Reishi mushroom tea (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most marvelous natural medications in existence with extensive pharmacological benefits to human health and wellness.
This amazing fungal friend is one of the most carefully studied and documented mushrooms in the apothecaries’ cabinet. And has been used to treat health conditions for thousands of years.
The ancients called it the “fungi of immortality” and the “divine plant of longevity” due to its considerable capacity to improve health.
While modern science has yet to prove that fungi can grant immortality, they certainly can save you from a premature grave by boosting health in several important ways.
If you are an alternative health enthusiast you will be interested in knowing that these fungi are one of the most impressive natural medicines and are loaded with special benefits for improving health. In the following article, we will cover some of the most important things you should know about this special type of drink for health and enjoyment.
What is it?
As mentioned, these compounds have been a part of natural medicine for many millennia. While we are not exactly sure who was the first to pull one of these impressive-looking fungoides from the base of an old tree and make tea, we can find evidence that this herb is part of traditional Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian pharmacology.
Traditional Chinese medical records as far back as the Han dynasty (ACE 78 – 139), mention the fungi as a potential treatment for a wide variety of health conditions.
In ancient China, the Fungi was called “LingZhi”, which roughly translates to “Diving mushroom”, suggesting that these odd-looking fungi that grow about the base of Hemlock and Maple trees were somehow endowed with supernatural curative power.
As a natural medication, it has been prescribed for treating cancers, stomach issues, liver conditions, depression, immune disorders, and many other diseases. Because it was not a very common herb, it was sold for a very high price, and often only the wealthy could afford treatment with them.
What does the drink contain?
It is a reddish-brown fungus that grows in temperate forests of Asia, Europe, and North America. Generally, it is associated with a rather bitter and unpleasant flavor.
You will find that the most accomplished manufacturers will often prepare the drink with a variety of other herbs and spices. It seems to blend well with spicy and sweet flavors like orange, cinnamon, and even turmeric.
The drink can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It has a refreshing taste and provides an energetic power boost as a late afternoon or early evening tea that will not keep you up at night. The after-effects of the substance are notably relaxing and soothing.
Benefits of The Drink
Like many other notable herbal remedies, they are best enjoyed as a warm drink. Their incredible history as a part of traditional medicines has led modern science to study the plant to learn more about the purported benefits of this impressive herb.
The following section on the benefits of Reishi mushroom tea is based on the scientific evidence collected after extensive clinical studies.
Immune System
One of the most important benefits of fungi is their capacity to boost immune function. This benefit has been described at great length in traditional pharmacological records and also established by modern medical studies.
One study showed that the substance was capable of increasing immune function by a considerable degree and could also enhance the function of immune cells.
Studies have also shown that fungi contain a considerable quantity of antioxidants. The antioxidant levels of these fungi are so high that they can be classified as an effective antiviral medication.
Clinical studies have also been made on the effects of fungi on test subjects with advanced conditions of cancer. It should be noted here that these tests were not performed on humans but laboratory mice. Nevertheless, the implications for human health are no less exciting.
Mood and Relaxation
Another one of the most impressive benefits of the drink is its capacity to relax the mind and body. If you have an especially demanding job, there is hardly a better way to leave the stress and tension of work aside and prepare for an evening of relaxation.
One study showed how the drink could be used as a potent potion for lifting the mood of patients in the most depressing situations. A clinical test was performed on a group of women that survived breast cancer and the ensuing treatments.
After a four-week trial of regular treatment with the substance, their symptoms of anxiety and depression were greatly relieved. A similar trial showed that its consumption improved the sensation of well-being.
Studies performed on animals support these findings. One study compared the effects of the fungi with the effects of diazepam, a well-known anxiolytic medication. When provided to a group of anxious lab rats, Reishi treatment was performed every bit as well as the synthetic anxiolytic.
Fatigue
Because of its capacity to streamline mental processes and help the mind and body relax, the drink is often used as a sleep enhancer.
Clinical evidence also shows that it can be used to improve the quality of your sleep cycles allowing you to get all the rest you need from your regular sleep schedule.
If you feel as tired when you wake up as you were when you went to bed, your sleep quality is low and the drink may be the very thing you need.
Clinical studies have shown that it enhances the sleeping process allowing for deeper sleep and reducing the time it takes to get to sleep as well.
Final Notes
As you can see, the brew has a wide selection of suitable benefits for modern humans. While human studies are needed to confirm some of these medical discoveries, the anecdotal evidence is solid and based on thousands of years of observation.
The best way to determine the results for yourself would be to try this marvelous drink for a predetermined period. Be sure you take careful notes on how you feel and what effects if any, this drink provides. Then you can share your findings with the world.
The foods you eat are the key!
