Save 30% on two 5-packs of chocolate bars! Shop Now
My Cart

Reishi Mushroom Tea: 4 New Benefits for Tea Drinkers

Reishi Mushroom Tea: 4 New Benefits for Tea Drinkers cover
Written by Real Mushrooms

Deemed The King of Mushrooms, reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi) is living up to its name. It’s been shown to have many benefits uncommon in other functional mushrooms, such as alleviating occasional stress. It’s only one of the several reasons that drinking reishi mushroom tea is beneficial for health maintenance.

But what really makes this mushroom special?

Perhaps, a journey back in history will tell us:

Ancient Chinese herbalists called reishi Lingzhi (灵芝) because it means “herb of spiritual potency.” It was revered by Chinese emperors because of its scarcity and reputation for being one of the most celebrated herbs in the Chinese “bible” of medicinal plants: Shennong Ben Cao Jing (a.k.a. Materia Medica). Of reishi, the author writes, “If eaten customarily, it makes your body light and young, lengthens your life, and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies.”

Reishi mushroom tea
Reishi mushroom tea is an ancient health tonic, and modern science has been confirming its multiple wellness benefits.

For thousands of years, reishi has been used as a functional and therapeutical solution throughout Asia for various problems such as:

Luckily, we can now enjoy these benefits more conveniently through Reishi Mushroom Powder which we can use to make our own reishi tea.

Recent studies (that we share below) have also discovered new benefits of reishi mushrooms, making reishi mushroom tea a must-try.

1 - Reishi Mushroom Tea Helps to Improve Your Skin’s Appearance

Skin aging and deterioration intrinsically occur when the production of certain hormones, like estradiol and testosterone, decreases.

Extrinsically, overexposure to solar radiation may lead to sun damage (1), causing premature aging.

These issues often lead to symptoms such as skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, collagen degradation, and wrinkle formation.

Because these issues can’t be avoided, cosmetic companies are in constant search of natural compounds and extracts that will help to delay the aging process.

reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are abundant in antioxidants that help protect the skin against free-radical damage and premature aging.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, the reishi mushroom recently found its way into the skincare industry as a functional cosmetic ingredient.

It can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and neutralize free radicals in the body which damage healthy skin cells and create oxidative stress (2).

Reishi also contains beta-glucans—the long chains of sugar molecules that help to promote the skin’s ability to store water—keeping the skin hydrated from within.

Table: Reishi Benefits For Skin Health

The table below outlines the specific properties of reishi that make its tea great for the skin (3).

Reishi mushroom benefits for skin - table
These compounds in reishi support skin health.

2 - The Reishi Mushroom Is a Functional Food

The Institute of Food Technologists describes functional foods (4) as those whose ingredients provide added benefits beyond their basic nutritional value.

Historically, people consumed the reishi mushroom because of its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This historical claim has led to a recent research project (5) in which reishi’s bioactive components, as well as its nutritional and therapeutic values, have been explored.

The study revealed that the reishi mushroom contains water-soluble proteins, dietary fiber, minerals (such as sulfur and phosphorus), and vitamins (including riboflavin and thiamin), all of which contribute to its nutritional benefits.

Additionally, reishi’s bioactive components, including alkaloids, polysaccharides like beta-glucans, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, and lactones, are known to help promote therapeutic effects like supporting cognitive functions and alleviating occasional stress.

Reishi has also been associated with numerous health benefits (6,11,12), including:

  • Supporting a healthy metabolism
  • Boosting our energy
  • Supporting neurological health
  • Speeding up muscle recovery
  • Balancing the immune system response
  • Calming the mind

These benefits combined make the reishi mushroom a functional food with positive effects on the body.

The Quality of Reishi Matters

It is unpleasant to eat the mushroom in its raw form because its texture is so tough and leathery. However, we can still enjoy all of its benefits by adding an extract of this mushroom to hot water to make a reishi tea.

But the quality of your mushroom extract matters. Note that one study found that 74% of reishi products are not authentic, and this calls for extreme keenness when making your purchase.

Fortunately, Real Mushrooms offers the highest-quality mushroom extracts produced in their purest form, without any fillers, carriers, or additives.

So for any purchase you make, you’re certain to receive all the benefits that reishi mushrooms have to offer.

"... I was blown away by how effective it is at reducing anxiety, racing night thoughts and insomnia." HikerMom13, Verified Real Mushroom's Reishi Mushroom Buyer

3 - Reishi Mushroom Tea Helps to Activate the Wound Healing Process

Collagen, the body’s most abundant protein, plays a critical role in the wound repair process. How fast a wound heals depends on the production, accumulation, and maturation of collagen in the wounded area.

Collagen’s accumulation significantly depends on the presence of hydroxyproline. A higher concentration of hydroxyproline means higher collagen production, leading to faster healing.

Results from a recent study (7) indicated that reishi mushroom aids in activating the concentration of hydroxyproline and hexosamine. Both hydroxyproline and hexosamine give strength to repaired tissues and in turn help to activate the wound healing process.

Another study (8) reported similar results, attributing reishi’s role in activating wound healing to its high polysaccharide content.

Natural polysaccharides have previously been linked to faster wound healing as they help to facilitate the activation of the immune system. It’s believed that this process results from polysaccharides’ ability to help activate macrophages, one of the major inflammatory cells in the body which cleans up the wound site after injury (9).

Reishi powder for making reishi mushroom tea
A concentrated extract of reishi simplifies the process of making a tea that will help promote immune health, wound repair, skin health, and hair health, among other benefits.

4 - Reishi Mushroom Tea Can Help to Improve Hair Health

Poor diet, hormonal changes and medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss.

Male pattern baldness, for instance, is one of the major reasons for hair loss in men. It occurs when testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT then sticks to the hair follicles in your head and kills them through a process called miniaturization.

Fortunately, reishi mushrooms have recently been found to have several health benefits for our hair.

They Help to Promote Hair Growth

Men with male pattern baldness have scalps that are sensitive to DHT. Luckily, it’s possible to inhibit DHT production and reduce hair loss.

A recent study (10) suggests that the reishi mushroom is a great inhibitor of 5α-reductase, which helps to lower the amount of DHT produced in the body. This, in turn, reduces DHT levels on the scalp, protecting the hair follicles from miniaturization.

Reishi mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, which may help shield the scalp from toxins and damage from free radicals. Less damage results in a healthier scalp and a conducive environment for the regeneration of hair follicles, bringing forth thicker, stronger hair.

Reishi Mushrooms Can Help to Reduce Scalp Inflammation

Reishi mushrooms are well known as antioxidant powerhouses that support a healthy inflammation response.

They help to improve blood circulation, allowing the smooth flow of nutrients and oxygen into the scalp. This promotes the growth of healthy hair and reduces the chances of scalp conditions, such as dandruff and psoriasis.

They Help to Retain Hair Color

Reishi mushrooms help to retain your hair’s sheen and vibrant hue for longer, preventing premature or age-related graying (5).

Also, as a strong antioxidant, reishi helps to lower normal oxidative stress, allowing your hair to remain strong and retain its color.

When Should I Drink Reishi Mushroom Tea?

You can drink your mushroom tea at any time throughout the day. But for maximum results, ensure you take it consistently.

We recommend adding a half teaspoon of Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder to your tea twice a day—one in the morning and a second cup in the evening.

Because the reishi mushroom can improve your digestive health, it’s a great supplement to start the day with.

It may also promote relaxation, thanks to its mood-lifting properties, making it the perfect addition to your evening routine as you wind down after a long day. Many people take reishi before bed and report having an easier time falling asleep.

Ganoderma tea for sleep
Reishi’s calming properties make it ideal to take at bedtime.

Experience Reishi Mushroom Tea Benefits Today With Real Mushrooms

Many companies in the functional mushroom industry claim to sell products that are extracted from pure mushrooms. But this is not always the case.

These products often use mycelium, the mushroom’s root system, which contains fewer health and nutritional benefits than the mushroom itself.

That’s why it’s important to purchase your mushroom supplements from a trusted source that uses the highest-quality, health-promoting mushrooms extracted in their purest form.

Reishi mushroom extract powder
A high-quality reishi extract is the easiest and most reliable way to get the health-supporting compounds from this multi-benefit mushroom.

At Real Mushrooms, we live up to our name, producing mushroom extracts from real mushrooms directly sourced from organic farms in China, the birthplace of mushroom cultivation. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can extract mushrooms in their purest form.

"I am impressed after switching from other brands that I found were mycelium and fillers. The difference has been quantifiable." Patrick

Our Reishi Mushroom extracts have no added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind and are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Order today to enjoy all the benefits that reishi mushroom tea brings.

Remember to check out our other organic mushroom extracts capsules from mushrooms like chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane, which provide these and more benefits.

Related Articles

Reishi Mushroom Powder Recipes: 5 Delicious Drinks and Snacks

Reishi Mushroom Benefits & Usage: A Comprehensive Guide

The Benefits of Red Reishi and the 5 Other Color Types

Reishi Mushroom History: Cultural Uses & Reverence

How to I.D. the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement

Reishi mushroom extract powder
Using reishi mushroom powder extract by Real Mushrooms is the easiest way to make your reishi tea.

References

  1. Matts, P. J., & Fink, B. (2010). Chronic sun damage and the perception of age, health and attractiveness. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 9(4), 421. https://doi.org/10.1039/b9pp00166b
  2. Yin, Z., Yang, B., & Ren, H. (2019). Preventive and therapeutic effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on skin diseases and care. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 311-321. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_14
  3. Institute of Food Technologists. (2004, December 1). Functional Foods: Opportunities & Challenges. Please Wait... | Cloudflare. https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2004/december/features/functional-foods-opportunities-and-challenges
  4. El Sheikha, A. F. (2022). Nutritional profile and health benefits of Ganoderma lucidum “Lingzhi, Reishi, or Mannentake” as functional foods: Current scenario and future perspectives. Foods, 11(7), 1030. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11071030
  5. Pattanayak, S., Das, S., & Biswal, G. (2020, February). Ganoderma: The wild mushroom with wonderful health benefits. ResearchGate | Find and share research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343057303_Ganoderma_The_wild_mushroom_with_wonderful_health_benefits
  6. Gupta, A., Kirar, V., Keshri, G. K., Gola, S., Yadav, A., Negi, P. S., & Misra, K. (2014). Wound healing activity of an aqueous extract of the Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Higher basidiomycetes). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 16(4), 345-354. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v16.i4.50
  7. Sharifi-Rad, J., Butnariu, M., Ezzat, S. M., Adetunji, C. O., Imran, M., Sobhani, S. R., Tufail, T., Hosseinabadi, T., Ramírez-Alarcón, K., Martorell, M., Maroyi, A., & Martins, N. (2020). Mushrooms-rich preparations on wound healing: From nutritional to medicinal attributes. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.567518
  8. Mapoung, S., Umsumarng, S., Semmarath, W., Arjsri, P., Thippraphan, P., Yodkeeree, S., & Limtrakul (Dejkriengkraikul), P. (2021). Skin wound-healing potential of polysaccharides from medicinal mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.). Journal of Fungi, 7(4), 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7040247
  9. Liu, J., Kurashiki, K., Shimizu, K., & Kondo, R. (2006). undefined. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(2), 392-395. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.39
  10. Liu, J., Kurashiki, K., Shimizu, K., & Kondo, R. (2006). undefined. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(2), 392-395. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.39
  11. Hossen, S. M. M., Islam, M. J., Hossain, M. R., Barua, A., Uddin, M. G., & Emon, N. U. (2021). CNS anti-depressant, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of Ganoderma applanatum (mushroom) along with ligand-receptor binding screening provide new insights: Multi-disciplinary approaches. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 27, 101062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101062
  12. Lin ZB. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum. Journal of pharmacological sciences. 2005;99(2):144-53.

.
Real Mushrooms is the premier provider of organic mushroom extracts, verified for the beneficial medicinal compounds like beta-glucans and free from starchy fillers like grains. With over 40 years of mushroom growing experience, Real Mushrooms prides itself on providing a transparent source of functional mushrooms that you can trust. All the information provided on our blog has been reviewed by our science and medical team.

Disclaimer: The information or products mentioned in this article are provided as information resources only, and are not to be used or relied on to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. The information is intended for health care professionals only. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.

chevron-down