Reishi helps immunity of humans, and bees

Nature is full of hidden treasures, and reishi mushrooms are one of them. Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. But its benefits go far beyond ancient remedies. From supporting our immune system to helping honeybees fight off harmful viruses, this unique mushroom has a lot to offer. Let’s dive into what makes reishi so special and how it can benefit both humans and the environment.

What is Reishi?

Reishi (or Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that thrives in mountainous regions with dense forests, high humidity, and low light. It grows on dead trees like plum, Quercus serrata, or Pasonia. Reishi is pretty rare—only about 1 in 5,000 trees will have it. That’s because its spores have tough outer shells, making it difficult for them to spread and germinate.

This mushroom has been a staple in Chinese culture for thousands of years and is often called the “mushroom of immortality.”

There are over 2,000 species of reishi mushrooms, but only six have been extensively studied: black, blue, white, yellow, red, and purple. The black and red varieties have shown the greatest health benefits, so they’re the most commonly used.

You can find reishi growing in the wild, but it’s also cultivated by growing it on aged Japanese oak trees.

More than just a mushroom

Reishi is packed with nutrients and has a ton of health benefits. What’s interesting is that its stem absorbs nutrients from the wood it grows on. That means the better the tree, the more nutrient-dense the mushroom. In fact, the richer the nutrients, the bigger its cap!

Here are some ways reishi mushrooms can support your health:

• Boosts your immune system – High in organic germanium, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, which help strengthen immune cells.
• Fights inflammation & oxidative stress – Can help reduce inflammation and protect your body from damage.
• Helps with allergies & asthma – Studies show reishi can reduce allergic reactions and even help with asthma.
• Supports liver health – May help repair and protect the liver.
• Improves sleep & energy levels – Some people take it to fight fatigue and insomnia.
• Reduces stress & anxiety – Works as an adaptogen (plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing), helping your body handle stress better.

How to add Reishi to your diet

Reishi has gained popularity worldwide, but here’s the catch—it doesn’t taste great. The black variety is salty, while the red one is bitter. Because of this, most people consume it in teas, supplements, or tinctures (where the extract is dissolved in alcohol).

Reishi isn’t just good for us… it’s great for Bees too!

Lately, honey bee populations have been struggling due to viruses, which is a big problem for us too. Bees pollinate about 75% of the world’s crops—including fruits, veggies, nuts, and even coffee! Without them, we’d lose a lot of our favourite foods. Now, saving the bees seems way more important, right?

Bees also help keep ecosystems balanced by pollinating wild plants, which supports biodiversity and the food chain for both humans and animals.

And let’s not forget honey! This liquid gold has some amazing health benefits, such as:

• Antibacterial properties
• High in antioxidants
• Aiding digestion

Bees also give us propolis (great for immunity and fighting infections), royal jelly (used for skin health and anti-aging), and bee pollen (rich in vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes).

So, how does Reishi help Bees?

Fungi produce a wide range of antimicrobial compounds that can fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A 2018 study found that reishi mushrooms helped reduce honey bee deformed wing virus (DWV) and Nosema, a fungal gut infection that weakens bee colonies.

Just like in humans, beneficial fungi like reishi can improve gut health in bees, helping them digest food better and stay strong. Reishi’s antioxidants may also protect bees from harmful pesticides by reducing oxidative stress and helping them detox.

Even more amazing? Researchers have actually seen bees foraging on mushroom mycelium (the root-like structure of fungi), suggesting they might already be using reishi as natural medicine.

Thanks to this research, some beekeepers are now testing reishi mushroom extracts in sugar water to feed their bees, hoping it will help them survive—especially against Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Final thoughts 

Reishi isn’t just a superfood for us—it might actually help save the bees and keep our planet in balance!

Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries for their incredible health benefits, and now we’re learning that they might also help save the bees.

Whether you’re looking to support your immune system, reduce stress, or simply try something new, reishi is worth considering. Plus, knowing that this super mushroom could play a role in protecting our planet makes it even more special. So, next time you hear about reishi, just remember—it’s more than just a mushroom; it’s a powerful ally for both humans and bees alike!