Mushrooms aren’t just something you toss into a stroganoff or a stir fry – they’re actually little health powerhouses hiding in plain sight. But beyond the kitchen, mushrooms are packed with surprising health benefits that many people don’t realise. In fact, they’ve been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their therapeutic properties, and modern research is now catching up (1).

Among the best-known is the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), often referred to in ancient Chinese texts as the “mushroom of immortality” for its remarkable health-promoting qualities (2).

Reishi grows naturally at the base of deciduous trees in parts of Asia, and it has long been a staple in TCM immune formulas. Research shows Reishi may boost the production of white blood cells, strengthen immune defences, and even slow the growth of certain bacteria and viruses (3). Because of these immune-boosting properties, Reishi is often combined with other herbs like Astragalus and Siberian Ginseng to support resilience, especially during cold and flu season.

But what makes Reishi unique is that it doesn’t just stimulate the immune system—it helps balance it. As an “immune modulator,” Reishi can also calm an overactive immune response, which means it may be useful for people with autoimmune conditions, asthma, or allergies (4). Early studies also suggest Reishi may reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, helping to ease allergy symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes (5).

Reishi is also being explored for its effects on energy and fatigue. It contains compounds called triterpenes, which may enhance cellular energy production and help regulate hormones, making it a potential aid for those dealing with adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome (6). Interestingly, these same triterpenes are linked to mood support—they may boost serotonin activity in the brain, which could help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression (7).

Cognitive health is another exciting area of research. Some evidence suggests Reishi may reduce inflammation in the brain, support memory, and protect against age-related cognitive decline (8). People who use it regularly often report sharper focus and improved mental clarity.

And for anyone struggling with sleep, Reishi may help there too. By lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, it can support deeper, more restful sleep (9).

Today, medicinal mushrooms like Reishi are available in several forms—powders, tinctures, capsules, and even honey pearls, a preparation method dating back 2,000 years. The honey not only preserves the mushrooms but also helps deliver their active compounds slowly, improving absorption and extending their effects. Mushrooms are also popping up in modern wellness foods and drinks, from bone broths to cacao blends and coffee substitutes.

So next time you’re sprinkling mushrooms into a stir-fry, it’s worth remembering—they’re not just delicious, they’re little powerhouses of health.

For further information on medicinal mushrooms or other health issues, call to see the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia on 2EC after 12.30pm every Wednesday.

References

1. Valverde, M. E., Hernández-Pérez, T., & Paredes-López, O. (2015). Edible mushrooms: Improving human health and promoting quality life. International Journal of Microbiology.

2.    2. Bishop, K. S., Kao, C. H. J., Xu, Y., Glucina, M. P., Paterson, R. R., & Ferguson, L. R. (2015). From 2000 years of Ganoderma lucidum to recent developments in nutraceuticals. Phytochemistry, 114, 56–65.

3. Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M., & Chan, G. C. (2012). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

4. Paterson, R. R. M. (2006). Ganoderma—a therapeutic fungal biofactory. Phytochemistry, 67(18), 1985–2001.

5. Lin, Z. B. (2003). Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 93(2), 135–140.

6. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A medicinal mushroom. In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. CRC Press.

7. Sanodiya, B. S., Thakur, G. S., Baghel, R. K., Prasad, G. B., & Bisen, P. S. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum: A potent pharmacological macrofungus. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 10(8), 717–742.

8. Shi, L., Ren, A., Mu, D., Zhao, M., & Zhao, L. (2013). Inhibitory effects of triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum on β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 52, 210–216.

9. Wang, Y., Bao, L., Liu, D., & Zhou, Q. (2017). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides improve sleep in mice by regulating gut microbiota and modulating neurotransmitters. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 209, 512–519.