Reishi is a mushroom that has been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years. In Chinese medicine, the reishi mushroom is used to treat liver problems, asthma and fatigue, among other ailments. The reishi mushroom contains the minerals magnesium and calcium, both necessary for proper body functioning.
Uses
The reishi mushroom is being used outside of China as an alternative treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including HIV and AIDS, hypertension, viral infections and high cholesterol. Not enough scientific research exists to adequately measure the reishi mushroom’s effectiveness at treating these conditions. The reishi mushroom has shown promise in stimulating the immune system to fight off cancer cells and has also shown promise in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea. More research is needed to fully quantify the reishi mushroom’s potential both as an anticancer treatment and as a chemotherapy aid, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Magnesium
The magnesium found in reishi mushrooms plays many roles in your body. Magnesium helps your body produce and transport energy. It also helps your muscles to properly contract and relax. Magnesium is also important in protein synthesis and it helps many enzymes function properly. Other food sources of magnesium -- other than reishi mushrooms -- include soy products, avocados, bananas, cashews, almonds, beans, whole grains and dark, leafy vegetables. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, it is rare to be deficient in magnesium.
Calcium
The calcium found in reishi mushrooms can help contribute to your tooth and bone health. According to Medline Plus, your body stores 99 percent of its calcium within your teeth and bones. The leftover one percent of calcium is distributed in your muscles, blood and the fluid between your cells. Calcium functions to send needed messages to your nervous system, as well as to secrete enzymes and hormones and to help your blood vessels and muscles contract. Calcium can also be found in dairy products and green, leafy vegetables.
Drug Interactions
Reishi mushrooms can cause adverse effects if combined with certain medications. Reishi mushrooms can heighten your chance of bleeding if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. They can also increase your immune system’s response if taken with immunosuppressants. Reishi mushrooms should not be combined with drugs designed to be metabolized by the CYP3A, CYP2E1 or CYP1A3 enzymes. Reishi mushrooms can inhibit the metabolizing of these drugs, which could lead to an excess of medication in your system and increase your risk of side effects. Ask your doctor about any other possible drug interactions with reishi mushrooms and consult your doctor before adding them to your diet.
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