Reishi - Rest Up With the Mushroom of Immortality

Reishi Mushroom aka Lingzhi

Scientific Name: Ganoderma Lucidum

Fun Facts About Reishi:

- The fruiting body can be a dull brown to bright red in color

- It grows on the hardwood trees, typically in climates that are warm and humid

- The Japanese government lists reishi as an official treatment option for cancer

This mushroom has been called the "mushroom of immortality" in ancient eastern medicine. Frequent reishi consumption has been known in Chinese history to provide anti-aging benefits, including immune system support and relaxation-promoting properties to help with sleep, an essential requirement for a long and happy life!

The special sugars in reishi, called beta-glucans, kick the immune system into high gear, producing more white blood cells and NK cells which are the "designated cancer hunters". They also act as an adaptogen, meaning that they help to regulate bodily functions, such as hormones and neurotransmitters.

For you science fiends out there, check out some research on Pubmed that discusses the strong antioxidative properties of reishi. Basically, the beta glucans in reishi have the ability to turn on the body's immune system to seek out and destroy damaged cells and decrease inflammation.