Ganoderma lucidum, known as Reishi in Japan and Lingzhi in China, is popularly known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”’ or ‘10,000-Year Mushroom’, has been a go-to for over 2,000 years in the Asian region. In fact,16th century Ming Dynasty texts say that reishi can “mend the heart.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine Lingzhi represents a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality and is regarded as the “Divine Mushroom of Immortality” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity.

Reishi are considered to be one of very few adaptogens, herbs which act as biological response modifiers (BRMs) and restore the body’s innate immune function and help the body adapt to different stressors.

While Reishi has a rich history of benefits, it now has a more global reach and recognition of its health benefits. These amazing fungi are noted due to their unique collection of compounds, which include triterpenes, alkaloids, sterols and a variety of essential polysaccharides.

Reishi also features antioxidants, beta glucans, and triterpenoids. They are a very rich source of organic Selenium, which is critical for the immune system and a key element in metabolism.

4 Science Informed Reasons to Include Reishi Mushroom in Your Dog’s Diet:

1. Helps to Boost the Immune System – Reishi mushroom can enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection and cancer. (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 23)
2. May Support Anti-Cancer Activity – Reishi mushroom appears to significant promise for cancer prevention or treatment. (2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23)
3. Could Fight Fatigue and Depression and Improve Quality of Life – studies have shown that reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve quality of life. (24, 25)
4. May Support Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity – recent studies have shown significant results in these areas. Antioxidants from Reishi mushrooms were found to be absorbed quickly after ingestion, resulting in an increase in the plasma total antioxidant activity. (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)