Medicinal mushroom Reishi (ganoderma), preparation of products, application

What is Reishi mushroom (superfood)

Reishi mushroom is a plant known since 200 BC and is actively used in Eastern medicine. It grows in the shade and loves humidity, so it appears near the trunks of deciduous trees. It is found in the forests of Korea, Japan and China, as well as in Russia (Krasnodar region, North Caucasus and Stavropol region). For ordinary buyers, the question of where the Reishi mushroom grows is no longer relevant. Due to its medicinal properties, it is grown artificially or collected, and subsequently processed and sold in powder form.

Characteristics:

• average sizes - 3-8 cm * 10-25 cm * 20-30 cm;
• surface - uneven or smooth, shiny, divided into many rings;
• ovoid or kidney-shaped;
• lack of obvious taste and smell;
• the presence of tubular-type hymenophores with small pores;
• an elongated leg, cylindrical in shape, unequal, with high density.

Other names for the Reishi mushroom are lingzhi, ganoderma, tinder fungus. In the last two cases, the prefix “varnished” or “lacquered” is used, respectively.

Beneficial features

Knowing where the Reishi mushroom grows in Russia, you can collect it personally and use it as a remedy. But here it is important to know the rules for preparing the plant in order to avoid mistakes. It is better to buy a ready-made drug, tested by the manufacturer and convenient to take.

The benefits of the Reishi longevity mushroom are undeniable, because it has a multifaceted effect on the body. Let's highlight the main advantages:

1. Helps with premature aging, has a positive effect on the liver and skin.
2. Strengthens the immune system and helps fight different types of tumors.
3. Restoration of the central nervous system and the production of the so-called “happiness hormone”.
4. Help in the fight against heavy weight.
5. Normalization of blood sugar levels and reduction of cholesterol.
6. Protection against blood clots.
7. Reduce pressure to a safe level.
8. Saturation of blood with oxygen, its purification from waste and toxins.

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These are not all the beneficial properties of the Reishi mushroom, known for its miraculous effect. It is recommended to use it under heavy loads, as well as during epidemics to protect the body. Research has shown that the lacquered tinder fungus has powerful antitumor properties. With regular use, killer cells appear in the body, eliminating potentially dangerous elements. That is why the plant is used as a powerful remedy that protects against various types of infections.

How does Reishi mushroom work?

Reishi mushrooms are native to parts of Asia, including China, Korea and Japan. While they are edible (some people report they are bitter and harsh), you are much more likely to find them in supplement, tincture, or powder form.

Reishi mushrooms grow above the ground and produce a “fruiting body” along with connecting threads (called mycelium), which are used in herbal medicine as tinctures, teas, powders or extracts.

For most of history, in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi was dried, cut into pieces, boiled in hot water, and then prepared into either a medicinal tea or soup. Today, reishi supplement manufacturers use a processing technology that boils the mushroom several times under high pressure to extract the active ingredients into a tincture.

Fresh reishi mushrooms

Over the past few decades, dozens of different studies conducted in Japan, China, the USA and the UK have shown that the reishi mushroom is able to protect the human body from many diseases and conditions, including:

• inflammation
• fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome)
• frequent infections (urinary tract infections (UTIs), bronchitis, respiratory infections, etc.)
• liver disease
• food allergies and asthma
• digestive problems, stomach and duodenal ulcers and leaky gut syndrome
• tumor growth and cancer
• skin diseases
• autoimmune diseases
• diabetes
• viral infections, including influenza, hepatitis, etc.
• cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol
• sleep disorders and insomnia
• anxiety and depression

Because reishi mushroom is an immunomodulator, it can help restore hormonal balance, return the body to a state of homeostasis, and regulate the immune system, including the fight against tumors and cancer cells. Research shows that reishi mushrooms act as a regulator of various cellular functions and systems, including the endocrine (hormonal), immune, cardiovascular, central nervous and digestive systems.

Reishi mushrooms are capable of comprehensively healing the human body and at the same time they are completely non-toxic and practically do not cause side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs. When taking Reishi supplements, most people notice rapid improvements in their energy levels, mental performance and mood, while experiencing a reduction in pain, aches, allergies, digestive problems and infections.

What is the secret of their healing potential? It consists of various active ingredients of the reishi mushroom, which include:

• Complex sugars (known as beta-glucans).
• Plant sterols that can act as hormone precursors in the body.
• Polysaccharides that fight the development of cancer cells.
• Acidic substances called triterpenes, which “turn off” the body’s response to allergens.

Recent research suggests that reishi mushrooms may reduce inflammation and increase the production of natural killer cells, which remove various types of mutated cells from the body. This property makes Reishi mushroom an ideal natural remedy for the treatment and prevention of cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Here are some of the mechanisms of action by which Reishi does this:

• Activation of cytotoxic receptors (NKG2D/NCR).
• Inhibition of cell proliferation.
• Suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor.
• Increasing the antioxidant capacity of plasma.
• Strengthening the immune response.
• Conversion of excess testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

Contraindications and side effects

Knowing the benefits of Reishi mushroom, many people include it in their diet and forget about possible contraindications. But taking lingzhi is not allowed in all cases. Doctors identify situations in which it is advisable to stop using Ganoderma.

Contraindications:

• allergic reactions to mushrooms;
• bearing a child and lactation period;
• diseases associated with blood clotting problems;
• undergoing chemotherapy;
• postoperative period;
• age up to 7 years;
• problems with blood vessels, etc.

Before taking Reishi mushroom, it is important to know the beneficial properties and contraindications in order to competently use the capabilities of the healing plant. Before taking it, you should consult your doctor, and only then decide on further actions.

If you follow the dosage, consuming Reishi mushroom is completely safe. In rare cases, side effects may occur, such as a decrease in blood viscosity, itching or rash. In such situations, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Reishi mushroom - a little history

Considering that 2 thousand years ago there was no talk of any medicine, but there were diseases, people got out of the situation with the help of so-called traditional medicine.

Everywhere it was different: in Russia there was one, in China another, etc., but everywhere it was united by the fact that people had been accumulating knowledge about the medicinal properties of this or that plant for years, often with the help of negative experience of use.

The Reishi mushroom is unique in that it has been used for medicinal purposes in different countries. In Asian countries it is so popular that even a child knows about it. True, it is called differently everywhere, but this does not change the essence. Depending on the country it was called:

• Longevity mushroom
• Ten-thousander mushroom
• Ganoderma Polypore, etc.

Its popularity can be judged only by one fact - in ancient times, the richest rulers of various countries in the world bought Reishi mushroom at the price of gold, that is, they paid kg for a kilogram of mushroom. gold!

Today it’s hard to even imagine, but it really happened. With its help, liver, blood, cardiovascular diseases, tumors and even diabetes were treated! Naturally, at such a price, only the richest people could afford to buy a Reishi mushroom. It was inaccessible to mere mortals.

The myceliums where it grew were guarded very strictly and, as a rule, kept secret. This is understandable; in fact, the sale of Reishi was a highly profitable business that promised fabulous profits at that time.

Reviews from doctors

Medical professionals are well aware of the Reishi mushroom, its healing properties and contraindications. That is why the opinion of competent people is very important for future buyers. Let's highlight a few reviews:

• “My patients are often prescribed a drug to treat the stomach. The medicinal composition quickly eliminates various intestinal problems, and the effectiveness of lingzhi is confirmed by long-term use.” Tatyana, therapist.
• “I recommend Reishi mushroom tincture to women and men hoping for weight loss. In my practice, there have not yet been situations where a person drank tea from the lacquered tinder fungus and did not notice the result.” Anna, nutritionist.
• “I would like to point out right away that you cannot treat yourself. I recommend contacting a specialist and discussing with him the features of the Reishi mushroom, what is true and false, how to take it and how long the course of treatment should be. It is important to understand that if taken incorrectly and contraindications are ignored, the plant can cause harm to the body.” Anatoly, therapist.

You can give other reviews from doctors about the Reishi mushroom, but they all have approximately the same character. Doctors note the healing properties of lingzhi, but recommend taking the tincture under the supervision of a specialist to avoid unpleasant consequences.

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Medicinal uses of reishi

The real tinder fungus is the object of study by many scientists from Canada, Japan, France and China. Its healing properties are especially interesting from the point of view of treating cancer: reishu is being actively studied in many countries around the world, and they are also trying to determine whether it helps in the prevention of cancer.

However, global medical attention has been paid to the fungus only recently. But even during this time, some areas of health have found great benefits from this variety of mushrooms:

• helps with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, restores blood pressure balance;
• included in herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes;
• restores the nervous system, helps fight overexcitability, drowsiness and apathy;
• helps fight swelling, is used in weight loss diets;
• suppresses inflammatory processes caused by infections of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract;
• stimulates the production of immune antibodies, helps fight allergies.

The mushroom has a complex strengthening effect, restores ability to work and does this without harm to other organs.

Doctors use lingzhi to prevent oncology, believing that the mushroom slows down the development of tumors and metastases, suppresses allergies and strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight malignant processes.

Chemical composition

The healing properties of the Reishi mushroom are due to its rich “inner world”. Ganoderma lacquered grows above the soil surface. It is at the top that the most useful elements are located. Let's highlight the main ones:

1. Polysaccharides characterized by a high level of beta-glucan. They have a powerful effect on the immune system, protect against the appearance of tumors, and restore blood pressure.
2. Organic germanium. It also has a positive effect on the immune system, activates metabolic processes, and successfully fights viral infections.
3. Adenosine and sterols - restore hormonal metabolism, normalize blood composition and reduce its viscosity.

Reishi mushroom extract also contains other beneficial elements. It contains proteins (3 g), fats (0.3 g) and inorganic substances (0.85 g). Also present are carbohydrates (3.3 g), fiber (1.0 g), and total sugars (2 g). The composition includes calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese and many vitamins.

Features of Reishi mushroom:

• 7 times more vitamin C than an orange;
• three times more iron than spinach;
• 15 times more magnesium than in broccoli;
• three times more antioxidants than blueberries;
• more protein than beans;
• higher level of Omega-3 (9 times) than in tuna;
• 6 times more calcium than milk.

Before consuming Reishi mushroom, it is advisable to study its composition and coordinate its intake with other remedies. For example, if you take this extract, you can refuse most vitamins. For those losing weight, we separately note that 100 g of tinder fungus contains about 22-23 kcal

How to use it correctly

To obtain the expected effect, you need to know the specifics of preparing Reishi mushroom, how to brew it and how to drink it. The plant is not used fresh. Modern products are sold in powder form, so preparation follows the following algorithm:

1. Add two teaspoons of the product.
2. Fill it with 200 ml of water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and wait five minutes. Stir the substance constantly during cooking.
4. Leave the finished drink for 10-12 hours.

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Having figured out how to prepare Reishi mushroom, you can start eating it. Frequency of use: three times a day, half an hour before meals. Store the finished composition in refrigerators so that it does not turn sour. The maximum storage period is no more than two days.

If you do not know how to brew Reishi mushroom, or this option does not suit you, you can add the powder to different dishes 5-10 minutes before the end of cooking. As a rule, one pinch of product per serving is enough.

It's interesting that some people make it easier. They know where the Reishi mushroom grows, they collect it themselves, and then cut off the cap and cook it for about an hour. Honey or fruit is added to the finished composition for taste. This method is recommended in extreme cases, because there is always a risk of making a mistake in choosing a plant.

Reishi mushroom recipes

Reishi mushroom can be purchased in dried form, in the form of powder or ready-made preparations (capsules, tincture of alcohol-containing liquids, oil infusion, teas). The powder is used to make aqueous infusions or even added to seasonings for various dishes.

In folk medicine, a decoction of tinder fungus is often used. To prepare it, you need to pour one tablespoon of the crushed fruiting body of the tinder fungus into one and a half glasses of water, boil for twenty minutes over low heat, and then leave for four hours. Strain the tinder decoction and drink a tablespoon four to five times a day half an hour before meals.

They drink a medicinal decoction of tinder fungi for fifteen days, and the entire course requires 750 grams of these mushrooms. After a week's break, taking the tinder fungus decoction can be started again. In addition to improving immunity, this decoction also helps those who want to lose weight in the fight against excess weight.

Tincture

The most effective tincture is alcohol or good quality vodka. Alcohol draws out all the beneficial substances and quickly penetrates directly into the blood. The loss of vitamins, microelements and other substances is minimal.

Making a tincture is not difficult: pour 10 g of mushroom powder into ½ liter of alcohol (vodka), leave in a dark place at room temperature, shaking occasionally, for at least a month. The tincture does not need to be strained.

It is better to take 20-30 drops 3 times a day before meals. Treatment with the mushroom lasts for 1-2 years or more, with short breaks (drink for 1 month, rest for 7 days). The course depends on the patient’s condition and the severity of the disease. For prevention, they usually drink it for a month in spring and autumn. The tincture can also be used externally in the form of compresses and rubbing .

Powder

Reishi powder can be used in different ways:

• add to dishes 10 minutes before cooking,
• make water infusions and decoctions,
• make oil infusions,
• add to teas.

Water infusion: 1 tablespoon of powder per 1 glass of boiling water, leave in a thermos for 12 hours, take a tablespoon before meals. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Water decoction: 1 tablespoon of mushroom powder is poured into a liter of boiling water and boiled for 1 hour. Take and store in the same way as infusion.

Oil infusion: pour 50 grams of powder into ½ liter of vegetable oil (flax, sesame) heated to 45 degrees and leave for a week in a dark place, at room temperature, stirring every day. Store in the refrigerator, consume shaken and without straining. Drink 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals, you can alternate with taking a tincture (oil for a few days, alcohol tincture for a few days). The course is 1.5-2 months, a week break and you can repeat the course.

Tea: add a teaspoon of powder to the tea leaves, brew in the traditional way and drink like regular tea.

You can also buy capsules with tinder fungus powder, herbal teas, sweets, and coffee. How to take them is usually written on the packaging.

When taking Reishi mushroom powder, absorption of substances occurs through the intestines, and half of the elements are not absorbed and are released naturally.

Where to buy and how much it costs

To benefit from the mushroom, it is not necessary to walk through the forests and look for it near the trees. Today, ready-made powders are sold online in many online stores. The average cost of a 50 gram pack is 250-300 rubles. Many sellers give discounts to buyers who take several packs at once. When ordering, it is advisable to check the expiration date and pay attention to the manufacturer to avoid getting a fake.

Results

Before taking Reishi mushroom, study its features, beneficial properties and contraindications. It is better to consult a doctor and get recommendations on further actions, administration and dosage. As a rule, doctors recommend the remedy to the elderly, during periods of risk of infection, to protect the body during prolonged mental, physical and mental stress. The product is useful for people who work in heavy work and are exposed to toxic substances.

The above article clearly shows what reisha mushroom is, photos and descriptions, medicinal properties and contraindications. This data is enough to understand the characteristics of the plant and make a decision about its purchase.

How to prepare and store raw materials

Growing a product correctly is not enough. In order for it to be useful, you need to know how it should be prepared.

Features of collection

The harvesting process is best planned for the period from July to November. If dried specimens were purchased, then you do not need to worry about storing them. And it’s a completely different matter when it comes to your own harvest. It is prepared for storage as follows:

1. After removing the mushrooms from the tree, wipe them with a paper towel, removing soil and debris. They cannot be washed.
2. The raw materials are crushed and placed on a baking sheet covered with parchment.
3. Dry in the oven at 45 degrees with the door ajar.
4. When the pieces no longer stick to the paper, you can increase the temperature to 70°C and close the oven door completely.
5. The dried product is packaged in jars, hermetically sealed with lids and stored at a room temperature not exceeding +25°C.

Reisha mushroom stored in the dark and cool can be used for 2 years.