Compared to powerfully tonifying Chinese medicinal materials like ginseng and donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao), Reishi is mild in nature and suitable for most people.

 

However, everyone's physical constitution is different, and the absorption of Reishi's active ingredients also varies.

 

If, after taking Reishi for a period, you experience the following signs, it indicates that Reishi is having a very positive effect on you. This means you are taking the Reishi correctly!

 

 

Firstly, it's important to know that unlike the single effects of other Chinese medicinal materials, the value of Reishi lies in its comprehensive regulation of the body, achieving the effect of "preventing illness before it occurs" and "treating illness that has already occurred." Long-term consumption of Reishi provides comprehensive benefits to the body.

 

From the perspective of Reishi's active ingredients, it contains triterpenes, polysaccharides, amino acids, polypeptides, sterols, and other active substances. It is the interaction of these active ingredients that gives Reishi its effects such as immune regulation, resistance to damage from radiotherapy and chemotherapy, sedation and hypnosis, regulation of blood lipids, lowering blood sugar, antioxidation and scavenging free radicals, and anti-aging [1].

 

 

After long-term consumption of Reishi, if you experience the following positive signs, it indicates that Reishi has brought significant benefits to your body:

 

Improved Sleep

 

"After taking Reishi for a period, my sleep has improved" is the most intuitive positive feeling reported by most people after taking Reishi.

 

It needs to be emphasized that Reishi is not a sleeping pill and therefore does not have the strong effects of sleeping pills or tranquilizers. However, Reishi can restore the healthy circulation between the "nerve-endocrine-immune" systems, thereby breaking the vicious cycle of neurasthenia and insomnia, and improving sleep [2].

 

Improved Mental State During the Day

 

Due to improved sleep quality at night, the mental state during the day improves accordingly. In addition, Reishi has the effect of enhancing immunity, which also makes people feel more energetic. Among the active ingredients of Reishi, polysaccharides are very beneficial in improving immunity.

 

 

In 2022, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by National Taiwan University in conjunction with Taipei Hospital and other institutions demonstrated that healthy individuals aged 18-55 who supplemented with approximately 150 mg of Reishi β-glucan daily showed comprehensive improvement in immunity after 3 months (12 weeks) [3].

 

The results of such clinical reports further strengthen our conviction regarding the significance of daily Reishii supplementation for comprehensive immune enhancement.

 

Stabilized Blood Pressure

 

Long-term consumption of Reishi is greatly beneficial for the homeostatic regulation of blood pressure. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that Reishi "primarily treats chest congestion and benefits heart qi," meaning that Reishi can enter the heart meridian and promote the circulation of qi and blood.

 

The mechanism by which Reishi regulates blood pressure is partly related to Reishi polysaccharides, which protect vascular endothelial cells and enable them to function normally, causing blood vessels to relax. On the other hand, it is related to Reishi triterpenes inhibiting the activity of "angiotensin-converting enzyme." This enzyme, secreted by the kidneys, causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure, while Reishi can regulate its activity [4].

 

Improved Complexion

 

This is a visible change. Today's pharmacological research on Reishi shows that long-term consumption of Reishi leads to improved sleep quality and enhanced bodily immunity, both of which can indirectly affect bodily functions and external appearance.

 

In addition, the antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects of Reishi are also related to delaying facial aging [5]. The good complexion brought about by comprehensive regulation from the inside out is an effect of long-term Reishi consumption.

 

Of course, some people may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, such as "suffering from excessive internal heat". However, "suffering from excessive internal heat" is also a manifestation of your absorption of Reishi's active ingredients; it simply means you are more sensitive to the components of Reishi.

 

In fact, the symptom of "suffering from excessive internal heat" indicates that Reishi has mobilized and activated immune function, enhancing your own immunity. If the symptoms are quite uncomfortable, it is recommended to reduce the dosage first or take it together with something that clears heat and reduces fire.

 

Good things need to be used properly to truly exert their effects. Continuous daily nourishment makes lifelong health achievable.

 

References:

[1] Lin Zhibin, Yang Baoxue. Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Ganoderma [M]. 1st ed.: Peking University Medical Press, 2020. 10-11.

[2] Wu Tingyao. Healing with Ganoderma [M]. 1st ed.: People's Medical Publishing House, 2017. 157-158.

[3] Shiu-Nan Chen, et al. Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. Foods. 2023 Feb 3;12(3):659. doi: 10.3390/foods12030659.

[4] Wu Tingyao. Healing with Ganoderma [M]. 1st ed.: People's Medical Publishing House, 2017. 122-123.

[5] Wu Tingyao. Healing with Ganoderma [M]. 1st ed.: People's Medical Publishing House, 2017. 206-209.