Probably the best known and most researched medicinal mushroom on the planet,  Reishi or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most important Taoist mushrooms and is believed to nourish our shen, the spiritual essence of our being.

 

Blessed with pseudonyms such as ‘The Mushroom of Immortality’ and ‘The Mushroom of Spiritual Potency’, reishi was originally highly regarded for its strong anti-aging properties and for  improving immune function. It was often used by emperors in search of immortality hundreds of years ago.

 

Although the mushroom is unlikely to help you live forever, the benefits of reishi mushroom are impressive, even including promising results in immune stimulation to help deal with cancer cells.

 

A few of the most commonly recognised health benefits of reishi mushrooms are:

 

• Strengthen the immune system to fight off disease
• Calm the mind and ease anxiety
• Improve the quality and duration of sleep
• Improve skin health and complexion
• Helping lower blood pressure

 

The calming effects of reishi mushrooms make it perfect for making ‘reishi tea’ at the end of the day to help lull yourself into a peaceful, rejuvenating sleep.