Q. What are the Health Benefits of Reishi?

A. This medicinal mushroom offers a whole host of health benefits that no other substance in the world can compete with.  Its ability to modulate the immune system makes it an excellent choice for those suffering from autoimmune conditions and immune system dysfunction.

It’s contains powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties.  In fact, there are thousands of studies proving that Reishi mushroom is excellent for preventing and combating cancer in the body.  However, it can also be used to help protect from flu and the common cold.

This mushroom also has positive actions on various organs in the body, in particular the liver and kidneys.  Interestingly, it’s also a potent adaptogen which means it helps lower stress levels in the body naturally.

Q. Is Reishi mushroom good for candida?

A. This mushroom is excellent for those suffering from a candida overgrowth in the body.  Numerous studies have shown that it’s able to inhibit the biofilm formation that candida uses to protect itself from antibiotics.  It also has potent anti-fungal properties which naturally prevents candida from replicating in the body.

Q. How do you make Reishi Tea?

A. It’s typically made by boiling several mushroom pieces for several hours on a low heat.  This ensures that all the medicinal properties are released from its hard woody body.  Big batches of this mushroom can be made into tea and stored in the refrigerator for later use.  This allows you to enjoy the benefits of it without having to constantly boil it for several hours.

Q. Is Reishi mushroom a yeast?

A. No, Reishi mushroom is a medicinal fungus with several nutritive and medicinal properties.  It does not contribute to yeast overgrowth in the body and is actually used to combat conditions such as small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) and Candida.

Q. Where does Reishi mushroom grow?

A. It likes to grow in cool damp climates.  Mountainous regions and heavily wooded forests are some of best spots to find Reishi mushroom.  However, due to its rarity, it can take several hours or even days until you come across one.  Luckily, there are manufactures such as Fungi Perfecti which use wild strains of Reishi mushroom that have been shown to have potent medicinal value.

Q. Is Reishi mushroom good for the liver?

A. According to Chinese Medicine, Reishi is excellent for treating poor liver function.   Due to its bitter flavor, its thought that the medicinal constitutes found in Reishi mushroom help regenerate and protects the liver extremely well.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, bitter flavor is often associated with the liver.

Q. Is Reishi mushroom good for acne?

A. It can be excellent for those suffering from acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.  Although diet plays an extremely important role when it comes to healing from acne and skin inflammation, Reishi can definitely help.  In particular, this mushroom contains ganoderic acid which has been shown to be extremely beneficial in treating those with acne and skin inflammation.

Q. Will Reishi cause SIBO in the body?

A. Absolutely not; Reishi contains potent anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties which help combat small intestinal bacteria overgrowth in the body.  It’s for this reason that many Chinese Medicine practitioners will often prescribe it for various stomach disorders and pathogenic overgrowths in the body.

Q. Is Reishi safe to take long term?

A. It has been used safely in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.  It’s considered to be a “tonic herb” which simply means it’s safe to use every day.  However, once its medicinal properties has built up in the body over a few weeks use, a lower dose or maintenance dose should be administrated.

Q. Can Reishi help with IBS?

A. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can benefit tremendously by taking Reishi mushroom.  It’s been shown that those suffering from IBS typically have an overgrowth of candida in the body.  Luckily, Reishi can help combat this pathogenic fungus.  Also, Reishi is an excellent source of polysaccharides, a long chain sugar, which has been shown to be extremely beneficial for those suffering with IBS.

Q. Is Reishi good for the kidneys?

A. It’s not by chance that this medicinal mushroom is in the shape of a human kidney.  In fact, this was one of the first observations ancient Chinese healers made when they first discovered this amazing mushroom.  Interestingly, modern research has shown that it can be an excellent option for those struggling with weak kidneys.  In Chinese Medicine, it is believed that a person’s “Jing” energy, or drive, is stored in the kidneys. 

Q. Can Reishi help with Stress?

A. Absolutely, in fact, those who are suffering from adrenal fatigue are recommended to take this mushroom daily.  This medicinal mushroom is a true adaptogen and helps the body cope with stress more effectively and dramatically improves the individual’s response to stress.

Q. Whole herb, extracts, powders, which is better?

A. There really is no right or wrong answer to this question.  Some prefer the whole herb, while others prefer the convenience of powders and extracts.  However, as with anything you put into your body, it’s important that you use a reputable and trusted supplier of this mushroom.   Personally, we like Host Defense since their products are always of the utmost quality and all their products are designed by world renowned mycologist Paul Stamets.

Q. Should you take Reishi in the morning or night?

A. It can be taken in the morning or at night.  However, we suggest you take it in the morning when first starting out so that you can gauge how your body feels.  With that being said, many have found that it helps them sleep deeply through the night.  This could be because of its immune modulating properties and its ability to balance histamine levels in the body.

Q. How much Reishi mushroom should you take?

A. This question has no definite answer and typically differs among individuals.  However, Traditional Chinese Medicine typically viewed 1-3 grams a day of Reishi as being safe.  With that said, every individual is different and dosage should be determined on the feedback of the body.  Many extracts and powders will give a general recommended dose per day that can be adjusted accordingly.

Q. Should Reishi be taken on an empty stomach?

A. It can be taken with or without food.  It should be noted that it was consumed as a beverage by ancient herbalist.  For this reason, consuming it during mealtime was not uncommon.  Due to its bitter flavor, Reishi naturally stimulates the vagus nerve which in return causes the production of stomach acid.  Consequently, taking it right before meals would probably be best.

Q. Should you cycle Reishi?

A. Again, it’s considered a tonic by Chinese Medicine standards and can be used every day.  However, if you believe you are building up a tolerance to the effects of Reishi, it may be wise to cycle this herb.  A good schedule would be 5 days on and 2 days off.

Q. Can Reishi Help with Constipation?

A. This mushroom contains a special long chain sugars called polysaccharides.  It’s been observed by scientists and researchers that polysaccharides have a positive effect on those with irritable bowel disease and positively influences change in the micro flora.  With that said, many believe that taking this mushroom daily helps keep them regular.

Q. Can Reishi help with Anxiety?

A. Many report that it helps alleviate their anxiety.  Since it’s an adaptogen this makes since because it naturally lowers stress levels in the body.  If your anxiety is being caused by an overabundance of stress, Reishi mushroom could be an excellent option for correcting this imbalance.

Q. Are there any side effects of Reishi mushroom?

A. There are no documented side effects of taking this medicinal mushroom.  It was traditionally used for thousands of years in China with no known major side effects and was considered safe to use long term.  However, if you suspect it’s causing an unwanted side effect in the body, simply reduce the dosage or stop taking all together.