The most well-known benefit of Reishi is its ability to support the immune system*. Studies have shown that polysaccharides in Reishi may be able to modulate the immune system [1] and even alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells*. [2] 

In one study on athletes exposed to stressful conditions, Reishi also improved the function of white blood cells*. [3]

Modern clinical animal studies (specifically on nematodes) have shown water extracts of Reishi protect against oxidative stress and significantly prolong lifespan*.[4]

Another common name for Reishi is the “Spirit mushroom” because of its ability to foster calmness, relaxation, and more specifically, sleep*.

Studies in mice and rats have found that extracts of Reishi significantly increased both total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time, and suggests Reishi supplementation produces a hypnotic effect*. [4]

In nature, the Reishi mushroom grows on hardwood logs in deciduous forests all over the world. It can generally be found throughout the warmer seasons but is most commonly found fruiting in the late summer and fall. 

The fruiting body of the Reishi grows much slower than other mushrooms, but it also takes much longer to decay, sometimes even remaining on trees throughout the winter.

Luckily, Reishi can be cultivated organically in greenhouses, using hardwood logs to mimic the natural growing process. It takes 9 months to grow whole Reishi using these natural methods.

One unique aspect of Reishi is that it’s not just the fruiting body that is beneficial. The spores themselves actually contain high concentrations of triterpene. 

Reishi mushrooms produce billions of these spores every day, which can be collected separately before the fruiting body is harvested. 

The spores then need to be “cracked” open in order to make the triterpenes bio-available. This is usually done by running the spores through an ultra fine milling process.

To get the full benefits of Reishi, look for products that contain both the fruiting body and the spore powder.

Reishi is typically grown outdoors in greenhouses. All the fresh air allows it to form large flat fruiting bodies known as “conks”. 

Alternatively, Reishi can be grown inside of specialized mushroom grow bags which restrict the amount of fresh air. In that case, Reishi forms long finger-like projections known as “antlers”. 

The antlers can be quite beautiful!

Both the antlers and the conks are considered to be Reishi fruiting body, and both contain the beneficial beta-glucans and triterpenes that give this mushroom its superpowers.