John Miller
Medicinal mushrooms are well-known adaptogens, which help regulate vital systems within the body, such as the nervous system, to restore balance and adapt to stress. Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms have been studied for their impact on sleep latency, sleep quality, and duration, with both showing positive results. Reishi has been shown to reduce stress, increase sleep-promoting neurotransmitters, and promote restful sleep. Lion's Mane may improve sleep by supporting nerve health and nerve growth, as well as improving cognition and reducing anxiety. While these mushrooms are typically consumed in supplemental form, they can also be added to tea, coffee, or meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Reishi |
| Latin name | Ganoderma lucidum |
| Other names | Lingzhi (Chinese), Mannentake (Japanese) |
| Form | Powder, extract, supplement |
| Benefits | Supports the body's ability to adapt to stressors, reduces fatigue, supports a calm and sustained energy, boosts the immune system, lowers blood sugar in people with diabetes, prevents infection, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, promotes wound healing, protects the skin from the effects of aging |
| Side effects | Itching, rash, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach |
| Dosage | 1/4 teaspoon per serving |
| Best time to take | Evening |
| Preparation | Tonic tea by adding the powder to warm water |
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What You'll Learn
Reishi mushrooms reduce stress and promote sleep
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and are known for their ability to reduce stress and promote sleep. They are considered adaptogens, which are substances that help regulate vital systems in the body, such as the nervous system, to restore balance and adapt to stress.
Reishi mushrooms contain compounds like triterpenes and beta-d-glucans, which have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. This promotes a sedative quality that helps support restful sleep. Studies have shown that Reishi can decrease sleep latency, or the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, while increasing total sleep time and the quality of sleep, including deep sleep.
Reishi mushroom supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules, powders, and extracts, and can be added to tea or other beverages. It is recommended to take Reishi consistently over a period of time to experience its full benefits. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine.
In addition to its sleep-promoting properties, Reishi mushrooms are also known for their potential immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They have been studied for their ability to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes and prevent infections. However, it is important to note that human studies on functional mushrooms are limited, and side effects may include itching, rash, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and upset stomach.
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Lion's Mane mushrooms improve cognition and calm anxiety
Lions Mane mushrooms have been shown to improve cognition and calm anxiety. The mushroom's scientific name, Hericium erinaceus, alludes to the substances that give it the potential to provide brain-supporting benefits. These benefits include enhancing cognitive function and mood, as well as easing anxiety and depression.
A 2020 study found that supplementation with 1 gram of Lion's Mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores in people with mild Alzheimer's disease compared to a placebo. Another study found that taking three 400-mg capsules daily for 8 weeks helped relieve depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders in 77 overweight or obese individuals. Additionally, a small 2010 study found that daily consumption of cookies containing Lion's Mane mushrooms for 1 month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety in menopausal women.
The potential cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane mushrooms may be attributed to their ability to support nerve health and promote nerve growth. Lion's Mane contains compounds that stimulate the production of NGF (nerve growth factor) in the brain, which protects existing neurons and stimulates new neuron growth. This may contribute to enhanced thinking and memory processes, as well as potential protection against Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are generally considered safe, but it is always recommended to consult with a doctor before incorporating them into your diet, especially when taking them as a supplement. They can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried, or steeped as tea, and they are known for their "seafood-like" flavor. When taken as a supplement, the recommended dosage for improving cognition is typically between 3 to 5 grams per day, but it can vary depending on individual factors such as age and overall health.
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NGF production in the brain is supported by Lion's Mane
Several mushroom species are known to have medicinal properties that can aid sleep. These include Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms, which are adaptogens that help regulate vital systems in the body, such as the nervous system, to restore balance and adapt to stress.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique mushroom with a distinct appearance and function. It is known for its powerful effects as a "brain tonic", improving cognition and memory and easing depression and anxiety.
Lion's Mane is particularly effective at stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production in the brain. NGF is a protein that plays a critical role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons. It protects existing neurons and stimulates new neuron growth, enhancing brain cell regeneration. The primary active compounds in Lion's Mane, hericenones, and erinacines, play a vital role in this process. Hericenones help the brain produce more NGF, while erinacines, due to their small size, can cross the blood-brain barrier and foster NGF production within the brain.
The ability of Lion's Mane to stimulate NGF production in the brain has been linked to improved nerve health and nerve growth. This may contribute to its effectiveness in promoting good quality sleep and reducing stress. While the exact mechanism remains unknown, Lion's Mane's potential to support nerve health and enhance neural pathways may play a role in its sleep-supporting benefits.
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Reishi mushrooms can be consumed as a tea before bed
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, are large mushrooms with a woody texture that grow in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern medicine for a long time and are known to have many health benefits.
Reishi mushrooms are considered safe for most people and are available in many forms, including fresh, dried, powdered, as a supplement, or as tea. They can be consumed at any time of the day, but drinking Reishi mushroom tea before bed can be especially beneficial for sleep. This is because the compounds in Reishi mushrooms, such as triterpenes and beta-d-glucans, have a calming effect on the nervous system and can promote a state of balance within the body. This helps to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.
To make Reishi mushroom tea, you can use dried Reishi mushrooms or Reishi mushroom powder. Simply add the mushrooms or powder to a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for a few minutes. You can also purchase Reishi mushroom tea bags or extracts from online retailers. It is important to buy from reputable companies and follow the dosage recommendations on the product label.
While Reishi mushrooms have many potential health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants, should exercise caution when consuming Reishi mushrooms. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
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Reishi mushrooms may cause itching, rashes, dizziness, etc
Reishi mushrooms are known to help with sleep and lower stress levels. They are often consumed in the evening as a tonic tea. However, despite their benefits, they can also cause some adverse side effects.
Reishi mushrooms can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people with certain pre-existing conditions or those taking specific medications. The most common side effects include itching, rashes, and dizziness. Other side effects include dryness in the mouth, throat, and nasal passages, headaches, nausea, stomach upset, nosebleeds, and bloody stools.
It is important to note that the safety of Reishi mushrooms has been questioned, especially for those with low blood pressure or those taking medication to raise their blood pressure. Additionally, those taking diabetes medications or with immune system disorders should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid Reishi mushrooms due to insufficient research in these areas.
Furthermore, Reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals with a very low platelet count. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming Reishi mushrooms, especially if you are taking any medications, to ensure they will not negatively interact with the mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms are known to help with sleep.
Reishi mushrooms have been studied for their impact on sleep latency, showing a decrease in the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. They also increase total sleep time and sleep quality.
Medicinal mushrooms are typically taken in supplemental form and added to tea or coffee. However, mushroom extracts can be mixed into any food, drink, or smoothie recipe.
