Known as the king of mushrooms or Mushrooms of immortality in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi has always been used for different purposes. However, Reishi mushroom is not as easy to use as other mushrooms. It cannot be simply added to a dinner recipe, but prepared in a specific way to be beneficial. It is a very chewy and woody type of mushroom. Reishi mushroom can be easily recognized as it has a more unique look than other mushrooms. Moreover, Reishi Mushrooms make up a diverse genus and have a broad geographic range from South America to Asia, this type of mushroom is known for always growing horizontally out of the trunks of trees. 

TYPES OF REISHI

Over 20,000 different species of Reishi mushrooms exist. However, studies have discussed four mythical reishi mushrooms and presented the one with great worth and enormous benefits as follow:

1- Red Reishi 

Red Reishi is the most known and demanded variety of Reishi. It is the greatest due to its high polysaccharides which are major classes of biomolecules; a long chains of carbohydrate molecules, composed of several smaller monosaccharides that are are well known for their high nutritive value and the positive effects on the immune and digestive functions and detoxification system. They are also important in providing structural support, storing energy, and sending cellular communication signals. Red Reishi is also rich with antioxidants that ​​are substances that protect our cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

2- Black Reishi 

Black Reishi (Ganoderma formosanum) is a rare polypore mushroom used for its medicinal properties. It provides a distinctive bitter and impart a deep flavor, with an aromatic woody smell and outstanding firm woody texture. Black Reishi ​ has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. It can be used to make extracts which have shown potent medicinal benefits. This type of Reishi  has also been used in interesting folk practices throughout Asia.

3- Yellow Reishi 

Also known as Ganoderma Curtisii, Yellow Reishi is one of North American species that used to be considered a Reishi Type of mushroom. Ganoderma Curtisii is used as a medicine in Asia. Many studies confirmed that Yellow Reishi can be very helpful in treating some types of cancer, immunomodulation, and diabetes. Yellow Reishi has an annual fruiting body. It can fruit any time of the year when in warmer climates.

4- White Reishi 

This type of Reishi is also called Agarikon. White Reishi grow mostly in the Northern hemisphere – North America, Asia, Europe and Morocco. This mushroom can grow for about 75 years, and some say even 100 years. White Reishi has been used for years to treat different conditions. It is considered a natural kind of medicine to help with inflammatory conditions, lung conditions, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

WHAT IS REISHI GOOD FOR?

Reishi mushrooms have numerous benefits and can be used to treat many conditions and improve health and wellbeing. Reishi can help in:

• Boosting the immune system
• Improving anti-cancer properties in the body
• Fighting fatigue and depression 
• Decreasing blood sugar
• Enhancing heart health
• Boosting antioxidants status in the body

One of the best ways to profit from Reishi benefit is by conveniently adding whole food reishi to your daily routine by using certified, organic Reishi powder such as the one provided by Molecule. This is a quick and easy way to incorporate this functional mushroom.

CHOCOLATE REISHI LATTE
 

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon reishi powder
• 1 teaspoon of raw coconut butter
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a small pot and whisk together over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Add to a blender and blend until frothy.