The Red Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma Lucidum is a mushroom that is used medicinally in Asia. Red Reishi has been used in China for its health benefits for over 2,000 years. Once reserved for the exclusive use of emperors, royalty and the wealthy, the benefits of the Reishi mushroom are now available to all thanks to the Japanese people's cultivation of this mushroom in recent years.

Highly ranked in Chinese medicine, the Reishi mushroom is non-toxic and can be taken long term without any side effects. When added to your daily regime, Reishi can help the body regain and maintain a state of health. It also regulates the immune system so that it works efficiently to keep you healthy.

Reishi mushrooms contain amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides and triterpenoids. These active ingredients have benefits for the body including anti-tumor action and helping the body use oxygen more efficiently.

Studies done in Japan, the USA, China and the UK over the past thirty years repeatedly show that taking Reishi has resulted in a reduction in disease, every day ailments and an improvement in the body's condition. Reishi has benefits for every organ system in the body.

The studies also support the use of Reishi as a general tonic. It normalizes the body's organs and functions and maintains health. Called an adaptogen, Reishi helps the body adapt to various stresses like sleep deprivation, temperature, toxin exposure, infection, psychological stress and trauma.

Reishi mushroom is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and helps fight off tumors. It helps allergies by lowering histamine reactions. It can lower blood pressure and has antioxidant qualities. Reishi encourages the proliferation of bone marrow cells. It can help lower serum cholesterol levels and is a tonic for the heart and liver. This mushroom reduces the effects of caffeine. It boosts the immune system, and is showing promise for dealing with HIV. It improves the adrenal functions as well. It is used as a sedative for dizziness and insomnia, as well as being a general aid for weakness.

Reishi is showing great promise for asthma and other respiratory problems. It strengthens the bronchial cells and can relieve coughing. A large study in China reported that 60% to 90% of the participants felt better within two weeks after beginning Reishi, even though they had chronic bronchitis.

Besides physical benefits, the Reishi mushroom also elevates the mood. In Chinese medicine, it is said that Reishi makes a person more spiritual.

Reishi mushrooms have no known side effects to worry about, but as with every herb a person should test a small amount to be sure that they are not allergic to the mushroom. Some people may experience some symptoms of detoxification in their bodies, such as mild stomach upset, dizziness, rash or sore bones. These symptoms are temporary and due to the excretion of accumulated toxins in the body. Feeling these symptoms tells you that the Reishi is doing its job.

There are no known contraindications or drug interactions for Reishi mushroom. Reishi is even safe for children and pregnant women.

Reishi mushroom is available as commercial preparations like tablets, injections, tinctures, capsules and teas. This mushroom can also be made into syrups or added to soups.