Skip to main content
Reishi Mushroom

10 Benefits Of Reishi Mushroom

Unclear skin? Mild allergies? Low energy? Need something extra for that workout session or late nights at the office? The reishi mushroom could be your answer!

Reishi is one of the most accessible medicinal mushrooms on Earth. This unique fungus has been deemed “the king of mushrooms,” thanks to its nutritional benefits. The potential of reishi mushrooms to help improve your health and well-being is a result of compounds called polysaccharides.

These polysaccharides work inside your body to boost the immune system. Not only that, but they also protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to inflammation.

Want to learn how to take advantage of this potential wonder food? Check out our breakdowns for all the information you need about reishi mushroom benefits, side effects, and the proper dosage.

Overview Of Reishi Mushroom

For almost 2,000 years, the reishi mushroom has been one of the most popular and venerated staples in the medicinal history of several Eastern cultures. The “Mushroom of Immortality” and the “Elixir of Life” is the earliest reference to this mushroom in Chinese medical literature.

Ling Zhi is its Chinese name meaning “herb of spiritual potency” or “divine fungus.” Both of these terms reference the adaptogenic properties of this revered tonic.

The Chinese called reishi a “three treasure” herb that balances jing (life force), qi energy), and shen (spirit), as quoted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Hence, reishi mushrooms symbolize success, divine power, longevity, and well-being.

Reishi is highly distinguishable from other mushrooms due to its kidney-shaped caps and shiny red-brown hue. Its formal taxonomic name is Ganoderma lucidum, derived from the Greek words ganos, meaning “sheen or brightness,” derma meaning “skin,” and lucidum, meaning “glowing.”

Generally, reishi mushrooms grow on decaying hardwood trees, most common in the temperate forest areas of Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States. Read more: https://bit.ly/3rOXS1o


Anand Vaid

Sempera Organics' staff writer seeks out all the latest mushroom news to keep you informed and up-to-date.