Reishi mushrooms are native to coastal regions in China, where they grow on decayed logs and tree stumps. Several varieties of reishi mushrooms exist that are named for the color of their cap; red reishi is the most common medicinal reishi mushroom. The medicinal background of the reishi traces back 2,000 years. It provides a variety of benefits that have led the United States, Japan and Korea to cultivate it for medicinal applications.
Active Compounds
Reishi mushrooms contain a variety of active compounds useful for combating several health disorders. Sterols, beta glucan polysaccharides, mannitol, ganoderic acids and triterpernoids are only some of the compounds scientists have discovered in reishi composition.
Cardiovascular Healing
Ganoderic acids improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and LDL, or bad, cholesterol, according to "Acupuncture Today." Triterpernoids are compounds that decrease platelet aggregation, helpful for reducing blood clots that often cause cardiac arrest and stroke.
Migraine Treatment
According to Dr. Cathy Sabota of the Alabama State University Cooperative Extension Service, reishi mushrooms improve migraine symptoms. The mechanism of action may be increasing the oxygen supply to the brain that shuts down when migraines occur.
Immune System
Reishi treats cancer and HIV because its compounds, beta glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes, stimulate white blood cells, components of the immune system that fight disease. The mushroom also reduces nausea resulting from chemotherapy.
Side Effects and Dosage Recommendation
According to "Acupuncture Today," taking reishi for three to six months may lead to dry mouth and nasal passages. Pregnant or breastfeeding women or people taking blood-thinning medicine should avoid reishi. A common dosage is 1.5 to 9 g daily of dried reishi. Herbal shops and traditional Asian pharmacies sell the mushroom in dried and liquid extract forms.
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