The Reishi mushroom, used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb, has many therapeutic and medicinal properties. Used mostly in the far East of China and Japan, there are many uses for this supplement. Some of the more important functions include boosting your immune function, reducing your stress while helping to increase relaxation, fighting fatigue in the body while boosting energy and vitality levels, and helping to fight off chronic fatigue. Its also beneficial to those with asthma and bronchitis, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the Reishi mushroom. In addition, it acts as an anti-coagulant, to help thin blood. Fighting allergies is also one of the functions of the Reishi mushroom.

Many experts also look to the Reishi mushroom for helping to lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and help increase the beauty and vitality of skin. While the studies still need to be conducted, some believe the Reishi mushroom to be an anti-cancer agent, as well. The Reishi mushroom contains polysaccharides, a substance that has fought cancerous tumors in mice. Polysaccharides also help to enhance the immune system.

Triterpenes in the mushroom are what is believed to assist in lowering blood pressure. The side effects experienced by eating the Reishi mushroom are generally rare, but they can include dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, skin rashes, and nosebleeds in a small amount of the population. If any of these symptoms arise in you, you should reduce your dosage or discontinue your use of the Reishi mushroom. Guidelines as far as dosage go as follows:

General health supplement: 500mg twice per day Heart disease: 1500mg per day Immune system enhancement: 500mg three times per day Bronchitis: 1500mg per day while the condition persists

Reishi mushrooms can be found in supplements, capsules, powders, teas, and coffees, providing numerous ways to get your dose.