Things about Reishi Mushro​oms You Should Know

Cancer

Reishi mushroom extract contain beta-glucan polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other natural biological compounds. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, these components may help support the immune system in cancer patients, alleviate nausea brought on by chemotherapy, and enhance the effects of radiation therapy.

A small 2003 study in Immunological Investigation found that 12 weeks of treatment with reishi extract did improve the immune response of patients with advanced cancer, and a 2010 review published in Clinical and Experimental Metastasis found that reishi may help prevent cancer from spreading.

Immunity Booster

The same compounds that support immune function in cancer patients help boost immunity in others as well. Reishi's antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties all help to support the immune system.

Liver Disease

Reishi is a traditional remedy for liver disease in Asian cultures. The polysaccharides in reishi may help to protect liver cells, and the antioxidant properties of reishi help support liver function. Reishi is believed to improve liver detoxification, liver cell regeneration, and overall liver function.

Asthma and Respiratory Complaints

An article published in Herbs for Health in 1997 described a 1970s study in which more than 2,000 Chinese patients with chronic bronchitis reported feeling better and having increased appetite after two weeks of treatment with reishi mushroom extract, and a 1990 study at the University of Texas Health Center found that reishi could be used to treat bronchitis, among other complaints. This may be because of reishi's anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

These effects are also beneficial for asthma sufferers, as are the the antihistmine properties of the oleic acid and cyclooctasulfur found in reishi.

Heart Disease

The many biological compounds in reishi mushrooms may also help prevent heart disease, both by lowering blood pressure (a traditional use of the mushroom) and potentially by lowering cholesterol.

Insomnia

Treatment of insomnia is another traditional use of reishi mushroom extract, and I personally take reishi to help me stay asleep through the night. Long-term use may help promote slow-wave sleep.