Mushrooms are the shiitake right now, and reishi is the queen of them. Known as the mushroom of immortality, this rare fungus is also known as an adaptogen and has been used to support health and well-being for over 2000 years. Once incredibly expensive, reishi is now spreading across the globe.

This healing mushroom contains loads of polysaccharides, peptides and triterpenoids, as well as dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Needless to say, it provides a range of pretty powerful health benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system, reduce stress and aid in more restful sleep (yes, yes and yes please). Here are seven of our favorite reasons to consume reishi.

Reishi Supports the Immune System

We’re under constant exposure to pollutants and toxins that our immune system has to fight off. Any extra line of protection for the body’s defense system is always a good thing. Studies have shown that reishi can positively affect white blood cells, which play a crucial part in that immunity. By increasing the number of these cells, our body has more strength to successfully ward off and fight infections.

Reishi Reduces Stress

Reishi is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body and mind combat stress. Aka it helps you chill the F out. There are some results showing that it can help lower blood pressure and even go as far as to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, too.

Reishi Reduces Inflammation

Since the reishi mushroom contains loads of antioxidants that have immune-boosting properties, it can also be used to decrease inflammation. This includes everything from skin flare-ups, allergies and asthma to arthritis, sore muscles and pain.

Reishi Acts as a Natural Sleep-aid

It makes sense that with lower blood pressure and less stress you’d probably find yourself sleeping better. While these can certainly both play a factor, the reishi mushroom itself actually supports the body’s natural sleep cycles as well. Make it a part of your bedtime routine and go from restless to well-rested in no time.

Reishi Boosts Gut Health

Reishi can greatly improve gut health, which is where most chronic diseases start. This is because the beta-glucans in the mushroom encourage the growth of probiotic bacteria, the good kind of bacteria (yes, it’s real). A strong, diverse microbiome = A strong you.

Reishi Promotes Brain Health

Studies have found that reishi mushrooms may have positive effects on brain health, like supporting the production of nerve growth. This is because it contains a wide range of bioactive compounds. Sounds like a no-brainer to us.

Reishi Promotes Liver Health

Reishi’s adaptogenic qualities also help it to promote liver function. We already know that this organ has some super important daily responsibilities, including the circulation of healthy blood and nutrients and pumping out those Saturday night beers, so let’s take care of it!

The hype? It’s real. More and more studies are coming to light praising the unique properties that the reishi mushroom possesses. And you know Blume had to get a piece of it!

Find Reishi in our Reishi Hot Cacao - our delicious, guilt-free hot (or iced!) chocolate you’ve always dreamed of!