5 BENEFITS OF RED REISHI MUSHROOMS (AND HOW TO GET THEM)

The benefits of Red Reishi mushrooms have earned it the moniker “the king of mushrooms:” 

But, do you know why?

This superior medicinal mushroom has been used in Asia throughout history, but today you may still benefit from its powerful properties and help improve your immune system, increase your energy, protect your heart and more. 

If you are you curious to learn about red reishi mushrooms, where to find them, how to use them and how to experience their remarkable health benefits, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

WHAT IS RED REISHI MUSHROOM?

Red Reishi is an edible type of powerful mushroom considered one of the most potent superfoods. No surprise that they are also known as the ‘king of mushrooms.’

They have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and other parts of Asia. Recently, the Western world has caught on and began using them for their powerful benefits, including fighting fatigue, increasing energy, protecting the heart, supporting the immune system, benefiting the digestion and more.

Reishi grows on hardwood stumps and logs, including elms, maples, oaks and more in the Northern Hemisphere, including North-America. It is a soft and flat mushroom with a conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap. It has an acquired taste, but when used in delicious recipes you will quickly learn to love it.

There are no less than 6 different colors of Reishi mushrooms: white, yellow, blue, purple, black and red. Out of all of these, the benefits of red reishi mushrooms stand out; red and black Reishi mushrooms have the highest number of phytonutrients and antioxidants, making them the most potent of their kind.

Both are used for their medicinal properties, but Red Reishi has a higher concentration of nutrients.

THE BENEFITS OF RED REISHI MUSHROOMS

The benefits of red Reishi mushrooms are surprisingly varied, making them a very real superfood that supports your health from the inside out. 

#1 Red Reishi May Improve Your Immune System

Red Reishi is a powerful mushroom that could strengthen the immune system. According to some research suggests that one of the benefits of red Reishi mushrooms is rooted in its potential to modulate immune system response and white blood cells.

#2 Red Reishi Could Support Liver Function

The benefits of red Reishi mushrooms are not limited to immunity. They are filled with antioxidants and may support organ health, including your liver. According to some studies, Reishi mushrooms could help the recovery process from acute liver injury.

#3 Red Reishi May Decrease Fatigue And Increase Energy

Some studies suggest that the benefits of red reishi mushrooms also include energy management, decreased fatigue and improved performance. A small study examining over 100 patients with neurasthenia, a condition that results in body pain, headaches, vertigo and mood swings, found improvement after eight weeks of being exposed to therapeutic supplements with Reishi.

#4 Red Reishi May Support Your Digestion

The benefits of red reishi mushrooms could also include better digestion, improved metabolic rate and helping you with your fitness goals. According to some research, red reishi could have positive effects on glucose and fat metabolism. Likewise, animal studies indicate that red Reishi might help reduce intestinal infections.

#5 Red Reishi Might Help Protect Your Heart

Red Reishi could improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol, thus protecting heart health. According to a growing body of evidence, the health benefits of red reishi mushrooms could lower stress and strengthen cardiovascular health. 


HOW TO USE RED REISHI MUSHROOM

There are numerous fun, creative and delicious ways in which you can experience the benefits of Red Reishi mushrooms, including eating them fresh, using them in powdered form, making tea out of it, and consuming it as a part of a delicious superfood juice mix, such as Organifi Gold. 

FRESH RED REISHI

To get the benefits of red reishi mushrooms look for young and fresh Red Reishi, which can be cooked and eaten. Avoid the inner yellow band, because it is quite bitter. Slightly brown your Reishi and use it in your dishes. Eat it in moderation to avoid digestive issues or other side effects. Older Red Reishi is almost always dehydrated. You can cook dehydrated Red Reishi like you would other dehydrated mushrooms or make tea out of it.

RED REISHI MUSHROOM POWDER 

Red Reishi mushroom powders and extracts are the most common form of Reishi that you can find in health food stores, Asian supermarkets and online. Regular Red Reishi powders are simply a powdered version of the dehydrated form, whereas extracts are much more potent. For the best results, it is best to pick extracts. You can use them in your smoothies, juices, shakes, baked goods, and other recipes.

RED REISHI MUSHROOM TEA

Loving it? Then get the benefits of red reishi mushrooms making your own Red Reishi Mushroom Tea!

Ingredients:

  • Dried Reishi Mushrooms
  • Water

The recommended dose is 3 - 5 grams of Reishi. Three grams is about one heaping tablespoon of broken or ground Reishi. For each 3 - 5 grams, use 4 - 5 cups of water. 

Instructions:

Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Add your mushrooms and simmer for about 2 hours. Strain and let it cool then enjoy. 

ORGANIFI GOLD: THE  BENEFITS OF RED REISHI MUSHROOMS  AND MORE SUPERFOODS

One of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to enjoy the benefits of Red Reishi mushrooms is in a combination of other powerful superfoods in a potent superfood mix.

Along with Red Reishi, Organifi Gold is made with turmeric, ginger, black pepper, turkey tail, cinnamon, coconut milk, vanilla and monk fruit to bring you countless health benefits.  It’s a superfood blend designed to help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, help you relax, boost your memory and improve your cognitive function.

You can mix it with hot or warm water to enjoy it on a cool fall or winter day or add it to cold or room temperature water, smoothies, juices, shakes, baked goodies and other creative recipes. Using it regularly can upgrade your health quickly.

    RED REISHI MUSHROOM RECIPES

    These delicious recipes are made with Organifi Red Juice. But guess what? You can easily substitute our Red Juice with our new Organifi Gold Juice! They both include heaps of Reishi and other superfoods to protect your health. Mix it up, using Gold Juice one day and Red on another. Health doesn't need to be boring after all! 


    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    1. Do Reishi mushrooms have side effects?
    2. Though Reishi is generally speaking safe and well-tolerated for most people, in some cases it is the best to consult a doctor before taking Reishi.

    You should pay attention to the following precautions:

    • Taking Reishi may include more risks if you have low blood pressure or are taking medications for blood pressure.
    • Taking Reishi may include more risks if you are taking diabetes medications.
    • Taking Reishi may include more risks if you have an immune system disorder or take medication for it.
    • Avoid high doses of Reishi if you have a very low platelet count.
    • There hasn't been enough research on the topic so it's the best to avoid using Reishi if pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Though most people don't experience serious side effects, they can occur. If you notice any of the following side effects, stop taking Reishi and talk to your doctor:

    • Allergic reactions in mouth, throat, nasal passages
    • Dizziness
    • Itchiness
    • Rash
    • Headaches
    • Stomach upset
    • Nosebleed
    • Bloody stools

    Conclusion

    Red Reishi is a powerful superfood that could help improve your immune system, benefit your liver function, lower fatigue, improve your energy, protect your heart and improve your digestion. You can cook it, brew tea out of it and use it as a powdered extract.

    The most economical way to receive all the benefits of Red Reishi is by taking it along with other superfoods in the form of a superfood mix, just like Organifi Gold

    Once you try Red Reishi or Organifi Gold and see how it benefits you, you might not be able to stop! Make sure to check back and share your experiences. We would love to hear your success stories.

    And remember, we're in this together.

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