Reishi was first documented in one of the world's oldest pharmacopeia, possibly written as long as 5000 years ago! That's wild. Known in Chinese medicine as "Ling Zhi" meaning "plant that nourishes the spirit", this little mushie has a big personality.
 

The earliest known recording of Reishi is found in China's oldest Herbal Classic book. Taoist priests were studying Reishi in the quest for immortality.

“The taste is bitter, its atmospheric energy is neutral, it has no toxicity… It is good for the Qi of the head, including mental activities. It tonifies the spleen, increases wisdom, improves memory so you won’t forget. Long term consumption will lighten the body, you will never become old. It lengthens years. It has spiritual powers, and it develops spirit so that you become a 'spirit being like the immortals.'”

Another cool fact about Reishi is that it is believed that Confusius consumed this mushroom daily.

So what are some of the health benefits of Reishi?

• Reishi is an adaptogen. It helps your body respond to stress by stabilizing your cortisol levels & helping certain systems in your body get back into homeostasis. Reishi is a perfect choice for anyone experiencing daily stress (I mean, after the last few years aren't we all?)
• Some studies have shown Reishi to be an immune-modulator which can stabilize auto-immune and histamine responses. Polysaccharide in the cell walls of Reishi activate natural and adaptive immune system by enhancing the function and number of natural killer cells and certain T-cells. China and Japan regularly prescribe mushroom extracts for people going through chemotherapy to help the body get through the violence of the treatment.
• Reishi has been widely recognized as a powerful cancer fighting food.  One study in (advanced lung cancer) showed significant improvement in natural killer & T-cells. In another, Reishi was used as a single agent on metastatic cancer patients, significant enhancement of cellular immunity was noted with high plasma concentrations of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, and natural killer (NK) cell activity according to the article "A Phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. Extract (Ganopofy) in Patients with Advanced Cancer". 
• Reishi can help fight fatigue and depression & leave you feeling more energized. One study looked at the lives of 132 people diagnosed with neurasthenia. The results showed significant improvement compared to placebo. Certain elements of this mushroom can also reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as blood pressure.



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