What is Reishi Mushrooms?
Common Names: Ling zhi, Mushroom of Immortality, Mushroom of Spirit, Mannentake
Body System Affinites
Immune System, Cardiovascular System, Liver/Hepatic System, Adrenal Glands & HPA Axis, Metabolic Health, Nervous System, Spiritual Heart/Shen Spirit (TCM), Lungs/Respiratory System
TCM Meridians: Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney, Spleen
Herbal Actions
Immuno-modulator, Deep Nervine, Adaptogen, Hepatoprotective/Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-histamine/Anti-allergenic, Bitter Tonic, Sedative, Antitumor, Anticancer, Antioxidant,
Cardioprotective/Tonic, Nutritive, Hypotensive, Adrenal Tonic, Lipid Balancing/Anti-sclerotic, Hypoglycemic, General Tonic/Trophorestorative, Antibacterial, Antiviral
Energetics
Warm, Dry, Mixed
Tastes: Bitter, Sweet, Earthy, Umami
Reishi mushrooms have been worked with in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other East Asian medicine traditions for over (at least) 2,000 years, making them one of the oldest mushroom species known to be utilized medicinally. Many species of Reishi can be worked with interchangeably, though the Red variety is found most commonly in medicine. They were originally thought to be an elixir of life, bestower of immortality, and protector of the etheric body. As such, they were valued by Daoist monks for their properties of increasing physical health + vitality while also aiding the development and digestion of spiritual experiences. Reishi is believed to “absorb earthly vapors and leave a heavenly atmosphere,” which in our experience rings true. Working with them over extended periods of time leaves a residual feeling of deep peace, inner expansiveness, and a settled heart showing their resonance with the Spiritual Heart category of plant medicine.
Polysaccharides in Reishi (and many mushrooms) provide an anticancer effect by preventing abnormal blood vessel formation while boosting immunity. Triterpenes present in Reishi have been shown to protect the liver, lower blood pressure/cholesterol, and fight allergic responses triggered by histamine. Reishi also enhances bone marrow nucleated cell production while increasing white blood cells and hemoglobin. Studies report that G. lucidum can increase the secretion of cytokines from immune cells, which leads to increased cellular activity promoting immune cell survival and adaptation.
Reishi mushroom could fall under the domain of many planetary rulerships in Astroherbalism. Mushrooms are not often documented in medical astrology texts, leading to a multitude of opinions and associations. I relate them most closely with the Sun due to their energetic, archetypal, and physical affinities. Although their energetics are debated, I feel they are mostly a warming and drying ally, with a primarily bitter taste. Through their adaptogenic qualities, they benefit the entire body. In my practice I’ve seen the most benefit to supporting the fire element, the physical heart, spirit of the heart (Shen), as well as the whole of the vasculature--all of which fall under the Sun’s domain. Immune modulation is another primary benefit of Reishi, but due to their beta-glucan content, you can find this action in most mushrooms.
Reishi is one of my primary allies when working with people who live with autoimmune conditions--resulting in deep and long term systemic inflammation, dysfunctional immunity, sleep and nervous system disturbances, and an overall diminished vital force + fire of the spirit. You reap the most benefit from Reishi (and most mushrooms) when taken consistently over time, in tonic fashion. Reishi shines their light profoundly during dark night of the soul experiences--acting as the ever-present guide that lives within our heart spaces, bringing in the light of the sun to illuminate wisdom left untapped, and expand our capacity to hold presence.
