Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) grows all over the Eurasia continent, North America, and the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and is know as the Spirit Plant, King of Herbs and as the Herb for the Immortals for its effects on longevity and boost to overall energy. Reishi not only strengthens the immune system, but also the polysaccharides and triterpenoids contained within have the ability to reduce the metastasis of cancerous cells and prevent tumor growth.
As a heart tonic, Reishi improves the efficiency of blood flow to the heart, aiding to not only lower blood pressure, but also to reduce the effects of altitude sickness. Its hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties allow for a faster regeneration of healthy liver cells and a release of free radicals that may have built up over time allowing the body to naturally detoxify. Reishi improves cognitive ability and alleviates headaches, anxiety, insomnia and even poor memory. Its anti-inflammatory ability also reduces the pain associated with arthritis. Not only is Reishi anti-viral, but it also reduces the release of histamine from mast cells in the body to prevents allergic reactions.
Contraindications: Not intended for folks with an adverse mushroom reaction. Extended use of more than 1-2 months may cause mild side effects. Use cautiously with blood thinning medications.
Sources:
Coates, P. (Ed.), Betz, J. (Ed.), Blackman, M. (Ed.), Cragg, G. (Ed.), Levine, M. (Ed.), Moss, J. (Ed.), White, J. (Ed.). (2010). Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
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