Reishi: The Mushroom for Emperors

Did you know that rice was once used as a currency and was highly sought after? Odd to think about, now that it’s so commonplace, right? Reishi mushrooms aren’t so different. For over 2,500 years these mushrooms have been known for their health-giving boon. In fact, once dubbed the “mushroom of immortality”, there was a time when in China the Reishi was restricted to royalty only. Now, this mushroom that was once just for hierarchy is cultivated and grows right on your counter-top.

Unlike most edible mushrooms, Reishi isn’t cooked up in your favorite meals. It has a tree-like texture and is extremely chewy, so the most common way to ingest it is in an earthy tasting tea. Coffee is another favorite way, either by adding it into your coffee pot or buying a premade Reishi coffee. Some people even make tinctures with it, which brings out its anti-inflammatory effects.

Once harvested, the Reishi is dried. It will last around 6 months normally, but if refrigerated, it will last up to a year. Tea from the Reishi should be refrigerated if it’s not going to be drunk immediately and used within a couple of days.

As you can probably guess by its old nickname, Reishi has anti-aging properties, helping you feel young, especially with the energy and immune system boosts provided. That’s far from all, however. Your digestive, circulatory, and cognitive systems all have potential benefits from regular Reishi use. On top of aiding the systems of your body, it is known to slow or possibly prevent tumor growth, lower your blood pressure, and keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Not bad for a simple fungus, right? Of course, the more I’ve delved into the mushroom world, the more I’ve realized they are anything but simple.

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Melanie Andromidas