Meet reishi, a mushroom native to hot and humid climates in Asia. It has been a staple in Eastern medicine for ages and also happens to be a star ingredient in our Strong Immunity mix. But why have we gone through all the trouble of tracking down freshly picked reishi, all the way from Malaysia? Reason number one, it is a primary adaptogen.
What does that mean?
Being a primary adaptogen, means reishi can helps your body ‘adapt’ to physical and mental stress, and increase your resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue. Throughout history, especially in Eastern medicine, reishi has been revered for its ability promote good health, longevity and a more cantered state of mind.
More recently, thanks to several studies conducted over the past years, we’ve gotten to know and understand the properties and benefits of this super-food. In simpler terms, here are a few of its purported benefits:
- It’s said to be one of the most protective herbs in the world
- It’s believed to boost the immune system
- It helps reduce fatigue
- It plays a key role in alleviating stress and inducing sleep
- It also contributes to good cholesterol and fights inflammation
- It keeps viral infections at bay.
Now as with all herbs and super-foods, not all of reishi’s benefits have been proven via. studies. For example, studies have shown that reishi affects the genes in white blood cells, which make up your immune system. “Certain studies have shown that it boosts white blood cell production.” However, the impact of reishi differs from person to person. There have also been studies that support the cancer fighting and cardio-vascular supportive properties of reshi.
Is there a downside?
As is the case with any good thing, too much can lead to side-effects. Taking a high dose of reshi constantly for months on end can have side-effects for certain people. These could range from mild digestive issues, to sometimes a rare case of liver issues. However, the benefits here far outweigh the risks… atleast according to us. But, as always, to each their own.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16230843/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25686270/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21801467/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
