The KING of Mushrooms- Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae)
At Fungus AmongUs Farm & Apothecary, one of the most important medicinal mushrooms we harvest is the Reishi mushroom. Known as the KING of mushrooms, it is a medicinal powerhouse that has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for over 2,000 yrs. Here are our top four reasons why this mushroom will always be something we nurture on the farm.
1. Reishi mushroom can boost the immune system
Historically, reishi mushrooms have been used as an immune system enhancer—they’re even used in Asian cultures as an immunostimulant for patients with HIV and cancer. The beta glucans (complex sugars) in the mushroom are believed to stimulate the immune system to prevent infection.
2. Reishi mushrooms can alleviate stress and fatigue
Reishi mushrooms are known adaptogens, plants that help the body combat stress. In one study of 132 patients suffering from neurasthenia (a condition characterized by physical and mental exhaustion), consumption of reishi mushrooms was shown to improve aches, pains, and feelings of irritability. A new study conducted by a group of researchers from Penn State College of Medicine, found that participants who reported eating moderate-to-high levels of reishi mushrooms over the course of the two days had lower odds of depression, as compared to those who ate low or no amounts of mushrooms. Their findings confirmed their hypothesis that people who eat reishi mushrooms have a lower risk of depression, due to their high levels of vitamin B-12, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory components. “Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the amino acid ergothioneine—an anti-inflammatory agent which cannot be synthesized by humans,” said lead researcher Djibril Ba. Inflammation has been linked to depression, as well as a host of other chronic illnesses. Building on previous small clinical trials that have shown reductions in both depression and anxiety among regular mushroom consumers, the research is very promising for those seeking nutritional solutions for preventing and treating mood disorders.
3. They’re rich in antioxidants
Despite the fact that their other nickname is “the mushroom of immortality,” reishi mushrooms won’t, in fact, make you live forever. But they do have antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of disease and premature aging—and we can never have too many foods like that in our diets, right?
4. They may be an ally against cancer
Numerous studies have been done on reishi mushrooms’ effect on cancer cells. The results have been intriguing—one small study in the Journal of Oncology found that tumors shrunk in three cancer patients that were taking reishi mushrooms. Researchers believe beta glucans in the mushrooms may prevent new blood vessel growth, which is key as cancer cells need a steady blood supply to grow. The triterpenes (AKA essential oils) in the mushrooms may also inhibit the development and metastasis of tumors. Additional research indicates that the mushrooms could alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and improve the efficacy of radiation therapy.
“Reishi mushrooms are great for stimulating the immune system and liver function, producing an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, and have even been shown to reduce tumor growth,” says Rachel Gargiulo, RD, a certified nutrition consultant at Nourishing Journey in Columbia, MD.
If you would like to read more about the health benefits of the magnificent reishi mushroom, we encourage you to visit the following link.