As winter arrives with chilly winds and a season of rest and preservation for all things, it becomes a golden opportunity for nourishing the body and storing energy. Among the many ingredients ideal for winter supplementation, Reishi stands out for its unique status as both a food and medicine, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.
Reishi harmonizes the spleen and stomach, making nutritional supplements more effective.
The spleen governs transformation and transportation, as well as the ascent of clear qi. When the spleen is deficient, its transformative functions weaken, leading to indigestion and poor absorption of even the most nourishing supplements.
Reishi, being neutral in nature and beneficial to the five organs, is known for its ability to strengthen healthy qi, calm the mind, boost immunity, and regulate the spleen and stomach.
Professor Jian Du from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine elaborated on this in the second episode of the Reishi Vitality Theory:
“From the Shennong Materia Medica to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Reishi is described as having a bitter taste and a neutral nature. Historical texts indicate that both the flavor and properties of Reishi are closely linked to its effects on the five organs. Reishi aids the spleen and stomach, helping to normalize their functions, allowing for the proper absorption of nutrients and essence, thereby replenishing vital energy and enhancing the effectiveness of supplementation.”
Reishi and Lion’s Mane Mushroom Soup with Pork Ribs: Supplements the center and boosts qi, and supplements deficiency and fortifies the stomach.
Ingredients:
10g of organic purple Reishi slices (GanoHerb)
20g dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms
200g pork ribs
3 slices of ginger
Spring onion and salt to taste
Instructions:
Wash the ingredients. Bring water to a boil in a pot, then add the ribs and blanch for 2–3 minutes. Skim off the foam and remove the ribs for later use.
Place ribs, Reishi slices, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, ginger slices, and chopped spring onions into a pot. Add water and simmer gently for 1 hour.
Season with salt and chicken essence before serving.
Description of the Medicinal Dish:
The soup has a rich meaty aroma and a fresh taste. It combines the benefits of Reishi for supplementing the center and boosting qi, and the effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom for strengthening the spleen and stomach. This dish is suitable for conditions such as liver qi stagnation, digestive issues, and low energy.
Note: It is not recommended for those who experience frequent urination or excessive nighttime urination.
Diverse Ways to Enjoy Reishi
Reishi can be consumed directly or paired with other ingredients to enhance its health benefits. For optimal absorption, products like Reishi spore powder, extracts, or spore oil are even better choices.
Three Groups Who Should Prioritize Reishi in Winter
1. Sub-Healthy Individuals
Those experiencing fatigue, frequent colds, sensitivity to cold, insomnia, or memory issues due to overwork, late nights, or excessive stress can benefit from Reishi tea or spore powder. These replenish energy and restore vitality.
2. People with Kidney Qi Deficiency
As people age, symptoms such as poor concentration, declining vision, memory loss, and fatigue may appear. Reishi spore oil or extracts can help strengthen kidney function, improve vitality, and delay aging.
3. Chronic Disease Patients
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that “sufficient healthy-qi inside the body will prevent invasion of pathogenic factors.” Due to Reishi’s ability to strengthen healthy qi, it is beneficial in managing chronic conditions. Reishi assists in the recovery of health for chronic bronchitis, chronic gastritis, hepatitis, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and post-illness weakness.
Regulates the spleen and stomach, promotes sleep, boosts immunity… the benefits of Reishi go far beyond these. This winter, consider incorporating Reishi into your daily routine. Let it nourish your body, allowing your health to naturally improve.
