Reishi Mushroom Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients

Side effects mentioned below are minimal, temporary and diminish once you stop taking it.
Upset Stomach : It is one of the most prevalent fallouts of Reishi Mushroom. Stomach pain might be experienced a few minutes after you have ingested the extract.
Some users may experience Diarrhea and Constipation. To steer clear of Dehydration, keep a track of persistent watery Diarrhea. Terminate the use of the extract, until Diarrhea stops.
BP, Blood Pressure Fluctuations : The mushroom may cause fluctuations in the Blood Pressure. May cause a drop in, or, increase the Blood Pressure within hours. It may cause
Giddiness
Headaches
Nausea
Relax, do not panic. Stop taking Ganoderma. You will be back to your normal within hours.
Breathing Problems : You may experience Chest Congestion or difficulty in breathing. Suspend the usage of the extract, if such a consequence is observed.
Liver Damage is observed in the rarest of the cases. Rise of toxicity in the body may encourage the damage of the Liver. Over consumption of Ganoderma Lucidum is the reason behind it.
Acne : Mushroom comprises of detoxifying properties, which may lead to an increase in Acne or Reddish Lumps on the Skin.
Bleeding : Reishi Mushroom has certain compounds with Blood thinning properties, which hinder the proper clotting of Blood. This in turn, makes it dangerous for patients with Hemorrhagic Disorders .
Itching/Allergic Reaction : It is yet another after effect of the Herb. May cause your skin to become scabrous and itchy. Also, excess usage may yield an Allergic response by the Immune System.

Prior discussion with a qualified Health Care Professional is advised.

Note: Who should abstain from using it.

Patients taking High Blood Pressure medications : Since Ganoderma is known to cause fluctuations in Blood Pressure. Avoid it while you are on BP medications ( like allopathic medicines).
If your Blood Pressure is minimally high and you can sustain without taking Hypertension medication, then stop the medication and start Ganoderma. If your Hypertension was due to a functional change, and not due to some structural change in the body, ( like plaque in the arteries ), then experiment with Reishi for 15 days. It might cure you permanently. If your Hypertension was due to a patha ligical change in the body, the a proper diagnosis is required before taking any herb.

Pregnant Women are advised not to use this Herb, as it might interfere with the delivery and the health of the baby in the womb.

Breastfeeding mothers should not consume it. An infant is tender, it might affect his liver adversely.

The best "Reishi", as we want to use as a medicine is of Red color. However, there are many other colors of this species of mushroom.
It is a Medicinal Fungi, known to have unparalleled health benefits.
It is also known as ' Fairy Herb ' and ' Miraculous King of Herbs ' .
Enhances the healing power of the body and promotes longevity.
Improves the over all resistance of the body to disease. Thus, prevents you from falling prey to diseases.
Appearance : The mushroom is available mainly in reddish-brown shade. The plant has a dark-glossy superficial layer. Also, has a lustrous coating and the shape of its cap (with brown spores) resembles to that of a fan.
Habitat : Grown in China, North America Japan and throughout other Asian countries.
Reishi Mushroom grows as a parasite on : putrefying woods, at the base of hardwood trees ( Oak, Maple,etc ) or on the Deciduous tree stumps.
Temperate and Subtropical climate is most favorable for its growth.
Fruiting of the plant runs from Summer to early Fall.

Note: For best results, take Reishi Mushroom on an empty stomach in the morning.
Water enhances the effects of Reishi Mushroom in eliminating toxins. Drink more water with Reishi Mushroom.
Reishi Mushroom reduces the effects of Caffeine.

The herb is best used for preventing Cancer, Autoimmune Diseases and Aging.

In TCM :
Reishi Mushroom : Ling Zhi
Meridians associated : Lung, Liver and Heart.

Reishi Mushroom is also known as Ling Zhi Mushroom. It belongs to the Ganodermataceae family. The herb is being used for ages; by Monks, Spiritual Seekers, Daoists, and hermits, they call it " Mushroom of Divine Potency". The herb is known to calm the mind, strengthen willpower, improve memory and concentration. The plant is said to have a multitude of benefits, stated below :
It is useful in curing Autoimmune Diseases. It enhances immunity that protects the body from Infections and Diseases. It fights Streptococci, Staphylococci and Pneumonia. The herb is tagged as an " Immune Modulator " or " Immunomodulator". It not only stimulates the Immune System, but Regulates it. If the Immune system is in overdrive, it leads to Allergies and Auto-immune Diseases. Ganoderma controls the action of the Immune system.
It exhibits Antiallergic properties and therefore, helps in countering Seasonal Allergies.
The herb is rich in Ganoderic Acid. It obstructs histamine release and thereby, improves oxygen utilization by the tissues and improves Liver function.
Its antioxidant properties help to protect the body against Free Radical damage and also slows down Aging.
Daily intake of Reishi Mushroom, early morning, removes toxicity from the body.
It inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents Cancer. Also, aids in reducing the side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation treatment. This minimizes the side effects caused by the radiation of Chemotherapy.
Studies have also shown that Ganoderma has managed to reverse Leukopenia ( death of white Blood Cells).
The chief constituents responsible for its medicinal actions are Polysaccharides and Triterpenes ( found in caps, stems, and spores of the plant )
Reishi Mushroom refines the functioning of Lungs and strengthens the Respiratory system. It is effective in treating Shortness Of Breath, Asthma and other Respiratory Diseases.
It promotes the functioning of the Heart. It aids in the efficient pumping of blood by Heart and cures Poor Blood Circulation.
Ganoderma prevents the hardening of Arteries ( Atherosclerosis ).
Reishi Mushroom is a good herbal remedy for balancing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol levels in the body. It reduces levels of serum cholesterol with no change in the levels of triglycerides. The herb lowers the "bad" cholesterol ( LDL) and is known to reduce excess fatty acids. It balances the blood sugar in the body.
Consuming the herb during the Cold season helps combat any viral infections you may be vulnerable to.
It is beneficial in treating Skin Problems like Acne, Age Spots and Fine lines. It improves elasticity of the skin that helps to slow down Premature Aging.
Reishi Mushroom tea has many health benefits. It contains Polysaccharides that are water-soluble in nature. Tea acts as an antioxidant and is non-toxic. It improves your body fitness and well-being.
It reduces mental fatigue, and thus, enhances acuity and alacrity of the mind. It helps cure Mental illness like Insanity and Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease .
Daily consumption helps to treat Mood Disorders. It makes you feel active and happy. It acts as a stress buster. It's an antidepressant.
It detoxifies the Liver and acts as a Liver regenerator. The Antihepatotoxic ( Hepatoprotective ) property of this herb is quite effective in treating Hepatitis , and , ensures Liver protection.
The herb cures chronic Bronchitis, Memory Loss and combats Stress efficiently and Insomnia
In the herbal treatment of Dermatitis or Eczema Reishi has a steroid-like effect. Steroids have serious side effects. Their effect wears out with time. Ganoderma can effectively reduce the dosage of steroids and may even replace steroids.
The Herb justifies its name " Reishi " meaning "Divine or Spiritual" . The use of this herb is said to provide holistic health accompanied by immense tranquility. The Herb is " an Eminent Protector ", helping us on almost every level, be it, physical, mental, spiritual, and immunological.
The herb makes the adaptation to the changing environment and helps us to achieve a superior quality of life.


How to maximize the herbal benefits of Reishi.

Ganoderma has many nutrients. These nutrients can be extracted by tincturing and or boiling. If you make a soup by boiling the herb for a few minutes, its inert properties do not manifest themselves. To get the full impact of the 2 major nutrients Polysaccharides and Triterpenes nutrients, tincturing and boiling needs to be done. Eating the Herb as such is useless.
Chop the mushroom into small chunks, put it in 100% proof alcohol for a month. This will soften the chunks. Chop them further into smaller pieces and mix them with alcohol, or you can grind the pieces with the alcohol. Let it be in the alcohol for a month.
Now, strain the mushroom, preserve the extract.
Take a stainless steel pan, add double the amount of water than alcohol. Add the mushroom to the pan, bring it to boil. Now simmer it for 3 hours until the water becomes equal to the alcohol. Mix it well. Add alcohol. Strain again. This concoction is good for about 2 years. If made in the purest form of alcohol, will not go rancid for years and years.
It can be taken in smoothies as well.
Caution: Consult a doctor before consuming it. Avoid excessive consumption.
Keywords: Autoimmune Diseases, Infections, Cancer, Asthma, Respiratory Diseases, Skin Diseases, Age Spots, Aging, Insanity, Alzheimer, Mood Disorders, Stress, Anxiety