Did you know that mushrooms and humans originated from the same organism over 1 billion years ago and that mushrooms are actually part of the animal kingdom and have been part of Chinese longevity “medicine” for thousands of years? In fact, even the Yeti—yes, the Snowman—used mushrooms as part of his anti‑ageing protocol 🙂
The Reishi mushroom, together with Chaga and Lion’s Mane, is a key part of our longevity protocol—paired with intermittent fasting, plenty of exercise, select supplements, and resveratrol.
My wife and I take 2 ml of organic Reishi extract on weekdays, about 1½ hours before bed. Combined with our lifestyle, this supports royal sleep and effortless wake-ups—no alarms needed. But Reishi does more than improve sleep—it has many anti‑ageing benefits. Let’s explore why it’s so amazing.
The Fungi Kingdom vs. Humans
Animals and fungi share an ancestor from ~1.1 billion years ago. In 1969, fungi were formally classified in the animal kingdom alongside Plantae, Animalia, Monera, and Protista.
Though mushrooms look plant-like, they lack chlorophyll and instead feed on decaying matter. They share more genetic traits with animals than plants.
What Is a Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi (Lingzhi) mushrooms are reddish‑brown with a fan‑shaped cap. Soft when raw, they stiffen when cooked. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia, modern science now confirms their health benefits.
They’re rare in the wild—growing on maple stumps in just ~2 % of cases—so only forage with professional expertise. Otherwise, always source from reputable suppliers.
Main Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Scientific research into Reishi has increased dramatically, due to its complex bio‑active components that support health.
- Stimulates brain neurons
- Targets cancer cells
- Inhibits fat cell formation in obesity
- Supports asthma relief
- Reduces allergy sensitivity
- Assists autoimmune conditions
- May ease Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s symptoms
- Helps regulate diabetes
- Supports liver health
Given its complex profile, ongoing research will uncover even more benefits.
Medical Components of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Once referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” they were prized for enhancing longevity, boosting immunity, and preventing disease. Historically rare and expensive, modern cultivation has made them more accessible.
Their effectiveness lies in the fact that aging and disease result from complex systems. The Reishi mushroom offers a broad range of bioactive compounds that support many bodily functions.
Three major compounds contribute to Reishi’s potency:
- Polysaccharides – Carbohydrates that help boost immunity and prevent abnormal blood vessel formation.
- Triterpenes – Compounds that protect the liver, reduce cholesterol, prevent clotting, and combat allergies and cancer.
- Ganoderma lucidum peptide – A protein with powerful antioxidant properties.
These work synergistically to protect and enhance the human body:
- Protect cellular and mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage
- Boost natural antioxidant production
- Prevent kidney damage
- Support expression of longevity genes
Reishi and Stress
Reishi mushrooms are also linked to stress reduction and improved sleep. Consuming Reishi before bedtime can enhance sleep quality, especially the crucial REM stage, by calming the nervous system and promoting cognitive rest.
Many people suffer from “sympathetic nervous system overdrive” due to modern stress. Reishi helps reduce mental stimulation and induce rest without pharmaceuticals.
Reishi Mushroom Hair and Beauty Effects
Thanks to antioxidants, Reishi mushrooms shield the scalp from damage and support follicle strength. They improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and help conditions like dandruff and eczema.
They also inhibit DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that contributes to hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss. Regular consumption can significantly improve hair health.
How to Use Reishi Mushrooms
Most of the medicinal aspects of the Reishi mushroom are found on the outside layer of the mushroom. This is why it is essential to purchase these mushrooms from trusted sources, and in case of purchasing powder from these mushrooms, check the declaration to see how it was acquired.
The demand for the Reishi mushroom superfood has increased drastically over the years, and with it, so have the many different ways that you can consume this food.
The first way to consume these mushrooms is to purchase them raw in a healthy food shop or well-stocked supermarket. When you purchase them raw, you will notice that they are actually dehydrated.
In order to eat them, you will need to first rehydrate them in water for about an hour. Then, you can choose to lightly cook them in a soup or stew which will help to retain all of the healthy nutrients of these mushrooms.
A second way to consume these mushrooms is in powder form. You can buy raw Reishi mushroom powder and add it to your food either while you’re cooking or as a final flavouring at the end. Usually, a single tablespoon is enough per serving, although you should always check the instructions of each package.
Third, you can consume this mushroom as a supplement. Most people consider this to be the easiest way to eat the mushroom as it doesn’t require any cooking. Health manufacturers now offer Reishi mushrooms as a pill supplement, or as a powder for smoothies that have been enriched with protein and other nutrients.
# Lifehack. Always check where the supplement originates from.
Finally, and the way we consume it, is in liquid form, from mushrooms grown in organic forests in Finland. In fact, when we researched potential suppliers, we realised that most supplements on the market are extracted using an inferior process, grown wrong and definitely not organic and the only real benefit you would be expected to get is a placebo effect, which as we all know is probably contributing 42% to the overall benefit of supplements taken.