All About Reishi

 

Reishi Mushroom History

Reishi mushroom has been revered in China for thousands of years. It is depicted in many Chinese works of art and is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today it is widely cultivated using a method of wood log cultivation in shade houses.

Reishi Mushroom Uses

Scientific research into the compounds responsible for Reishi mushroom activity began in the 1970’s in China and Japan. Scientists discovered highly active beta-(1>3)-glucans with the ability to potentiate innate immunity by activating immune cells. Also discovered were secondary metabolites called triterpenoids which were present in significant amounts and sets Reishi apart from all the other medicinal mushrooms.

Proudly Made in China

In 1996, CEO and Founder of Nammex, Jeff Chilton organized organic mushroom production in China. That initiative paid off and today all Nammex mushrooms are grown or wildcrafted deep in the mountains of China by our Certified Organic production partners. Learn more about our growers in China.

Not All Medicinal Mushrooms Products are Created Equal

US lab-grown Reishi is mycelium grown on grain. Analysis has shown that US Reishi mycelium on grain has low levels of beta-glucan, undetectable levels of triterpenoids and very high levels of starch. Nammex only uses 100% organic fruiting bodies which are rigorously tested and guaranteed for active compounds. Learn more about the mycelia myth and the 10 Questions to Ask about Your Mushroom Supplement.

Active Compounds

Beta (1>3),(1>6)-glucans; triterpenoids; Reishi needs the wood-bound precursors to synthesize the triterpenoids for which it is famous.

Product Attributes

Certified Organic; Kosher; Vegan; Gluten-free; Non-GMO

 

 

Reishi 1:1 Extract, (Ganoderma lucidum) Powder Bulk

Family

Polyporaceae (Polypor Family)

Etymology

The genus name Ganoderma derives from the Greek ganos, "brightness," and derma, "skin." The species name lucidum is Latin for "shining." Both refer to the plant's naturally glossy appearance.

Range of Appearance

Native to China, reishi is a fungus that grows on decaying hardwood in moist, shady conditions; these days it is more likely to be cultivated than to be found in the wild. Reishi has pores instead of gills. When young it has yellow and white coloring on its surface. The mature fruiting body ranges in color from orangish to black, but the red variety is considered most medicinal.

Parts Used

Fruiting body

Physiological Effects

Adaptogen, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antitussive, antiviral, cardiotonic, expectorant, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immune stimulant, rejuvenative

Medicinal Uses

Reishi is considered a longevity herb in Chinese medicine and has been in use in that tradition for more than four thousand years. In the Taoist tradition reishi is said to enhance spiritual receptivity, and it is used by monks to calm the spirit and mind. It is known to normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels, lower levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol), and inhibit histamine release and blood platelet aggregation. It also activates the phagocytosis of macrophages and stimulates interferon production and activity, thereby supporting the immune system, and inhibits the activity of staphyloccus and streptococcus. Reishi is used in the treatment of AIDS, allergies, altitude sickness, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, depression, diabetes, fatigue, food sensitivities, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high cholesterol, HIV, hypertension, hypotension, insomnia, nephritis, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, ulcers, and varicose veins.

Culinary Uses

These mushrooms are too hard and woody to eat. They are sometimes made into a tea.

Other Uses

None reported.

Constituents

Vitamin B2, vitamin C, adenosine, ganoderic acid S, ganoderic acid R, ganesterone, lipids, ash, protein, glucans, polysaccharides, phytosterols, coumarin

Contraindications

Reishi has a very low potential for toxicity. When pregnant or while nursing, use only under the guidance of a qualified health-care practitioner. Longterm use may cause dry mouth, dizziness, and digestive distress. Because reishi can inhibit blood clotting, it should be avoided at least one week before surgery, before childbirth, or in conjunction with blood-thinning medications.

 

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/