Once known only to monks and ancient Chinese healers, Ganoderma lucidum – better known as Reishi mushroom – is now finding its place in the lives of modern Irish people.
Since centuries, this has been called the Mushroom of ImmortalityReishi’s legacy is rich, culturally as well as medicinally. It’s experiencing a revival in Europe today, especially in Ireland. Interest in mushroom-based functional solutions is on the rise, along with demand for natural remedies to combat stress, improve sleep, and support immune systems.
What makes Reishi special? Why has it become so popular with health-conscious people (especially women) who don’t want to rely on pharmaceuticals to solve their problems? How does science describe this mysterious fungus in detail? Discover more.
Reishi is used by people in Ireland, and women lead the charge.
Reishi has become a popular supplement among Irish consumers who are interested in wellness. What’s interesting, however, is the growing interest of women.
Reishi is a mushroom that has been used for centuries to support health. We talked to people who are behind the Dr Mush Me brand. While people from all walks of life are using this mushroom in their daily routines, Irish women have turned to Reishi to help them with specific areas.
Reishi’s combination of hormone support, sleep improvement, and stress reduction is what makes it so popular.
Women juggling careers, caregiving roles, and the physical demands of hormonal shifts – whether during menstruation, perimenopause, or menopause – are seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical solutions and finding that Reishi offers gentle, long-term support.
Reishi has been used in Ireland for centuries to:
- Balance hormones and support mood: especially around menstrual periods or the transition from menopause.
- Stress relief is often needed by those who are managing multiple obligations at home and work.
- Sleep better without the side effects of sedatives and over-the-counter sleep aids
- Immune support is especially important during the seasonal change, following illness, and during high-stress times.
- Mental health is a part of holistic wellness.
Although individual results may differ, there is a clear trend that indicates women purchase Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishi Reishis more frequently and report particularly positive outcomes.
Reishi helps the body in many ways
Immune health
Reishi’s best-known health benefit is its potential to support the immune system by helping to balance – not overstimulate – immune responses. This is especially important during periods of hormonal fluctuation, when the immune system’s sensitivity may change.
In a 2018 Frontiers in Pharmacology study, compounds in Reishi improved both the innate and adaptive immune system. This helped to adapt better to illness and stress.1
Stress and emotional well-being
Reishi, also known as adaptogens, helps to regulate stress responses in the body over time. Reishi is especially beneficial for women who are experiencing mood swings or burnout.
Reishi supplements were associated with significant decreases in anxiety and depression, according to a small study conducted on breast cancer survivors.2 Although more clinical studies are needed, some women have reported feeling more emotional balanced and resilient following consistent use of the nootropic mushroom.
Supporting sleep and nervous system
Reishi, traditionally used to calm “Shen”, or the spirit in Chinese medicine, has sedative qualities that help relax the nervous system.
A 2012 animal study in Phytomedicine demonstrated Reishi’s ability to extend sleep time and improve non-REM sleep cycles, which may explain why so many users find it helpful for falling asleep and staying asleep – especially during hormonal changes that disturb rest.3
Reishi is growing in Ireland
Reishi has become a popular herb in Ireland amongst those who are interested in herbal medicine, natural alternatives to conventional health care and preventive measures.
As consumers become more curious about functional and medicinal mushrooms, they are also becoming aware that not all mushroom types are psychedelic.
Reishi or other nootropic and functional mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, are becoming more mainstream. Interest in the potential holistic benefits of fungi has grown from health shops to podcasts.
Reishi on the Irish market is completely legal. It’s classified as an EU-approved food supplement, if it doesn’t contain any psychoactive compounds, and complies with food safety regulations.
It’s usually sold in tinctures, capsules, or as powdered extracts and it is often combined with adaptogens.
EU View: Regulation and nutrition
Reishi has not been classified as novel in the EU because its usage predates 1997, when the threshold was set for the classification of novel foods. Reishi’s popularity has grown steadily on the European market.
Reishi, while regulated slightly differently in each member state, is widely accepted to be a natural, safe supplement that does not have a controlled substance classification.
But product claims are strictly regulated. To avoid making unapproved health statements, companies need to educate consumers about the risks.
Royal mushrooms with ancient roots
Reishi is used by Traditional Chinese Medicine since over 2,000 BC. The herb was believed to promote longevity, vitality and strength of the spirit. Reishi is described as an ancient tonic that can give you “eternal young”, reserved for the sages, and only used by emperors.
You have earned the right to call it that Mushroom of Immortality Not because it promises literal immortality as many people may believe, but rather because it is believed to help the body resist disease, reduce anxiety, and restore internal balance.
Reishi mushrooms are tougher and more woody than culinary ones. Reishi is available as an extract or tea. Capsules and tinctures are also popular. These compounds have all been associated with various physiological benefits.
Did you Know?
- Reishi grows on hardwood trees, and is rare to find in nature. Reishi mushrooms are now primarily sustainably farmed. Choose those that are grown locally and organically in Europe, rather than importing them from Asia.
- In Japan, Reishi is known as ‘mannentake’, meaning ‘10,000-year mushroom’.
- Reishi’s bitter taste comes from its triterpenes—compounds thought to support liver function and reduce inflammation.
Reishi is a worthwhile investment.
Reishi, also called the Mushrooms for ImmortalityThis adaptogenic fungus is more than its ancient reputation. This adaptogenic mushroom is now a symbol for holistic and balanced living, especially among women, in Ireland.
This book’s emphasis on immunity, resilience and relaxation is in line with modern thinking, which places a higher value on long-term vitality than quick fixes.
Reishi is a research-backed option for Irish consumers who are becoming more cautious and curious about the products they consume.
It may or it might not give you Everlasting lifeIt may make you feel better and more balanced.
Please see the following references:
- Batra, P., Sharma, A. K., & Khajuria, R. (2013). Ganoderma lucidum : A powerful pharmacological macfungus. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 14(9), 885–892.
- Zhao, J., et al. (2012). The effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides (GLP) on fatigue and depression among breast cancer survivors. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012
- Yin, J., et al. (2012). Ganoderma luminum’s hypnotic action on mice was reported in 2012. Phytomedicine, 19(11), 952–956.
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