11 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom Extract

Reishi mushroom is a fibrous and woody fungus that has been used in traditional eastern medicines for thousands of years. Though the mushroom exists in many different products and forms, this article looks specifically at the benefits of liquid and powdered extracts of lingzhi (Reishi) mushroom.

8 Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Irrelevant of the form of Reishi mushroom that you choose to use, the inherent health benefits will primarily be the same. For a detailed blog about these benefits and why they exist, read Health Benefits and Side Effects of Reishi Mushrooms.

In short, the benefits offered by this mushroom are extensive, but include the following:

1. Cancer-fighting properties
2. Relief from mood-related disorders like anxiety, stress, and depression
3. Relief from sleep issues like insomnia
4. 
   Reduced fatigue
   
   
5. Enhanced immune system
   
6. 
   Better skin quality
7. Healthier hearts and blood pressure
8. Reduced hair loss

3 Benefits of Mushroom Extracts

Even though the form of Reishi mushroom doesn't really affect the type of health benefits you'll experience, there are inherent benefits of extracts over other forms of Reishi, such as tablets, supplements, and more. The most prominent of these benefits include:

1. Increased bioavailability The bioavailability of a substance is the amount of that substance your body can utilise, and it differs in different forms. Applying tinctures or other extracts sublingually subverts the digestive system and metabolism as the substance can diffuse through the epithelial cell walls and directly into the bloodstream, meaning less of it is lost.
2. Removal of chitin Mushroom cell walls have a thick layer of chitin that our bodies can't digest. Eating the mushrooms whole and raw doesn't allow most of the beneficial nutrients to be released. However, these nutrients can be extracted by breaking the chitin down with heat (such as by cooking or adding a scoop of reishi powder to coffee) or by extracting it with chemicals.
3. Better dosage control Controlling the dosage of fresh or dried mushrooms can be difficult as numerous factors could affect it. In comparison, the dosage of an extract will be printed on the label and will always be identical for repeated doses of the same volume.