Reishi, a mushroom used as far back as 4,000 years ago. The divine mushroom of immortality – in the past, it was believed to be able to revive even the dead. It has a particularly important place in Chinese medicine (under the name lingzhi), where it was first mentioned in writing 200 years before Christ. An entire army was assigned to search for it, because the Chinese imperial court believed that it could be used to mix an elixir of immortality. The Slovak name probably does not mean much to you - Leskokôrovka hnedočervená, it is actually a wood-destroying parasitic fungus that lives mainly on injured trees. It has a huge spectrum of biological substances. Its effects are also described in the professional encyclopaedia Huby ako .
Reishi contains more than 200 polysaccharides, 150 triterpenes and a number of amino acids alanine, leucine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. According to scientists, two components in particular are most beneficial to human health: beta-glucans and triterpenes. The former are water-soluble and, when combined with proteins, form large molecules - polysaccharide peptides. Triterpenes are insoluble in water in addition to fat or alcohol. Reishi contains 3 times more germanium than garlic and 8 times more than ginseng;
The main weapon of Reishi is its positive effect on immunity and stress reduction. It removes and eliminates inflammation in the body. Helping to cleanse the body of toxins. The demand for it is so huge that for a long time a way was sought to grow it artificially so that not only the elites but also the common people have access to it. In the 1970s, the Japanese succeeded. It is grown either in plastic bags on sawdust or on pieces of hard (oak) wood. It is harvested once every 6-9 months.
There are many different forms and products containing Reishi on the market. It might seem that the most natural form is powder from dried, ground mushrooms – although this is not suitable because it contains few polysaccharides. A powdered extract from the fruiting bodies (not the mycelium) is much better. Reishi can be purchased as a powder (ground mushroom), as an alcohol-based tincture, or as an extract in organic capsules – which is the best option.
As far as medical studies are concerned, it has a positive effect on white blood cell production, increases the number of T cells and B cells to improve cellular immunity, and boosts vitality in the treatment of cancer. Reishi supports the production of NK cells, which cleanse the body of tumour cells. It reduces the negative effects of cancer radiotherapy. The terpene content in Reishi also helps with anti-inflammatory effects. Taking Reishi can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and help protect and regenerate liver cells. Together with Cordyceps, it is the most commonly used mushroom for chronic fatigue. It helps you get back into shape, especially after surgery.
It seems to be almost a miracle product. But as it is with everything - it is a thing that mankind has known for literally thousands of years, only modern medicine comes up with scientific explanations for what people have observed themselves during centuries of living in nature.
Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum is a product that can also be taken as a dietary supplement, ideally 2 times a day before meals. You can either take the capsules directly or pour their contents into water or food. Reishi is also suitable for long-term use.
