Reishi has significant therapeutic effects in enhancing immune function, regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure, assisting in tumor radiotherapy and chemotherapy, protecting and promoting liver health, and improving sleep quality. So what are the side effects of Reishi?
[Does Reishi Have Side Effects?]
Reishi has no side effects and there have been no reports of such. Side effects of chemical drugs are a serious concern in modern medicine. This issue is not limited to chemical drugs, as it can also occur in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is absolutely no concern regarding Reishi in this aspect.
The earliest Chinese pharmacopeia, "Shennong Bencao Jing," lists Reishi as a "superior medicine." Unlike conventional medicines, "superior medicines" have no side effects and can be taken daily without worries. Senzhibao Reishi spore powder has three unique advantages that cannot be compared to other medicines: no toxic side effects, effectiveness on multiple organs, and normalization of the functions of all organs.
[How to Choose Reishi]
1. Color
Wild Reishi, after being exposed to wind and sun, absorbs natural rain and dew, giving it a natural luster and a brown color. Some fake Reishi sold on the market is either artificially cultivated or made from similar substances to imitate Reishi. These sellers often steam the fake Reishi in a pot to make it look good. As a result, the surface of the so-called Reishi becomes shiny and bright, but it looks unnatural and appears black or brown. It should be noted that the efficacy of such Reishi is greatly reduced.
2. Texture
Genuine Reishi is generally semi-circular in shape and varies in size. Natural Reishi has irregular textures, and each one is unique and cannot be replicated. Fake Reishi, on the other hand, is usually grown or processed in a controlled manner, resulting in uniform size, shape, and regular textures with no special variations.
3. "Muddy Feet"
Genuine Reishi, being wild, often has traces of soil on its roots. This is because it grows on mountains and is directly uprooted during harvesting, which inevitably results in some mud and sand. Counterfeit Reishi, however, is usually grown or processed in artificial environments and typically does not have any traces of soil on its roots.
[How to Take Reishi Properly]
1. Extraction Method
Reishi can be extracted using hot water or alcohol.
For hot water extraction, simmer Reishi in boiling water for 40 minutes. The main active components extracted with this method are polysaccharides, most of which can dissolve well in water (quick extraction). However, components such as ganoderic acid, saponins, and ergosterol are not well dissolved in hot water but can be better dissolved in alcohol. On the other hand, the extraction of polysaccharides in alcohol is not as effective as in hot water (slower extraction).
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages: for patients with hypertension or cancer, it is recommended to use hot water extraction for better results. For patients with rheumatism, coronary heart disease, or respiratory diseases, Reishi extract in the form of alcohol is more suitable. Therefore, when preparing Reishi alcohol extract, heating the alcohol to around 80-85 degrees Celsius is a good choice. However, making tea or cooking meat with Reishi is somewhat wasteful as a method of consumption, although it is not completely ineffective. Therefore, the original Reishi material is more effective when boiled in water rather than made into tea. Additionally, it is beneficial to crush the Reishi into smaller pieces to help the release of its medicinal properties.
The dosage and amount of water for Reishi extraction can be adjusted according to personal preference. More water and less Reishi will result in a higher concentration, while less water and more Reishi will result in a higher dosage.
2. Is Reishi only for patients?
Consumers often have two concerns: the efficacy and the presence of side effects, which are common with pharmaceutical drugs. Reishi has been a valuable medicinal herb since ancient times, and Reishi spore powder is an excellent medicinal ingredient. Many pharmaceutical drugs contain extracts from Reishi spore powder, and its efficacy is beyond doubt. However, unlike conventional drugs, Reishi and spore powder focus on strengthening the body's foundation and have no toxic side effects. In other words, it can be used to treat illnesses or as a general health tonic for those without any specific ailments.
