Reishi mushroom – the bridge between heaven and earth
There's something magical about the Reishi mushroom. For centuries, it grew hidden in the misty forests of China, Japan, and Korea—glossy reddish-brown, as if its surface were coated with varnish. Anyone who ever found it in the wild considered it a blessing. Not just any mushroom, but a symbol of strength, tranquility, and longevity.
Classic within Chinese medicine
The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) grows slowly on the trunks of old deciduous trees. It is tough, woody, and has a soft, earthy aroma—like rain on moss. In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi belongs to the highest class of tonic herbs: remedies not aimed at curing illness, but at maintaining balance, vitality, and inner peace.
It was used to strengthen Qi, the life energy, and to calm Shen—the spirit, the consciousness. Therefore, Reishi was often given to those who were exhausted or restless, to bring body and mind back into harmony. In ancient imperial gardens, it was even cultivated for rituals, as a symbol of the quest for a long and balanced life.
Reishi mushroom as a spiritual ally
In Chinese medicine, it bears the name Ling Zhi, literally "divine mushroom" or "herb of spiritual power." According to ancient scriptures, it was considered a bridge between heaven and earth—a living being that connects the earthly and spiritual worlds. Artists incorporated its form into paintings, carvings, and temple decorations as a symbol of harmony and immortality.
Mushroom of Immortality
Her nickname, "mushroom of immortality," doesn't mean she literally prolongs life, but rather that she helps remind us of the power of stillness. In ancient Chinese philosophy, immortality symbolized the preservation of inner peace: living in harmony with nature, without struggle or exhaustion.
What does Reishi do?
What makes reishi so special is its rich composition. It contains natural compounds such as polysaccharides (including β-glucans) and triterpenes, substances that have received considerable scientific attention in recent decades. Researchers describe these compounds as being involved in the body's natural defense mechanisms and contributing to processes of recovery and inflammation regulation (Wachtel-Galor & Benzie, 2011; Xu et al., 2022).
In everyday use, Reishi is often seen as an herb that helps the body maintain balance, especially during times of stress or fatigue. Under European regulations, Reishi is only allowed to be said to contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.** But in its origins, it has always been more than that: a symbol of tranquility, of inner strength, of connection with nature.
Reishi extract as part of the daily ritual
Once found only in imperial pharmacies, Reishi is now readily available in many forms. Some people make a Reishi extract by creating a decoction from thin slices of the mushroom—a bitter, almost medicinal brew that is simmered slowly. Others opt for powder or capsules, or for a Reishi
A modern way to incorporate Reishi into your day is a Reishi latte: warm plant-based milk with a pinch of cinnamon, a teaspoon of Reishi powder, and perhaps a little honey. A moment of tranquility in a cup—a way to reflect on the day, just as people used to do in the temple gardens.
Reishi is often used in the evening, when the body is at rest. Not for sleep, but for grounding—to feel the day's energy subside.
The silent wisdom of the Reishi mushroom
The Reishi mushroom invites us to slow down. Its story reminds us that health isn't just about strength, but also about gentleness, rhythm, and connection. It embodies what the Chinese knew centuries ago: that true vitality arises when body and mind are in balance.
Whether you drink it as a tea, incorporate it into your evening ritual or opt for a carefully prepared Reishi
Disclaimer: This product does not replace a varied diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Sources
Wachtel-Galor, S., & Benzie, IFF (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A medicinal mushroom. In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor &Francis. NCBI Bookshelf
Xu, X., et al. (2022). Research progress on the pharmacological effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 934982. Full text
