Reishi Reduces Stress Levels and improves relaxation as shown by modern scientific studies as well as historic use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are a type of medicinal mushroom that have been traditionally used in Asia for centuries to promote health and well-being. They contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have potential for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
The adaptogenic properties of reishi mushrooms can help the body adapt to stressors, while the anti-inflammatory effects and immune system modulation can help lower stress levels. Additionally, the GABAergic activity and sleep-promoting effects of reishi mushrooms can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have potential for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Here are some of the ways in which Reishi reduces stress Levels and improves relaxation:
- Adaptogenic Properties: Reishi mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which means they can help the body adapt to stressors. Specifically, they can help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body, such as fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reishi mushrooms contain compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides. Chronic inflammation has been linked to increased stress levels, and reducing inflammation may help lower stress.
- Immune System Modulation: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to help modulate the immune system, which can have a positive impact on stress levels. Specifically, they can help regulate the production of cytokines, which are involved in the body’s response to stress.
- GABAergic Activity: Reishi mushrooms contain compounds that have GABAergic activity, which means they can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is known for its calming effects and can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sleep-Promoting Effects: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have sleep-promoting effects, as mentioned earlier. Improved sleep quality can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
There are several studies that suggest that Reishi reduces stress levels and improves relaxation. Here are some of the most relevant studies, along with a brief description of each:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2010 found that participants who took a reishi mushroom supplement had significant reductions in their levels of anxiety and depression, compared to those who took a placebo.
- A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms in 2011 found that reishi mushrooms had an anxiolytic effect in mice, meaning they reduced anxiety. The researchers attributed this effect to the modulation of neurotransmitters involved in the stress response.
- Another study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms in 2013 found that reishi mushrooms had a calming effect on the central nervous system in rats, which could help explain their stress-reducing effects.
- A 2014 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that reishi mushrooms had an anti-stress effect in rats that were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. The researchers suggested that this effect was due to the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body’s response to stress.
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2017 found that participants who took a reishi mushroom supplement had significant reductions in their levels of fatigue and anxiety, compared to those who took a placebo.
Reishi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Reishi mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries for their potential health benefits, including their ability to improve relaxation and reduce stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi mushrooms are classified as a superior herb, which means they are believed to have a wide range of health-promoting properties and are considered safe for long-term use.
Reishi mushrooms are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as “lingzhi” and have been traditionally used to tonify the Qi (vital energy) of the body, calm the mind, and nourish the Shen (spirit). They are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, and are often used to help reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Reishi mushrooms are also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the immune system, protect the liver, and promote longevity.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved, the available evidence suggests that reishi reduces stress levels and improves relaxation. The bioactive compounds in reishi mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and GABA, may work together to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body, modulate the immune system, and promote relaxation.
References:
Hsu CH, Hwang KC, Chao CL, et al. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14(3):299-301.
Kuo MC, Weng CY, Ha CL, Wu MJ. Ganoderma lucidum mycelia enhance innate immunity by activating NF-κB. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;103(2):217-222.
Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. 2003;32(3):201-215.
Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IFF. Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004;91(2):263-269.