Although the health benefits of the Reishi Mushroom might just now be starting to gain some attention, this wonderful fungus has long been revered as a medicinal powerhouse.

Known by some cultures as the “mushroom of immortality”, Reishi has been used for thousands of years to increase vitality, bolster the immune system, support cardiovascular health and promote longevity.

What is the Reishi Mushroom?

If nothing else, the Reishi Mushroom is stunningly beautiful. It doesn’t take the shape of your typical cap and stem mushroom, but rather starts as a pencil like “antler” and forms a fan like formation, or “conk”. Because of this, Reishi Mushrooms are easily identifiable, even though they can take on a variety of deep and vivid colors.

In nature, the mushroom grows on dead or dying hardwood trees in deciduous forests all over the world. It can generally be found throughout the warmer seasons, but is most commonly found fruiting in the fall. The fruiting body of the Reishi grows much slower than other mushrooms, but it also takes much longer to decay, sometimes even remaining on trees throughout the winter.

The scientific name for the Reishi is Ganoderma lucidum. It is classified as a “polypore” mushroom, meaning that, rather than gills, its underside is composed of thousands of pores in which it releases its spores. The cap, or “conk”, is exceptionally tough and woody, and the taste is extremely bitter, making the mushroom completely inappropriate for culinary use.

Even though the Reishi mushroom will likely never earn a spot at the dinner table, it’s amazing powers to heal and support the body make it a perfect candidate for regular supplementation

Health Benefits of Reishi

The reported health benefits of Reishi Mushroom are impressive and convicing.

With both a long history of use, and some serious scientific fire power to back it up, it’s easy to see why Reishi is the most commonly used medicinal mushroom in the world.

So what are some of the reasons that people take Reishi for health?

Health Benefits of Reishi

The reported health benefits of Reishi Mushroom are impressive and convicing.

With both a long history of use, and some serious scientific fire power to back it up, it’s easy to see why Reishi is the most commonly used medicinal mushroom in the world.

So what are some of the reasons that people take Reishi for health?

Health Benefits of Reishi

The reported health benefits of Reishi Mushroom are impressive and convicing.

With both a long history of use, and some serious scientific fire power to back it up, it’s easy to see why Reishi is the most commonly used medicinal mushroom in the world.

So what are some of the reasons that people take Reishi for health?