Reishi mushroom is a fungus with benefits for not only skin but also overall health. You can find Ganoderma lucidum in hot and humid areas of Asia, where is has a storied historical use to provide a variety of health benefits from the immune system to heart health. Lucidum comes from the Latin word lucidus, which means shiny in reference to the mushroom's shiny outer appearance. Before we get into some of the skin benefits of reishi, let's first explore its components and health benefits.
Log in to view the full article
Reishi mushroom is a fungus with benefits for not only skin but also overall health. You can find Ganoderma lucidum in hot and humid areas of Asia, where is has a storied historical use to provide a variety of health benefits from the immune system to heart health. Lucidum comes from the Latin word lucidus, which means shiny in reference to the mushroom's shiny outer appearance. Before we get into some of the skin benefits of reishi, let's first explore its components and health benefits.
What Is In Reishi
Those who eat a lot of mushrooms know they are incredibly nutritious. Not only are they low in calories and fat, but they are high in antioxidants, vitamin D, vitamin B, fiber, protein and a number of minerals.
Reishi mushrooms specifically are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and sulphur in addition to vitamins B and D. The mushrooms also contain lower levels of zinc, copper, manganese and iron. Reishi mushrooms also contain essential amino acids such as lysine and leucine as well as terpenoid, phenols and steroids.
Reishi's Health Benefits
Due to its content of vitamins and minerals, reishi mushrooms have been know to pack a serious health punch. Generally, reishi's vitamin and mineral content has been shown to help boost the immune system as a whole. It is well-known that reishi supplements are often taken by those battling cancer, and studies have shown real benefit. It has been shown that reishi can help kill cancer cells and it may also boost white blood cell counts.
Other reports suggest that reishi may have anti-anxiety and anti-depression affects. Some studies suggest that reishi may help boost testosterone, thereby giving more energy to a person. The mushroom's vitamin and mineral content may also contribute to its potential effects on depression and anxiety.
Finally, it has been suggested that reishi mushroom may improve heart health by lowering blood sugar levels, decreasing triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol. It should be noted that although ancient medicine used reishi for a number of health conditions and the fungi shows promise, in many cases more research is needed. Also, use should be only for a recommended amount of time, as some studies have suggested that reishi can cause stomach discomfort, liver toxicity and an increased bleeding risk.
Reishi For Skin
Reishi has entered the skin care scene with primary benefits in hydration and antioxidant protection. Its content of polysaccharides allows it to serve as a humectant to bind and retain skin moisture and improve the skin barrier. This leads to skin that is healthier, plumper and more youthful looking.
Antioxidants can also be found in reishi, allowing the ingredient to help protect the skin from free radicals. There are also some studies to suggest that reishi mushroom has skin lightening effects by preventing melanin production.
Reishi in Spa
Manufacturers have taken notice of the incredible skin benefits of fungi. Reishi mushroom has found its way into a number of spa treatments and products.
At Organic Spa Chicago, The Organic Mushroom Facial includes an organic mushroom mask, which is delivered to the skin with ultrasound. The facial also includes cleansing, steam, vaccum and cupping massage, exfoliation, lymphatic massage, high frequency, microcurrent and finishing products.
Eminence includes reishi in its Snow Mushroom & Masque, where the mushroom improves hydration and protects against oxidation. Similar to reishi, snow mushroom serves both hydration and antioxidant benefits in the products. The mask also contains clay to remove impurities and birch water to purify and hydrate the skin. Caffeine is included to revitalize the skin's appearance.
Prana Spaceutical's Reishi Mushroom Serum is a lightweight skin recovery serum helps relieve stressed skin from inflammation by boosting skin immunity and helping to absorb unwanted toxins. Mushroom healing is a century-old ritual that enhances the skin’s vitality.
The Cleopatra Neck Cream from Elina Organics contains reishi mushroom for its anti-aging powers. It notes that the mushroom provides restoring nutrients, supports sensitive skin and reduces inflammation.
References
![How Hydroporation Can Give You and Your Clients A Holiday Glow [+ Special Discount]](https://mindful-org-allured.imgix.net/workspaces/default/uploads/2024/10/_thumb.xI7bIFwIEq.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=191&w=340&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70)
