Reishi is a type of mushroom that is rich in nutrients and has been used in China and Japan for over 4,000 years to treat such ailments as hepatitis, nephritis, high blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia, bronchitis, asthma and ulcers in addition to weight loss, longevity, heart problems and degenerative diseases like cancer.

Today, reishi is still used to treat many of the same conditions but it has also found a special place in the treatment of immune system problems. It contains carbohydrates, amino acids, protein, vitamin B2, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper as well as many other vitamins and minerals.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of reishi. For example, research has proven that a number reishi’s polysaccharides combat the formation of tumours and stimulates the immune system, proving that reishi is an herb that helps with HIV and is useful in the treatment and prevention of cancer and other immune sytem diseases.

In addition, not only do the sterols in reishi act as hormone precursors but also the andenosine, another of the mushroom’s active ingredients, has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, making it beneficial in the treatment of heart disease.

Furthermore, another set of compounds in reishi, triterpenes, have been found to have adaptogenic which help lower high blood pressure. At the same time, reishi has anti-allergy effects and seems to have the ability to stop allergic reactions before they start by stopping the release of histamine.

The list of benefits of reishi goes on; it has been shown to be a pain killer; an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which makes it useful in the treatment of arthritis; it has antiviral properties, not to mention it is a heart tonic and liver protector. These are only some of the ailments reishi has been shown to alleviate or cure.