Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the relentless pace of life, yearning for a moment of peace? Or tossing and turning at night, searching for the switch to turn off your racing thoughts?
If your answer is yes, you're certainly not alone.
What if I told you that help might come from a rather unexpected source? An ancient medicinal fungus called reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, has been turning heads in the world of wellness.
Donning a shiny, varnished appearance, the reishi mushroom is a sight to behold. Its cap can come in a variety of colours, but the most common is a vibrant, eye-catching red-to-orange gradient.
These charming little tree-huggers love nothing better than to grow on the sides of hardwood trees in warm, humid climates. Typically found in the wild forests of Asia, they can also be cultivated in other parts of the world these days.
So, let's take a further look into what it's all about.
what's the fuss about reishi mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms, referred to as "mushrooms of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, have been used for thousands of years in the East and praised for their ability to enhance our well-being. In more recent years, they have started to permeate Western health-conscious circles.
They are primarily used to promote calm and ease our internal (mental) reactions to everyday stressors. Kind of "re-wiring" our brains to better cope with the increasingly overwhelming aspects of our lives.
triterpenes and how they improve mental calm and sleep
One of the main components responsible for the beneficial effects of reishi mushrooms is a group of compounds known as triterpenes. They are also responsible for the bitter taste.
While we still don't entirely understand all the mechanisms through which reishi improves sleep, it's speculated that its sleep-enhancing properties are closely tied to its ability to reduce anxiety and promote mental calmness.
How exactly do they calm the mind and ease stress and anxiety though? It is speculated that triterpenes interact with the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) chemical, to boost its effects of slowing and quieting brain activity.
This heightened calmness in turn helps you with falling asleep faster and also improves the quality of your sleep.
the additional perks of reishi mushrooms
Boosts Immune System: Reishi mushrooms have been found to enhance the immune system's ability to fight off illness and disease.
Supports Heart Health: Some studies have found that reishi can improve blood flow and lower oxygen consumption, promoting overall heart health.
Regulates Blood Sugar: Reishi mushrooms may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a potential aid for individuals with diabetes.
Helps in Detoxification: Reishi mushrooms are considered a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the liver and eliminate toxins from the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The triterpenes in reishi also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Harnessing the Potential of Reishi Mushrooms
If you're keen to experience the calming, sleep-enhancing benefits of reishi mushrooms, there are various ways to include them in your diet.
They are available in various forms, including dried, in tinctures, as tea, or even in supplement form.
Here is a quick glance at some of the ways they can be taken:
Tea or Coffee Infusion: The simplest way is to steep dried or powdered reishi in hot water for a calming tea or mix it into your morning coffee. The taste can be bitter, so you might want to add some honey or another natural sweetener to taste.
Supplements: For a more concentrated dose, consider reishi mushroom supplements. These are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label.
Smoothies and Shakes: Powdered reishi can be easily added to your favourite smoothies or protein shakes.
Tinctures: A reishi tincture is a concentrated liquid form of the mushroom that can be easily added to drinks.
They aren’t commonly used in cooking due to their bitter taste, but it is possible in things like soups and broths, where other flavours can mask the bitterness.
In conclusion, in our quest for calmness and a good night's sleep, we might find a valuable ally in the ancient reishi mushroom.
While further research is warranted, the evidence so far is rather promising, demonstrating the potential for this humble fungus to significantly improve our mental and physical well-being. And in an age with sky-high stress levels, it seems we could all do with a little mushroom magic.
Medical disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
further reading:
Rheal superfoods: Reishi Mushroom: Queen of the Mushroom Kingdom