Take a moment, sit down, maybe take a deep breath. Now, imagine going into the woods, taking care to look at the leaf litter and fallen branches at your feet. On a fallen, decaying log, you may find a reishi mushroom, a saprophytic (feeding on decaying or dead matter) member of the Lucidum family. While this organism isn’t quite a fruit, vegetable or plant, it still contains awesome powers beyond what you may think upon seeing it; these being ability to boost immune response and possibly a way to suppress cancer. The positive impacts of the reishi mushroom on cancer and the immune system have been thoroughly documented and researched throughout the years, and it has proven to be effective in many use cases.
Like the previously discussed psilocybe, the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used, worshiped, and ingrained into human culture for thousands of years. The earliest recorded mention of its usage hails from India and Korea, approximately four thousand years ago. The first big popularization event was thanks to China’s first emperor, Emperor Yan. From his love of natural supplements and foods, the reishi mushroom was propelled into fame and glory in China, and later in other eastern cultures; however, due its rare nature, only the nobility were able to consume it regularly. Evidence for its relevance can be found in many artifacts that exist from ancient times depicting some important person who just so happens to have a reishi mushroom near or on them; it was a symbol of wealth and power. However, farming techniques changed all of that, leveling the buying field on the once rare and coveted reishi mushroom and opening the gates to research and free use.
With the dawn of effective farming methods, such as climate controlled environments and spore isolation, the reishi mushroom became open to consumers. Now, over 4000 tons of reishi are being harvested and shipped out every year, with the market ever-expanding. The logistics of mushroom farming is generally easy, as all one needs is decaying matter and an environment with consistent temperature and moisture; space is really the only limiting factor for the cultivation of mushrooms. But why continue using resources to create a large amount of fungus? Thanks to many research papers, we know that the long and glorious history of using the reishi mushroom as a natural healing mechanism isn’t without scientific reasoning.
Numerous research papers have been created documenting the effectiveness of the reishi mushroom on improving the immune system and suppressing cancer cells. One paper from the NIH suggested reishi is an effective viral suppressant and immune system booster, while another suggested that reishi may be able to suppress and negate invasive cancer cells in the body. While the science behind reishi and a stronger immune system are rock solid, the cancer argument isn’t as strong. The problem is that not enough human trials have been completed with reishi as a variable to make a 100% statement regarding its viability as a cancer treatment aid. However, based on studies done on other animals and preliminary data from human trials, reishi can greatly aid in reducing the severity of cancer in the body, leading to a longer and more comfortable life for those affected. Like many other medicines based on natural ingredients, the healing properties of mushrooms will most likely be disregarded or ignored until researched enough times to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are more than just fungus.
As a closing note, if you are ever buying mushrooms to take as a supplement, make sure to use a reputable company! It’s easy to put a smelly brown powder in a capsule and fool customers with high prices.
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Who knew that a mushroom could effect the immune system and even fight off cancer cells! I have to tell you that I really like the structure of the blog so far- where you are able to introduce the specific mushroom and the later elaborate on both the advantages and the disadvantages. I think it’s really beneficial to the understanding of the topic and I love the fact that it’s not biased.