What Are the Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms?

Nutrition

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Primary benefits: Supports immune function and heart health; helps with stress management.

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Reishi is sometimes called the queen of mushrooms because of its broad spectrum of health benefits. Evidence suggests it may boost immunity, mood, heart health, and overall energy.

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These mushrooms offer abundant triterpenes, substances with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. Integrative cancer-care expert Nalini Chilkov, LAc, OMD recommends reishi mushrooms to her cancer patients more than any other medicinal mushroom. (Discover the power of these “5 Healing Spices” with anti-cancer and other health-boosting properties as well.)

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Reishi mushrooms are also adaptogens, which means they help support the body’s ability to manage stress. “Reishi is a calming mushroom compared to others,” says Mason Bresett, ND, whose research focuses on functional mushrooms. “It can soothe the central nervous system, so if you aren’t sleeping well, reishi is a great choice due to its adaptogenic effect.”

How to use reishi:

Reishi mushrooms are typically consumed as a powdered supplement or tincture. You can brew them into a tea or add them to soup broth. (Try reishi in this overnight oats recipe.)

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If you’re taking a powdered supplement, aim for 2 to 3 grams (about 1 teaspoon) per day for maintenance, or 2 teaspoons per day for therapeutic purposes. If using a tincture, look for “double-extracted” on the label: This means it’s been processed with both water and alcohol. Alcohol activates the triterpenes, while hot water enlivens the beta-glucans. For dosage, follow the instructions on the bottle.

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This article was originally written by Catherine Guthrie, Experience Life contributing editor, for Experience Life.

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