Reishi
Reishi, Ganoderma Lucidum
What is it?
Held in the highest regard in China, the name "Lingzhi" represents a combination of spiritual potency and the essence of immortality.
Otherwise known as Reishi, this beautiful, glossy mushroom is known for its bitter taste caused by a high concentration of triterpenoid compounds indicative of its healing potential.
Reishi extracts contain high levels of polysaccharides and triterpenoids - the medicinal compounds that are immunomodulating.
This adaptogenic mushroom helps us to find balance - to sleep deeper, to stabilize our stress response and to find a state of zen.
Reishi is thought of as the QUEEN of medicinal mushrooms, so how could we not devote a Rainbo tincture to this powerful mushroom.
History
Reishi has been a staple in Eastern healing with over 2000 years of use: promoting longevity and protecting spirit and vitality. Reishi is depicted abundantly in art and its powerful benefits are found documented in ancient Chinese scripts.
In TCM it is thought of as the herb of immortality and is used as a Shen tonic to balance the spirit. Shen tonics are herbal remedies that affect the spiritual heart and nervous system. Disturbances in Shen lead to psycho-somatic imbalances such as insomnia and anxiety.
What does the science say?
Today Reishi is one of the most widely sought after medicinal mushrooms in the world.
Reishi is found to have a subjectively calming effect and has been shown to support a healthy sleep cycle and a balanced stress response.
It supports successful activation of the immune system while displaying anti-inflammatory properties, and is packed with antioxidants.
There has also been pharmacological interest in the bitter triterpenes found abundantly in Reishi.
Triterpenes
The main bioactive components found in Reishi are triterpenes ganoderic acid A and D.
There have now been more than 140 triterpene compounds isolated from Reishi extracts.
They act as a collective powerhouse of immune system strength and protection of vital organs such as the liver and heart.
What do we see in scientific studies?
1. Stress Balance & Sleep Health
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Reishi is used as an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and fatigue.
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Reishi has been shown to support a healthy sleep cycle.
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It may be supporting the sleep cycle by lowering stress as well as by aiding in initial relaxation to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep.
2. Immune Health
- The high levels of polysaccharides and triterpenes found in Reishi extracts are potent immunomodulators.
- Reishi compounds are capable of increasing proliferation, maturation and activation of immune cells.
- They also have been shown to lower inflammation makers in the body
Learn more about how medicinal mushrooms support immune health
3. Heart & Liver Protection
- The bioactive compounds found in Reishi have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve circulation and may decrease risk for cardiovascular disease.
- These compounds also show a liver-protective effect.