7 Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Written by the team at BLUME

Mushrooms are having a moment in health foods right now, and reishi is the queen of them. Known as the mushroom of immortality, this rare fungus is also known as an adaptogen and has been used to support health and well-being for over 2000 years. Once incredibly expensive, reishi is now spreading across the globe.

This healing mushroom contains loads of polysaccharides, peptides and triterpenoids, as well as dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Needless to say, it provides a range of pretty powerful health benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system, reduce stress and aid in more restful sleep. Here are seven of our favourite reasons to enjoy reishi.

We’re under constant exposure to pollutants and toxins that our immune system has to fight off. Any extra line of protection for the body’s defense system is always a good thing. Studies have shown that reishi can positively affect white blood cells, which play a crucial part in that immunity. By increasing the number of these cells, our body has more strength to successfully ward off and fight infections.

Reishi is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body and mind combat stress. There are some results showing that it can help lower blood pressure and even go as far as to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, too.

Since the reishi mushroom contains loads of antioxidants that have immune-boosting properties, it can also be used to decrease inflammation. This includes everything from skin flare-ups, allergies and asthma to arthritis, sore muscles and pain.

It makes sense that with lower blood pressure and less stress you’d probably find yourself sleeping better. While these can certainly both play a factor, the reishi mushroom itself actually supports the body’s natural sleep cycles as well. Make it a part of your bedtime routine and go from restless to well-rested in no time.

Reishi can greatly improve gut health, which is where most chronic diseases start. This is because the beta-glucans in the mushroom encourage the growth of probiotic bacteria, the good kind of bacteria (yes, it’s real). A strong, diverse microbiome = A strong you.

Studies have found that reishi mushrooms may have positive effects on brain health, like supporting the production of nerve growth. This is because it contains a wide range of bioactive compounds. Sounds like a no-brainer to us.

Reishi’s adaptogenic qualities also help it to promote liver function. We already know that this organ has some super important daily responsibilities, including the circulation of healthy blood and nutrients and pumping out those Saturday night beers, so let’s take care of it!

The hype? It’s real. More and more studies are coming to light praising the unique properties that the reishi mushroom possesses. You can find this superfood in Blume's Reishi Hot Cacao - a delicious, guilt-free hot (or iced!) chocolate blend that dreams are made of!