The healing properties of the reishi mushroom and its contraindications (+17 photos)

Mushrooms

The reishi mushroom belongs to the genus Ganadermaceae, as evidenced by its Latin name, Ganoderma Lucidum (varnished polypore). Reishi is the Japanese name, as it originates in Asia, specifically Japan, China, and Korea.

In various countries, it was known as lingzhi, mannentake, "mushroom of spiritual power," and "sacred mushroom." In ancient Asia, ganoderma was so prized that anyone who found it could secure a comfortable life by selling it, and sometimes reishi was used as a dowry for a wealthy bride.

Characteristic features of the variety

Reishi thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, obtaining its nutrition from the trunks of dead deciduous trees on which it grows. It prefers plums, but has even been found growing on conifers. Its flavor is distinctly woody.

Ganoderma looks similar to other tinder fungi. But the photo clearly shows what reishi is and how it grows.

Morphology

Ganoderma is a saprophyte, meaning it lives off dead plant matter. In our case, on the trunks of fruit trees. As saprophytes, tinder fungi are very useful in nature: they process dead wood, recycling it, and clean up the forest. They are not considered parasites, as they don't live on healthy trunks; they rely on dying plants for their nutrition.

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Reishi is the only polypore with a stalk. No other similar species exist, and this is what distinguishes Ganoderma from its relatives.

This species of polypore typically grows on stumps or at the base of a trunk, appearing in summer. Two- to three-year-old specimens are common, but most are annual. Its spores require special conditions to adhere to the nutrient substrate; they have a rough texture, making it difficult to slip through cracks.

Reishi mushroom habitats in Russia and other countries

Reishi grows in many places around the world. It's not uncommon, and when purchasing, it's important to know whether the area where it grows is ecologically clean, as the mushrooms absorb harmful chemicals. It typically prefers dense, warm, and humid areas. In Russia, it can be found in the southern regions: Krasnodar and Stavropol Krais, the North Caucasus, and Altai.

Today, its abundance in nature is declining, so it is successfully cultivated artificially, creating entire mushroom farms for medical companies, mainly in Southeast Asia.

Consumption

Some young polypores can be cooked. They have a delicate body, and when cooked, they develop a rather interesting flavor. There are recipes for soups, salads, and fried dishes that include these mushrooms.

Ganoderma has no nutritional value. Its body is spongy when young, but with age it becomes hard and tough. It is not used as a separate dish. It is harvested or grown solely for medicinal purposes.

Application in treatment

Reishi, a member of the tinder fungi, doesn't fall into any of the categories of valuable mushrooms based on its taste. However, it is of interest in medicine and is used to treat various ailments.

Good to know!

It is mainly used to boost immunity, improve metabolism, and combat allergies.

Beneficial properties

Scientists have closely studied this mushroom (and continue to do so to this day) and have identified a whole list of beneficial substances in reishi: it contains proteins, coumarins, alkaloids, essential oils, peptides, vitamins, and minerals.

Its medicinal properties are quite extensive. For example, it can help allergy sufferers. This is because it contains ganoderma acids, which are similar to hormones that act as antihistamines. This property distinguishes it from synthetic allergy medications.

The beta-glucan compound plays an immunomodulatory role, it strengthens the immune system, and is used as an adjuvant in the maintenance treatment of AIDS and HIV.

Indications and contraindications

Reishi has been shown to be helpful in the fight against:

viruses;
bacteria;
diabetes;
cancer;
asthma;
bronchitis;
arthritis;
rheumatism;
high pressure.

Ganoderma has been used in Eastern medicine for over two thousand years. It is non-toxic and therefore harmless, and, as we can see, is even very beneficial. However, like any medicine, it should not be overused.

Interesting!

In addition, the mushroom acts as an antioxidant and tonic. It also helps with insomnia, poisoning, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What are the contraindications for taking Reishi?

individual sensitivity or intolerance to certain substances of the mushroom, especially when exceeding the dosages indicated in the recipes, which is accompanied by dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, rash;
treatment of pregnant and lactating women, children under 7 years of age;
bleeding of any kind;
taking together with drugs with similar effects (for example, with immunomodulators).

In any case, you should not use ganoderma for medicinal purposes without consulting your doctor.

Doctors' reviews

Reishi is used in various ways by both traditional and traditional medicine. Here's what doctors say:

Kravtsova E.I., phytotherapist: "I've seen good results from treatment with reishi mushroom. Even for those who haven't prescribed it as part of a comprehensive diet, everyone's weight loss has been more successful than before. And my patients haven't had any side effects, which is especially encouraging."

Lyubimov R.V., phytotherapist: "I use the mushroom for patients with intestinal disorders, and there have been good results. The main thing is not to take it in high doses, otherwise it has the opposite effect: diarrhea and nausea have been observed. Patients don't always follow the instructions exactly."

Vrichek L.K., therapist: "A problem of our time is self-medication. I've had cases where people came to me as a therapist with headaches, and after a thorough review of their lifestyle and medications, it turned out they were taking a product containing reishi, which they thought was just vitamins. Don't do this; always consult a doctor before taking any medication."

Recipes and preparation features of medicines

The mushroom's beneficial properties have long been valued and used in medicinal preparations. For example, they are sold as dietary supplements. But if you have access to dried or powdered mushrooms, you can prepare your own remedies using various methods.

Extracts

Extracts are concentrated extracts of a product. They are made using water, oil, or alcohol. One treatment option involves alternating alcohol- and oil-based extracts, alternating them every three days. They are prepared as follows:

Pour 50 g of dried reishi into half a liter of alcohol, vodka or oil (it is better to take flaxseed and heat it to 40 degrees for better absorption).
Close the jar and place it in a dark place. The alcohol-based infusion should be infused for 2-3 weeks, while the oil-based infusion should be infused for one week.

Take 1 teaspoon of the alcohol extract three times daily, diluted with water, and 1 tablespoon of the oil extract. The alcohol extract has a long shelf life. The shelf life of the oil extract depends on the type of oil.

Water infusion

The infusion should be prepared in a warm, continuous environment, which is most easily achieved with a thermos. If you don't have one, you can wrap the pot in a blanket.

Pour 1.5 liters of purified water, heated to 40-45 degrees, over 50 grams of dry mushroom matter. It is important not to exceed the temperature so as not to destroy the beneficial elements. Cover, keep warm, and let sit for 24 hours, shaking occasionally. Once ready, do not strain the infusion.

Take by adding 2 tablespoons of the infusion to 100 g of water, 30 minutes before or after meals. Store in the refrigerator.

Reishi mushroom tea

You can brew tea with either dried or raw mushrooms. To do this, cut the mushrooms into strips, add water, and simmer for an hour. Then wrap them up and let them steep for another half hour. This will become a tea infusion. A lighter version is to mix the mushroom powder into regular tea leaves.

Interesting!

This drink helps with digestive issues and promotes weight loss. Due to its slight bitterness, this tea should be drunk with honey or sugar.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Mushrooms always raise many questions, especially when used medicinally. Here are some of the most common questions about reishi:

Is it possible to find this mushroom in nature today?

In nature, the varnished polypore is quite rare, as it prefers wild plum trees and is very selective within them. According to observations, it occurs once per 10,000 plum trees.

Is the reishi mushroom poisonous?

The mushroom contains no toxic substances, and even consuming large amounts will not cause significant harm to a living organism, although, of course, overdose will have consequences. However, since it is unappealing as a food but highly valuable medicinally, it is usually used in small doses.

What does this mushroom taste like and what medicines are made from it?

Reishi is odorless and tasteless. However, when brewed, compounds are activated that give it a bitter, pungent flavor. Therefore, it's recommended to sweeten the liquid to make it more palatable.

Ganoderma lucidum is a valuable mushroom, as proven by two centuries of authoritative Eastern medicine. However, all medications should be used wisely: only for specific indications and after consulting with your doctor. Only then will it bring undeniable benefits.