Reishi Mushroom Tea Preparation, Benefits & Side Effects

Reishi mushroom tea is made with dried or ground powder from the Ganoderma lucidum species of fungi.

The reishi mushroom is a bracket fungus commonly used in traditional medicine practice throughout Asia. Its fruit and mycelium are used to make medicines, which have been used for over two thousand years.

Reishi mushrooms are often referred to by their Chinese name, lingzhi. This mushroom was believed to prolong the life of anyone who ate it and to improve the function of the immune system.

It is often considered too bitter for most people to enjoy as a standard foodstuff, even when included in soups, stews and stir-fry. The mushroom’s bitter flavour is one of the reasons most people choose to ingest it in tea or tincture form. It can also be made into a coffee beverage.

Reishi tea is used for a number of purposes, including enhancing the immune system, preventing fatigue, regulating sleep patterns, protecting the liver and kidneys and supporting respiratory and cardiovascular health.

In animal and in vitro studies, it has been observed to exhibit antioxidant, antiviral, immune boosting and lipid metabolizing capacities. Studies continue to investigate reishi’s possible therapeutic effects. However, current evidence is insufficient to attribute any particular therapeutic effect to reishi mushrooms.

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Reishi Mushroom Tea Benefits

The reishi mushroom has been observed to improve immune system strength and performance. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce free radical damage in the body.

Free radical damage is a common occurrence in the human body and the resulting oxidative stress is being increasingly connected to aging and the development of some disease.

Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals, which helps reduce the amount of oxidative damage in the body. Tea made from the reishi mushroom can contain high levels of antioxidants.

Reishi taken in the form of a tea supplement has not received mush wide-spread scientific study. Little is known about the therapeutic effects of reishi tea and most use is based on historical practice.

Contemporary research into the therapeutic effects of reishi mushroom is usually focused on oral extracts, and these tests have been primarily conducted on animals or cell lines.

Extracts of reishi mushrooms have been observed to strengthen the structural membranes of cancerous cells. This added strength is believed to make it significantly more difficult for these cancerous cells to metastasize.

The mushroom has been observed to enhance the quality of life among cancer patients, but not necessarily to prevent, treat or cure instances of cancer. Reishi tea is sometimes used by cancer patients to help stimulate the immune system. However, no clinical evidence exists surrounding the therapeutic benefits for cancer treatment.

Does Reishi Mushroom Tea Work?

Although there is little scientific evidence about the therapeutic effects of reishi mushroom tea, extracts have been investigated for medicinal use.

Lingzhi mushrooms have been observed to reduce the amounts of triglycerides in the blood. Further, they have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol and possibly raise HDL cholesterol.

Reishi has been observed to induce vasodilation, which may improve circulation. Research has also indicated that the mushroom possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce some risk factors of heart disease.

Reishi tea may help bring other health benefits. Clinical experimentation is underway to determine the therapeutic value in the following areas:

• Improve lung function and alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis;
• Exhibit antiviral properties that may inhibit and treat influenza, avian flu and other viral infections;
• Lower high blood pressure and reduce hypertension;
• Support liver and kidney health;
• Prevent and correct chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
• Ameliorate sleep disturbance conditions, including insomnia;
• Provide adaptogenic benefits that empower individuals to better cope with daily stressors;
• Provide relief from stomach ulcers;
• Alleviate pain associated with herpes and/or shingle outbreaks;

How to Make Reishi Mushroom Tea

Reishi mushroom tea preparation is a straightforward process. The mushrooms have a tough exterior because of the high levels of chitin. An appropriate instrument is needed to get through the mushroom’s tough exterior.

Start with small pieces of mushrooms (three to five grams is a common amount with which to begin experimentation). Place the reishi pieces and five cups of purified water in a stainless steel pot.

Put the element on its lowest setting and allow the mixture to decoct for at least 2 hours. The mixture should not exceed a simmer: Do not allow the tea to boil. Strain and drink.

As noted, Ganoderma lucidum is quite bitter. The tea can be made more palatable by adding honey, ginger, lemon, fresh mint, cream or any other enhancers that you may wish to try. Experimentation is the key to creating reishi mushroom tea recipes that will please your palate.

Negative Reishi Tea Side Effects

Reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated by humans, but there have been very rare cases of toxicity reported. Mild side effects may include dry mouth, dry throat, nosebleeds and headaches.

Reishi mushroom may interact with a number of medications, most notably antihypertensive and anticoagulant pharmaceuticals. Be sure to speak with your family doctor before beginning reishi mushroom tea supplementation.

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