The Reishi mushroom is mainly a medicinal mushroom. The reason for this is that Reishi, unlike many gourmet mushrooms, which are also medicinal, are very woody. It is about like eating soft tree bark! A lot of people don’t like their taste; however, I absolutely love it!

The best way to use Reishi is to dry and grind into powder. This powder can be used as capsules or added to foods for medicinal boost. If you like bitterest mushroom flavors, you will love it in all your foods including pasta sauces.

Some people also like to shred Reishi and make tea from it. This is also a good way to benefit from medicinal qualities. It is used in tinctures as well.

So, what makes Reishi so special? It has been called the mushroom of immortality. Though, I will neither confirm nor deny that; they are a mushroom with huge health benefits. 

They have been used for centuries and studies confirm, their anti-cancer, anti-aging, and immune enhanced properties. Reishi contains triterpenes, which the mushroom actually uses to protect it from predators and contamination. But these chemical compounds are highly medicinal for the body and brain. Reishi is said to be nootropic and my usage and experimentation has confirmed such claims. It is used by many to improve memory, fight aging, and strengthen cardiovascular system. It is used to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and for mood enhancement.

How does Reishi boost the immune system? By triggering the body to release macrophages. These cells, which breakdown invading substances in our systems regulate the immune responses and produce antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses. Reishi mushroom also helps fight fatigue and may also help reduce tumors and kill cancer cells. There are studies that have confirmed this. Almost any food substance containing anti-inflammatory agents may well serve all these purposes. Reishi contain a bunch!