Reishi - Mushroom of Immortality 灵芝

MATERIA MEDICA:  REISHI 灵芝

REISHI

Also known as the mushroom of immortality, Reishi (灵芝 - Lingzhi) is a coveted medicine used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. This medicinal mushroom is known for its adaptogenic powers and commonly used to treat cancer, strengthen immune system, protect the liver, and reduce stress, among a long list of actions.

 

As one of the whole botanicals found in Regenerate Botanical Serum, Reishi helps reverse free-radical damage, regenerate cells and calm inflammations, making it an elegant, radiant-boosting superfood for the skin.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Health

In ancient China, it was believed that the reishi mushroom promotes long-term health, which explains the name “mushroom of immortality”. Modern science only confirms this belief by proving the incredible benefits of this mushroom for our body and mind.

Immune System Strengthening

Our body contains leukocytes - cells that fight bacteria and viruses and thus protect our body from diseases. Lingzhi mushrooms contain beta-glucans (so-called complex sugars) that have a positive effect on these cells. One study shows that Lingzhi is able to increase leukocyte activity, while another found that it can increase their number in the body. Both studies were conducted with cancer patients. But its benefits for the immune system of healthy people have also been proven. So the experiment showed that lingzhi mushroom improves the function of leukocytes in football players exposed to stressful situations.

Fight Cancer Help

Many scientists endow lingzhi with cancer prevention and treatment properties. In particular, this mushroom has been shown to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, and one year of adjuvant treatment with it has reduced the size and number of tumors in the colon. Another report found that 59% out of 4,000 breast cancer survivors used the mushroom of immortality as an adjunct treatment.

Fatigue and Depression Elimination

A study in 132 patients with neurasthenia found that 8 weeks of reishi mushroom supplements intake reduced fatigue and also alleviated symptoms of neurasthenia such as headaches and irritability. Another study in 48 breast cancer survivors showed, in addition to reducing fatigue, a reduction in depression and anxiety, as well as an improvement in quality of life.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Skin

For over 5,000 years, the lingzhi mushroom has served practitioners of Chinese traditional medicine as a treasured source of beauty and health. This is not surprising given all that this miracle of nature can do for our skin.

Deep Hydration

The high content of beta-glucans in reishi mushrooms promotes deep hydration of the skin. They attract water from the environment and/or any additional moisturizing products you use and retain it (water), thus leaving the skin supple and hydrated. Deep skin hydration, among other things, significantly reduces fine lines and wrinkles on your face. The ability to penetrate deeply into multiple layers of the skin also allows beta-glucans to heal skin where other ingredients simply can't reach.

Antioxidant Action

The polysaccharides, triterpenoids and polyphenols found in lingzhi mushrooms act as antioxidants and protect our skin from oxidative stress, UV rays, external pollutants, and toxic ingredients found in cosmetics and personal care products. All these factors damage our skin cells and contribute to skin aging. Thus, this miraculous mushroom has a strong anti-aging effect.

Aging Slowdown

The anti-aging effect of reishi is not limited to its antioxidant properties. This fungus protects DNA cells and improves skin structure. Lysine in its composition fights the loss of collagen and elastin while leucine activates the natural healing process and reduces fine lines.

Inflammation Protection

The polysaccharides in lingzhi themselves have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that they are capable of reducing redness, peeling, and swelling of the skin, as well as the risks of allergic reactions of sensitive skin to all the same external aggressive factors.

Complexion Improvement

Reishi mushrooms have anti-tyrosinase activity, or in other words, fight melanin production. Thus, the use of cosmetics based on this fungus can reduce pigmentation and brighten the skin. In addition, the same property is excellent for lightening scars and acne.

The number of healing properties for our body, mind, and skin makes lingzhi mushroom a truly unique gift from nature. Accept this gift, incorporate it into your daily self-care rituals, and you will see your health improve inside and out.