Adaptogens, Benefits & Dynamics
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are healing herbs that can increase the body’s ability to handle external stressors and restore it to normal physiological functions. Red reishi receives the distinction of being classified as the royalty of adaptogenic herbs.
Benefits of Red Reishi
Red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, ling zhi) is revered for its beneficial healing powers. As one of nature’s most superior adaptogen, reishi can help support your immune system, reduce the effects of stress and balance energy levels.
This herb of longevity is also known to strengthen the body, increase energy (qi), and fortify the blood to treat heart and spleen deficiencies that manifest in insomnia, forgetfulness, fatigue, and listlessness. It is also a source of antioxidants.
Mushroom Dynamics
As one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, it’s important to understand the dynamics of this miracle mushroom. The basics of reishi mushroom anatomy, is that contains mycellium and a fruiting body (stem and cap).
Mycellium
The mycelium is a cobweb-like mat that grows underground. It functions like a complex network, covering vast areas, and communicating with the surrounding environment. Mycelium acts like roots of the mushroom, absorbing and transferring nutrients to the fruiting body.
Fruiting Body
The fruiting body of fungi is the part that grows above ground. It’s the part you probably think of when you think of a mushroom. A fruiting body consists of a stem, a cap, and a spore-bearing surface.
Products that are sourced from the fruiting body of reishi and that are properly extracted will contain the highest levels of bioactive compounds. In fact, studies have shown that mycelium and spore-based reishi products do not contain all of the chemical constituents that are found in red reishi. In the history of herbal medicine, mycelium and spores were discarded for extraction.
Fungi Fact #1
Red reishi is naturally covered by a hard indigestible substance called chitin, so absorption of the essential nutrients is only possible when taken in an extract form.
Fungi Fact #2
Only the fruiting body of fully mature red reishi contains all of nutrients such as ganoderic acids, beta-glucans, and amino acids that make it effective.
