Reishi is one of the best-known mushrooms from the Eastern herbal tradition. For more than two thousand years this special mushroom has had a place in the herbalism of China and Japan. At Dutch Balance we select only high-grade Reishi supplements. In this article you can read what Reishi is exactly, where it comes from and what is in it.
What exactly are Reishi mushrooms?
The Reishi mushroom, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, carries the honorific name “Lingzhi” in Chinese. This red-brown, glossy mushroom with its characteristic antler-like shape grows naturally on hardwood, especially on oak and plum trees in warm, humid parts of Asia.
What characterises Reishi is its rich composition of bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans (polysaccharides) and triterpenes, including ganoderic acid. Those triterpenes are also what give it its typical bitter taste. At Dutch Balance we offer various forms, from concentrated extracts to capsules, so you can choose what suits you best.
Reishi in the Eastern tradition
In traditional Chinese herbalism Reishi is held in high regard. The nickname ‘mushroom of immortality’ says enough about the status it acquired over the centuries. It was used in teas and infusions and had a place in rituals and herbal blends.
That long history makes Reishi one of the most discussed mushrooms. Traditional use is something other than scientific proof, though, and that distinction is worth keeping in mind.
What is in Reishi?
The composition of Reishi is extensive. The mushroom contains, among other things:
- Beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide you come across in more mushrooms.
- Triterpenes, including ganoderic acid, characteristic of Reishi.
- Various antioxidants that occur naturally in the mushroom.
These compounds help determine the character of Reishi. What exactly they do in the body is still the subject of research.
Reishi and research
The compounds in Reishi are being looked at scientifically, but much of that research has been carried out in the lab or in animals and is still at an early stage. There are no hard conclusions for humans yet.
There are currently no EU-approved health claims for Reishi. See it as a food supplement, not a medicine and not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Do you take medication, are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then consult your doctor first.
How to use Reishi
Reishi is easiest to use in capsule form. Stick to the dose on the packaging and take the capsules with some water. Many people choose to take Reishi in the evening, but a fixed moment that suits your day works just as well.
Choose quality at Dutch Balance
With a Reishi supplement, quality makes the difference. Our supplements are selected on the basis of clear criteria:
- Extracts with a good ratio of polysaccharides and triterpenes.
- Full traceability from mushroom to supplement.
- Extraction processes that preserve the compounds.
- Regular checks for purity.
Want to know more or order straight away? Have a look at our Reishi capsules or the full range of mushrooms.
Buying Reishi? Have a look at the organic Reishi capsules from the whole fruiting body.
