Ganoderma Lucidum, also known as Reishi, or mushroom of immortality. A natural product widely used as a supplement thanks to its properties. Discover the benefits and tips for use.
From the oriental tradition comes Ganoderma Lucidum, known as Reishi, which in recent years is also becoming popular in the West due to its extraordinary properties. It is actually simply a mushroom but with very particular characteristics, so much so that it has rightfully been included among the most used remedies of mycotherapy, a branch of natural medicine that uses some mushrooms to treat the most common health problems.
There are different types of this mushroom classified according to color, the most powerful and effective variant for curative purposes is the red one used, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, for the treatment of over 20 diseases.
Ganoderma lucidum: properties and benefits
Among the benefits of Ganoderma we can really count many. Let’s see below an in-depth analysis for each of the properties of the reishi.
✓ Rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids
Reishi mushroom is a real natural supplement that contains mineral salts such as Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron and Zinc, B vitamins and essential amino acids, which give ganoderma lucidum restorative properties and for this reason it is excellent for coping with fatigue and exhaustion.
✓ Helps the immune system
When the body’s defenses are put to the test and need help, Ganoderma Lucidum is an excellent support for the immune system to regulate itself to its fullest and strengthen itself.
✓ Antibacterial and antiviral
Given its active action on the immune system, this mushroom is also considered a good natural remedy against bacteria and viruses of various kinds. In particular, some research has shown that Reishi is very effective against Herpes Simplex.
✓ Anti-inflammatory
Among the properties of Ganoderma Lucidum is that of fighting inflammation, some research even claims that it is as effective as hydrocortisone.
✓ Protects the liver and is antioxidant
Ganoderma has a hepatoprotective but also detoxifying action. It is also a powerful antioxidant able to counteract free radicals and therefore cellular aging.
✓ Regulates cholesterol and blood sugar
A constant intake of Reishi helps in case of hypercholesterolemia, thanks to a double action. On the one hand it hinders the endogenous synthesis (ie produced by the body) of cholesterol, on the other it inhibits the intestinal absorption of this substance. The action in case of blood sugar problems is also excellent, in fact it is effective in reducing blood glucose levels.
✓ Adjust the pressure
This mushroom can also be taken in case of hypertension. Thanks to the presence of substances called triterpenes, Ganoderma acts as a pressure stabilizer and is therefore a natural ally of the heart.
✓ Helps in case of allergies
This property is due to the presence of triterpenes in Ganoderma Lucidum, substances that reduce the production of histamine, responsible for the annoying effects of allergies.
✓ Regulates the nervous system
Reishi can also be used to calm the nervous system, for example it helps in case of anxiety, depression and insomnia.
✓ Antitumor
Some research is also focusing on the properties of Reishi in the fight against cancer. Also in this case it seems that its anti-cancer action is mainly due to the ability of Ganoderma to strengthen the immune system but also to the fact that this fungus improves the oxygenation of the body.
✓ Support for chemotherapy
Then there are those who successfully use this mushroom to soothe the typical ailments that occur following chemotherapy (but also radiotherapy) and to limit the damage to the liver that these treatments involve.
Reishi mushroom: how to use it and where to find it
Ganoderma Lucidum can be found on the market in different forms: drinks, reishi coffee, foods enriched with extracts of this mushroom or real supplements. The most effective way to take it, especially if the purpose is not to use Reishi as a supplement but as a therapy or support for other treatments, is undoubtedly to resort to dry extracts or tablets to be taken under the advice of an expert. In fact, these products contain a higher and well-specified quantity of active ingredients on the label.
While this mushroom was really hard to find a few years ago, it is currently often available in pharmacies, herbalists, or online health and wellness product shops. It is best to choose an organically grown Reishi supplement to avoid build-up of harmful substances.
As for the generally recommended doses, depending on the situation we start from a mushroom capsule 3 times a day to much higher quantities if used to deal with serious pathologies. In this case, however, it is always good to rely on the advice of an expert and avoid doing it yourself.
Ganoderma lucidum: contraindications
Often, when taking natural remedies, it is thought lightly that they are free from side effects and possible contraindications.
In reality it is very important to evaluate, for example, possible interactions with drugs or undesirable effects on blood pressure, immune system, blood sugar or other. In reality, there are no particular contraindications to Ganoderma Lucidum but you must be careful if you are taking immunosuppressive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs or if you have undergone transplants. In all these cases it is absolutely to be avoided.
Furthermore, since it is a fungus, it is also not recommended for people who suffer from allergies to these foods.
Among the side effects there are sporadic episodes of migraine, erythema or gastric / intestinal disorders due to the detoxification operated by this fungus inside the body.
