune system. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called beta-glucans and triterpenes, which have been shown to enhance the body’s immune response and help fight off infections. By incorporating reishi into your child’s diet, you can help boost their immune defences, making them less susceptible to common illnesses like colds and flu.

2. Allergy Relief

For children who suffer from allergies, reishi is a natural remedy that can provide relief. While it can boost an immune response, it can also calm an overactive immune system, making it an “immunomodulator,” a substance that helps the immune system find balance. This mighty mushroom also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. By reducing inflammation in the body, reishi can help your child breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons.

3. Improved Sleep Quality

In today’s fast-paced world, many children struggle with sleep issues. Reishi has calming and stress-reducing properties that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Whether it’s for difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, reishi mushrooms can help your child unwind and drift off to a restful night’s sleep.

4. Mood and Behaviour Regulation

Another remarkable benefit of reishi for kids is its potential to help regulate mood and behaviour. Reishi mushrooms contain adaptogenic compounds that can help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calmness and wellbeing. For children who may experience mood swings, including anxiety and overwhelm, adding reishi to their daily regimen can help support their emotional balance and mental clarity.

5. Cognitive Enhancement

In addition to its physical benefits, reishi has also been studied for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects. The compounds found in reishi mushrooms have been shown to support brain health, improve memory, and enhance cognitive function. This may be at least partially due to the mushroom’s calming properties. A calm mind is clearer and more focused. Reishi can help your kids sharpen their focus and support healthy cognitive development.

6. Safe and Natural Remedy

One of the greatest advantages of reishi for kids is that it is a safe and natural remedy with minimal side effects. Unlike many over-the-counter medications that can have harmful effects on children’s health, reishi is a gentle yet potent remedy that works in harmony with the body’s natural processes. By choosing reishi as a holistic approach to supporting your child’s health, you can rest assured knowing that you are giving them a safe and effective solution.

The benefits of reishi for kids are vast and varied, making it a valuable addition to their daily wellness routine. From immune system support to cognitive enhancement and beyond, Reishi mushrooms offer a multitude of health benefits that can help your child thrive and flourish. Harnessing the power of this ancient medicinal mushroom will help you provide your child with a natural, holistic approach to health that nurtures their well-being on a deep level. Embrace the magic of reishi and unlock the countless benefits it has to offer for your little one’s health and vitality.

Remember, if your child has complex medical issues or is taking prescription medication, consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplements or remedies into their routine to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their individual needs.

Reishi for Women’s Hormonal Health

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Women’s hormonal health covers a wide range of wellness issues, including menstrual cycles, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, breast and reproductive organ health, bone density, cardiovascular health, and even overall health topics like energy, mood, and sleep. While there are various pharmaceutical treatments available, many women prefer natural remedies to support hormonal balance and overall wellness.

Because of their wide-ranging health benefits, reishi mushrooms are gaining recognition as part of a whole health plan for women’s hormonal health. When picking a reishi supplement, make sure to get the whole mushroom, including the fruiting body and not just the mycelium (root-like structure) for most of the following benefits.

Understanding Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms, known as ling zhi and nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality,” have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, polysaccharides, and sterols, which are believed to be the main contributors of their therapeutic effects.

Let’s delve deeper into the key points of how reishi mushrooms can positively impact women’s hormonal health.

Reduces Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is almost a “standard setting,” and chronic stress can both cause and aggravate a wide range of health issues, including those involving women’s hormonal health. Reishi mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, which means they can help the body adapt to stressors and reduce their negative effects. One of the main reasons that reishi has long been revered and used by TCM doctors is its effect of supporting a calm state of mind. By balancing cortisol levels and supporting the adrenal glands, reishi mushrooms play a vital role in reducing feelings of stress and helping to regulate the hormones.

Improves Sleep Quality

Sleep is crucial for hormonal health, as it allows the body to regenerate, heal, and balance hormones. Unfortunately, hormonal imbalance with menstrual cycles and with perimenopause and menopause can disrupt a good night’s rest.

While they are not sedating, reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that have calming and soothing effects on the body, promoting better sleep quality. By reducing anxiety and inducing a relaxed state, these mushrooms can help women achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Supports Reproductive Health

For women looking to support their reproductive health, reishi mushrooms can be highly beneficial. Xenoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds commonly found in cosmetics, plastics, food packaging materials, and pesticides. These chemicals are problematic in both men and women, so it’s important to find ways to minimize exposure, such as avoiding heating food in plastic containers and making sure to properly clean produce that has been sprayed. By supporting effective detoxification by the liver, reishi mushrooms help eliminate xenoestrogens from the body.

Manages Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects many women, causing irregular periods, painful periods, fertility issues, weight gain, male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and other complications. Reishi mushrooms can be a valuable addition to the management of PCOS. Their hormone-balancing properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and ability to support the liver can all contribute to alleviating PCOS symptoms and improving overall hormonal health.

Further, because PCOS causes the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, things that combat that help to reverse many of the symptoms. Research has shown that reishi mushrooms significantly reduce an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Support to Address Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It often causes heavy periods, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges. Reishi mushrooms’ anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the inflammation associated with endometriosis. Additionally, reishi’s ability to balance hormones and support the immune system can contribute to minimizing symptoms and improving overall well-being for women dealing with this condition.

Helps with Infertility

Infertility can be an incredibly challenging journey for many women. Reishi mushrooms have been studied for their potential to improve fertility outcomes. These mushrooms can enhance blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, support hormone regulation, and reduce inflammation, all of which contribute to a healthier reproductive system and increased chances of conception.

In addition, because common causes of infertility include PCOS, endometriosis, and chronic stress, managing these conditions helps improve fertility outcomes.

Reduces Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that brings about significant hormonal changes and accompanying symptoms. Reishi mushrooms can aid women in navigating this transition. Their adaptogenic properties help reduce insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety commonly experienced during menopause.

Boosts Breast Health

Maintaining breast health is essential for women’s overall well-being. Reishi mushrooms possess antioxidant properties that help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity can be beneficial for breast health, as oxidative stress is often associated with an increased risk of breast conditions. Incorporating reishi mushrooms into a well-rounded lifestyle can contribute to maintaining optimal breast health.

Queen Reishi

Reishi mushrooms offer a multitude of benefits for women’s hormonal health, from reducing stress and improving sleep quality to supporting reproductive health, aiding fertility, and assisting hormonal transitions. Reishi mushrooms are a powerful ally in women’s hormonal well-being, so let’s add another nickname to this healing herb, Queen Reishi.

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Eri Mayuzumi and the Power of Giving Back

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International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women to society. It is a day to honour and appreciate women’s accomplishments and the ongoing fight for equality.

This year, we have an inspiring story to share, showcasing the remarkable work of Eri Mayuzumi, a third-generation reishi mushroom grower from Japan. Alongside her family’s legacy as cultivators of high-quality reishi, Eri dedicates her time to giving back to nature and supporting sustainable initiatives. Her work exemplifies the power of women in making positive change in the world.

Reishi Mushroom Legacy

Eri Mayuzumi’s family has a long and rich history as reishi mushroom growers, dating back to the 1930s. Reishi mushrooms—also known as Ganoderma lucidum (Latin), mannentake (Japanese), and ling zhi (Chinese)—have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their many health benefits.

Since childhood, Eri’s life revolved around reishi, and she passionately continues her family’s legacy, relying on natural wood-log cultivation to produce high-quality, safe, and reliable reishi products. With her expertise and dedication, Eri ensures that her family’s knowledge and the healing properties of reishi are shared with the world.

Giving Back to Nature

Aside from her family’s work with reishi, Eri Mayuzumi has a deep appreciation for the natural world and understands the importance of nurturing and protecting the environment. She believes in giving back to nature for providing the means for reishi to grow. Eri has actively involved herself in initiatives that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations Member States. These goals include protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems.

Volunteering for a Sustainable Future

As part of her commitment to the SDGs, Eri Mayuzumi volunteers her time in various initiatives that focus on environmental preservation. Alongside her daughter, Miki, Eri actively contributes to local groups in Gunma Prefecture in Japan. One of their key efforts involves cleaning the forest river, which not only helps maintain the ecosystem’s balance but also ensures the safety and well-being of wildlife.

Their work in protecting wildlife is an essential part of Eri’s vision for a sustainable future. By involving her daughter in these initiatives, she passes on her values and knowledge to the next generation, instilling a sense of responsibility and love for the environment.

Eri Mayuzumi’s story is a testament to the impact women continue to make in their communities and the world. Through her family’s reishi mushroom legacy and her dedication to giving back to nature, she exemplifies the values and spirit of International Women’s Day. Eri’s work as a grower and as an advocate for sustainability showcases the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and protecting our natural resources.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour the achievements of women like Eri and continue to work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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!

Reishi: Your shield against Cold and Flu Season

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Cold and flu season is back! When you can’t afford to get sick, it becomes crucial to explore ways to strengthen your immune system and enhance your natural defence mechanisms. Because viruses and bacteria are living organisms, they mutate, finding new ways to attack our bodies and multiply. This is one of the key reasons why we can win the battles, but not the war against colds and flus.

Thankfully, our immune systems are also adaptable, and we have many natural remedies we can turn to. Reishi mushroom (scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum) emerges as a powerful ally in supporting our immune system response and combating viruses.

Understanding Reishi’s Immune Response Properties

Reishi is a type of fungi that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi was once reserved for royalty as it is highly valued for its many health benefits.

As a mushroom, reishi is neither a plant nor an animal. It is part of a kingdom called fungi, and like plants and animals, it too must defend itself against disease and injury. Because of this, it contains many nutrients and bioactive compounds—including polysaccharides and triterpenes—and fortunately for us, we can ingest these compounds for our own health benefits. The polysaccharides in reishi have been found able to modulate immune function. This means that reishi helps increase our immune response when the body is under attack by a virus or bacteria, but it also helps calm an overactive immune response, such as is the case with autoimmunity and allergies.

The triterpenes, such as ganoderic acid (unique to reishi), have a wide range of effects useful to our bodies, including supporting lung, heart, liver, and kidney health, as well as calming our nervous systems.

Supporting the Immune System

One of the main reasons reishi mushroom is celebrated for its health benefits is its ability to boost our body’s defense mechanisms against illness and infections. Research suggests that consuming reishi supplements or extracts can help strengthen this vital system, making it more efficient in fighting off harmful pathogens.

Studies have shown that reishi mushroom extracts can increase the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells) and macrophages, which are key components of the immune system. These cells play a crucial role in identifying and destroying foreign particles, including viruses. By enhancing the activity of these immune cells, reishi helps bolster our body’s defense against infections.

  1. Modulating Immune Function
    Reishi acts as an immunomodulator, meaning it helps regulate and balance the immune system. By regulating immune responses, reishi helps stimulate white blood cell productions as well as preventing excessive inflammation or an overactive immune system, which can be detrimental to our health.
  2. Antiviral Activity
    Studies have shown that reishi possesses antiviral properties, making it an effective natural agent against a variety of viral infections. Compounds in reishi have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent the spread of viruses within the body. This antiviral activity makes reishi an excellent ally in defending against common and new viral infections.
  3. Immune System Support
    Reishi contains polysaccharides that have immune-boosting effects. These polysaccharides help increase the production of cytokines, which are signalling molecules that regulate immune responses. By stimulating the production of cytokines, reishi can enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack foreign invaders, such as viruses.

Incorporate Reishi into Your Daily Routine

Reishi supplements are widely available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powdered extracts. When choosing a supplement, ensure it is derived from high-quality reishi mushrooms that have been allowed to mature and are free from contaminants. So that you don’t miss out on the various triterpenes and ganoderic acid, make sure you get the fruiting body (stem and cap) and not just the mycelium (root-like structure) of the reishi mushroom.

In a world where viral infections pose an ever-growing threat, supporting your immune system becomes paramount. It is important to remember to do so by maintaining overall health through a balanced lifestyle, good nutrition, and regular exercise. In addition, reishi, with its immune-enhancing properties, serves as an invaluable natural ally in our battle against viruses. By incorporating reishi supplements into your daily routine, you can strengthen your immune response and fortify your body’s defences.

LISTEN NOW: Have you heard about Red Reishi?

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Reishi has been used as a medicinal mushroom in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for over 2000 years. The fruiting body is kidney-shaped with a wavy undersurface. There are about 80 different types of reishi that have been identified. For this episode Melissa Carr, Dr. TCM, sits down with Kuko Health* to talk about the benefits of the superfood, red reishi.

EP. 23/ WHAT IS THIS SUPER FOOD, RED REISHI?

*Kuko Health is a self-proclaimed Traditional Chinese Medicine enthusiast. Visit her website and join her on her health journey to uncover the truths behind this century old practice.

How Reishi Mushrooms can help with the Back-to-School Transition

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As summer fades away each year, it’s time for students of all ages to return to school. However, this transition can be challenging and stressful. Whether you are a student or a parent helping your child, addressing the stress and lack of energy that come with this time of year is crucial. Fortunately, red reishi mushrooms can help the entire family, offering up a host of health benefits to get you through this school season.

Red reishi mushrooms are known as the “mushroom of immortality,” and they have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Reishi have been found to contain powerful active compounds that provide a wide range of health benefits for the human body, and they offer specific benefits when it comes to managing the challenges of returning to school.

Managing Stress

Returning to school can be stressful for both students and parents. Stress can manifest in different ways, including depression, poor concentration, anxiety, difficulty with coping, digestive issues, or changes in appetite.

Reishi mushrooms are an excellent choice for managing stress, as they are adaptogenic herbs. This, in part, means they are neither sedatives, nor stimulants, but they can help the body manage a wide range of stressors. Red reishi contains compounds, such as ganoderic acid, that help to regulate and reduce stress while promoting relaxation. Reishi mushrooms increase the production of calming neurochemicals, which leads to a significant reduction in anxiety levels and cognitive disturbances.

And one of its primary uses in TCM has been for calming the nervous system. For centuries, both Buddhist and Daoist monks have used reishi to support their meditation practices. Using reishi mushrooms in a supplement form can effectively reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness, making the back-to-school transition much easier.

Improving Sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical for students returning to school. Sufficient restful sleep is essential to concentration, focus, learning new material, and retaining and recalling information quickly. Sleep is also needed to help reduce stress and support the immune system. Because the change from summer routine to a school schedule can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia, incorporating reishi mushrooms is an effective way to make this transition.

The active compounds in reishi mushrooms will help balance the body’s hormones, leading to better quality sleep. Research has demonstrated that reishi mushroom extracts improve sleep quality by reducing the time needed to fall asleep, increasing the amount of slow-wave sleep, and reducing the frequency of waking up during the night. Using a reishi supplement before bed can lead to a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Supporting the Immune System

Students often spend long hours in the classroom. This close and enclosed exposure to many others means more potential for contact with viruses and bacteria. Returning to school can expose students to a variety of infections, so ensuring optimal immune system function is paramount.

Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans that help to stimulate the immune system to respond when needed, promoting defensive action against harmful pathogens. Beta-glucans are immune system modulators. This means that the immune system will increase white blood cell production when under attack but calm the overly sensitive immune response for those with allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Taking red reishi supplements daily may help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of colds and flus by supporting a healthy immune response.

Feeling More Energized

While feeling tired or needing caffeine has become a society norm, it’s not normal. Feeling drained and low on energy can make it difficult for students to focus, leading to poor academic performance. If students have been able to sleep in more often during the summer months, then the return to early morning school schedules may exacerbate feelings of fatigue.

Reishi mushrooms are recognized in TCM as Qi tonics. This means they can help boost energy levels, but they are not stimulants and won’t leave you feeling jittery. They do this in part by regulating cortisol, one of the body’s stress hormones. When cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to fatigue, mental fog, and irritability. Additionally, when stress is chronic and cortisol levels remain elevated for too long, you may experience adrenal fatigue.

Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes, which have been found to support and strengthen the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol and other hormones that regulate energy, mood, and mental clarity. Supporting healthy adrenal gland function with reishi mushroom supplements will help to mitigate fatigue and promote energy.

How to Take Reishi

Reishi mushrooms have a hard, chitinous shell, meaning they are not easily cooked and consumed like some of their fellow mushrooms. Additionally, the triterpene compounds are very bitter in flavour, so capsule supplements are the easiest way to be consistent with daily reishi intake.

Because high-quality reishi is key if you want health benefits that you’ll notice, look for capsules that include the fruiting body (the stem and cap that you would identify as looking like a mushroom). The fruiting body contains the triterpene compounds needed for calming the nervous system, supporting feelings of calm energy, and for helping with the health of the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

For adults, Mikei offers an easy one-a-day concentrated dose capsule, but it’s safe to take more than one on days when more than one is needed or as directed by a healthcare provider. Take it with something high in vitamin C for better absorption of reishi’s medicinal compounds.

For kids who can’t swallow capsules, consider opening the reishi capsule and adding a bit of it to their food. Because high-quality fruiting body reishi is very bitter in flavour, chocolate (hot chocolate, chocolate milk, chocolate pudding), smoothies, and shakes make for a good hiding place. I’ve also found it hides well in no-bake protein balls made with dates.

Ultimately, reishi mushrooms are a great addition to any back-to-school routine. From managing stress and improving sleep to supporting the immune system and boosting energy levels, red reishi mushrooms can make the transition back to school much easier. Make the most of your or your kids’ time at school by starting with a solid foundation of health and energy with reishi mushrooms.

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.