What Is Reishi?
Reishi has a long history of use — dating back several thousand years in Asia. It grows deep in the old-growth forests of Japan, Korea, and China, where it thrives on deadwood and other decaying forest matter.
Reishi is one of the most well-renowned herbs in the region — which says a lot when you consider that there are several hundred species of medicinal plants and fungi in China alone.
What makes reishi so popular is its powerful array of health benefits, high level of safety, and versatility as a health supplement.
The most common use of reishi is for promoting overall health and wellbeing. The herb is considered one of the primary tonic herbs of traditional Chinese medicine — where it was known as the “herb of immortality” for its ability to promote long life.
Reishi has a particularly powerful effect on the immune system — where it acts bidirectionally. This means that reishi can both increase immune activity, and decrease it — depending on what the body needs.
The Science Behind Reishi
1. Immune Function
Reishi contains well over a hundred individual active ingredients. The majority of the immune benefits come from a related group of compounds known as the beta-glucans. These compounds have a unique ability to interact with our immune cells directly as well as the genes that contain their genetic instructions.
Recent studies have shown that mice fed reishi supplements developed an increased concentration of white blood cells. In particular, the levels of a unique type of white blood cell known as the “natural killer cells” dramatically increased. Natural killer cells are mainly responsible for seeking and destroying cancerous or infected cells inside the body.
Other studies have found Reishi supplements may reduce the inflammatory response in athletes after a workout.
Reishi was also shown to have a modulating effect on IgE antibodies — which are responsible for regulating food-sensitivities and allergic reactions.
2. Stress & Anxiety
There have been numerous clinical trials exploring the effects of Reishi on the immune system. Interestingly, one of the most common “side-effects” reported in these studies is reduced anxiety scores.
To date, there have only been a handful of small studies looking specifically at the effects of Reishi on stress and anxiety — but the results are promising so far.
With that said, Reishi has been used to support stress and anxiety for thousands of years in traditional medical systems across Asia. In China, the herb is considered a Shen tonic — which is commonly given to people with anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia and depression.
Is Reishi the Supplement For Me?
Reishi offers many benefits and can even be used to promote longevity and overall health. Most experts agree this supplement is most effective if used regularly over long periods of time.
Reishi also has some more specific benefits to offer as well — particularly on the immune and neurological systems.
The most popular reason for using reishi is to support and tone the immune system — it’s a popular supplement for boosting immunity during cold or flu season or managing chronic inflammation and allergies.
Ingredients & Dosage
Ingredients & Dosage
Amount Per Serving (3 Capsules):
Reishi (from 15:1 Extract) 2100mg. Providing 30% Polysaccharides 630mg.
Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour (Bulking Agent), Reishi (from 15:1 Extract), Vegetarian Capsule (Hypromellose).
Recommended Dose:
Take 3 capsules daily with a meal, or as advised by your healthcare professional.
