Reishi has been a staple in Asian medicines as a secretive, magic component for centuries. Known as the “Elixir of Immortality” in Chinese texts dating back to 2,000 years ago, Reishi is immortalized in Eastern cultures as a herald of luck, healing, and wellness. In fact, older portraits of Chinese emperors depicted the emperors holding a piece of this legendary mushroom, to signify longevity and robust health. 

Reishi’s most notable and intriguing facet is its mind-calming properties. The triterpenes found in Reishi lull the nervous system into a state of relaxation, thereby promoting better sleep quality. Moreover, Reishi helps the body regulate adrenaline and cortisol levels, promoting  muscle relaxation and a healthy heart rate. 

Stronger immunity⁽¹⁾, treatments for pulmonary diseases and cancer ⁽¹⁾, and reduced systemic inflammation, the list of Reishi’s benefits keeps going, like mycelium in a substrate. With a name akin to a warrior, its sword of benefits vanquishes all ailments before it.

Dried Reishi mushroom slices should ideally be brewed into a tea. 

How to make one cup of Reishi tea:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
• Add 1 gm (2-3 small pieces) of dried Reishi mushrooms to the water and simmer for 45-60 minutes. 
• During this period, the water should reduce by half. If it has reduced beyond that, you may add more water.
• After 60 minutes, strain the pieces and have the Reishi tea. 
• Reishi tea has a bitter taste. You may consider adding some aromatics like ginger in the last 10 minutes of boiling to add a bit of flavour to your tea. You can also add honey, lemon, etc. to your Reishi tea.