Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as a way to fight chronic disease. Today, we know from scientific studies that they’re in fact capable of doing what the Chinese have always speculated they could: fighting inflammation, cancer, heart disease,  hormonal imbalances, neuro-degenerative problems, mood disorders and more.

Reishi mushrooms, a type of bitter, woody fungi, are known as one of the top natural superfoods in existence. Reishi mushrooms are a type of powerful adaptogen that help the body deal with stress, whether physical or psychological, so they’re a natural remedy for anxiety.

When taken in tincture, capsule or tablet form, they have the unique ability to increase energy and also bring on a feeling of calm at the same time, making them an all-around mood booster and “brain food.” They can help heal adrenal fatigue and are sometimes called the “medicine of kings” because they can improve memory and concentration while also helping bust stress and facilitate restful sleep.

How do reishi mushrooms do so much? Their beta-glucans increase the immune system’s T-cell levels, which means they help lower inflammatory responses caused by stress, stimulants, a poor diet or other environmental factors. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from immune disorders or adrenal or chronic fatigue.

This immune boost that you receive from reishi mushrooms can help reduce cancer cell growth and the spread of tumors, but that’s not all — they also contain ganoderic acids that lower cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure, as well as reduce the risk of blood clots and even help correct heart arrhythmia. Reishis also contain lanostan, an antihistamine that can act as a natural arthritis cure and also soothe muscle aches.

Usage:Thinly sliced or pulverized lingzhi (either fresh or dried) is added to a pot of boiling water, the water is then reduced to a simmer, and the pot is covered; the lingzhi is then simmered for two hours.

1. Lingzhi Mushroom Tea Preparation:

Lingzhi Mushroom tea has a bitter taste and so it is usually prepared as a hot water extract.

• Add 5 grams or about 1 tsp of Lingzhi mushroom to 4 or 5 Cups of boiling water.

• Bring to a simmer, cover and continue to simmer for two hours.

• Take out the mushroom pieces and cool.

Add honey, fruit juice or even green tea to sweeten the taste. It will store in the refrigerator for a few days and keep its potency.

2. Lingzhi Lean Pork Soup 

Ingredients: 

• 2½ litres (10 cups) water

• 19 gm Lingzhi, rinsed and sliced

• 19 gm Wild Yam, rinsed

• 5 pitted Red Dates, rinsed

• 350 gm lean pork, rinsed and scalded with boiling water

• 2 tablespoons Chinese Wolfberry, rinsed

• 3 pieces of fresh ginger sliced

• 2 sping onion, sliced

• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste

Bring the water to a boil in a stockpot. Add all the ingredients, except the salt, and cook over high heat for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2½ hours. Season with the salt and remove from the heat. Serve while it hot.

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