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Medicinal mushrooms and adaptogens are currently booming in popularity in the US and Australian health industries, and they're set to make waves in the wellness market here in the UK too. But these natural adaptogens are nothing new; in fact, mushrooms have been used not only for their culinary advantages but as a medicinal tonic for thousands of years, especially amongst royalty and the wealthy elite.
While we're not referring to the button or portobello types (though these are delicious and offer their own unique health benefits!), you might be thankful to learn that we also aren't referring to the hallucinatory type. Medicinal fungi are legal to consume in the UK and offer potent wellness benefits to boost health physically and psychologically.
One of those mushrooms is Reishi; a prominent functional fungus that is regarded for its calming and anti-anxiety effects on the mind and body. Interested in learning more about reishi for anxiety? In this article, we'll explore more about reishi mushroom's effect on anxiety and stress.
What is Reishi?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. It is also known by other names such as Lingzhi in Chinese and Mannentake in Japanese.
Reishi mushrooms grow on hardwood trees and have a distinct shiny, reddish-brown cap with a woody texture. They are highly prized for their potential health benefits and have been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including high blood pressure and immune system disorders.
Modern scientific research has confirmed that reishi mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and sterols, that may have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, reishi is often used as a dietary supplement (usually taken as capsules or powder) or functional food ingredient to support overall health and wellness.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits
Some of the potential health benefits of reishi mushrooms include:
- Immune system support: Reishi contains compounds that may help boost immune function, making it useful for people with weakened immune systems.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: this type of mushroom contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with a wide range of chronic health conditions.
- Cardiovascular health: reishi may help improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improving circulation.
- Liver health: reishi mushrooms may have a protective effect on the liver and may be useful for people with liver disease or liver damage.
- Stress relief: the medicinal mushroom may have calming effects and may help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Sleep support: reishi may help improve sleep quality and may be useful for people with sleep disorders.
- Reduction of fatigue: reishi may help reduce fatigue, which is often associated with chronic health conditions.
Reishi for Anxiety and Stress
Reishi is believed to be one of the best mushrooms for anxiety and stress. Mental health disorders are, unfortunately, on the rise in our culture today and stress can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. Research has shown that chronic or prolonged stress can increase the risk of developing a wide range of diseases and health conditions, which is why managing stress is an important part of maintaining overall health and wellness.
Think back to the last time you felt stressed. You might have binged on sugar or junk food, decided to have an alcoholic drink, skipped your gym class or mindlessly scrolled through social media as a means of escapism. These factors likely impacted your sleep quality, too. These choices that we make when we are stressed and anxious take their toll on our gut health, hormone health, digestive health, brain health and inflammation. When stress occurs frequently, this can lead to chronic health conditions.
It's difficult to manage stress naturally in today's hectic world but thankfully, there are effective remedies out there. Studies have found that compounds in reishi mushrooms can have calming effects, helping to reduce feelings of anxiousness and improve overall mood. It may also help lower cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress.
Research suggests that reishi mushrooms can also help improve sleep quality, which is essential for reducing stress and anxiety. A 2017 study found that supplementing with reishi extract led to improved sleep quality and longer sleep duration. This is likely because reishi contains compounds such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which have been shown to possess calming and sedative effects.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of reishi mushrooms on anxiety, it appears that they may be a beneficial natural remedy for managing stress and improving overall mood.
Reishi Mushroom and Serotonin
Some studies have suggested that reishi may help regulate levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation. This could contribute to its potential anti-depressant effects.
Should I Take Reishi for Anxiety?
If you're considering taking reishi mushroom supplements, they can be extremely beneficial for mental well-being with minimal side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider first about the potential risks and benefits as reishi mushrooms can interact with certain medications.
Reishi Side Effects and Safety
Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, some people may experience side effects such as headaches, dry mouth, or stomach upset. Side effects are typically rare and mild.
How Long Does it Take for Reishi to Work?
When adding reishi mushrooms to your daily routine, it takes time for your body to acclimate and you may need at least 14 days before noticing results. However, some people have felt the effects of this medicinal supplement in a shorter amount of time!
The Takeaway
Reishi is a potent type of medicinal mushroom which offers potential benefits for managing stress, anxiety and depression. While more research is needed to explore their full effects, preliminary studies suggest that this functional mushroom could be an effective natural remedy for improving mood and sleep quality. Allow two weeks after adding reishi supplements to your daily routine to feel the anti-anxiety effects kick in.
Reishi Mushroom FAQs
Does reishi have calming effects?
Reishi mushroom has been proven to be an incredible potential aid in managing stress and anxiety levels, thanks to its ability to nourish the central nervous system and promote calming relaxation.
Is it safe to take reishi?
Reishi mushrooms are safe for consumption when used as directed, though some uncommon side effects like headaches, dry mouth or stomach upset may be experienced by a small number of people. Fortunately, these impacts tend to be mild and likely won't last long.
How do you feel after taking reishi?
After taking reishi, you may experience pleasant feelings of calm and relaxation, but the medicinal mushroom will not make you feel drowsy.
Does reishi mushroom help with stress?
Studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may help to alleviate stressful feelings and improve mood. It is thought that compounds in this medicinal mushroom can reduce cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress.
Which is the best mushroom for anxiety?
Reishi, cordyceps and lion's mane are all varieties of medicinal mushrooms that have been linked to stress and anxiety relief and improved mental well-being. Reishi is often thought to be the most effective for reducing stress levels, as it contains compounds known to possess calming and sedative effects.
