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Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Hair

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

In New York, Rick was a busy lawyer who loved natural remedies. He had been dealing with thinning hair for a long time. He spotted the Reishi mushroom display while visiting a local health food store. Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” Rick got curious and decided to look into its effects on hair health.

For over 2000 years, the Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, has been a key part of Chinese and Japanese medicine. Its shiny look and woody, bitter taste means it’s not usually eaten. Yet, its health benefits have made it popular in many wellness products. [1]

His investigation led Rick to discover that Reishi mushrooms are full of antioxidants. These can protect hair from issues like thinning and loss. Moreover, some research shows they could help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone. This might improve the health of hair-related hormones. Excited by what he learned, Rick started taking Reishi supplements and saw his hair getting thicker and stronger.

If you have thinning hair like Rick, or perhaps scalp issues, or even gray hair, adding Reishi to your routine might be a smart move. Its many benefits could be just what you need for beautiful and confident hair. Give this ancient remedy a try and see what it does for you.

What are Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma lucidum, are fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. They have been called a “mushroom of immortality” for their health benefits. Around 1400 AD, images of Ganoderma lucidum in art began to spread. The first written work on herbs, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, mentioned it during the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD). [1]

These mushrooms have a shiny, tough surface and a bitter taste. Because of this, they are not often used in cooking. In the past, only the rich could eat them. Now, many enjoy their benefits in the form of tea or extracts. Reishi continues to hold a significant place in traditional medicine across Eastern societies. As globalization expands and more individuals seek natural alternatives for maintaining well-being, researchers are increasingly examining the effects of this age-old herbal remedy.

Beneficial Compounds in Reishi Mushrooms

The Ganodermataceae family has 219 known species, with G. lucidum being one. Its shiny outer layer and specific cell features are well-known. Among them are polysaccharides, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunostimulant properties. Additionally, triterpenes contribute to anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic effects. Reishi also contains ganoderic acids, coumarin, sterols, and mannitol, all playing roles in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting functions. [2]

Reishi Mushrooms and Hair Loss

Excessive levels of DHT in men can contribute to hair loss, prompting doctors to recommend DHT blockers as a solution. Studies have indicated that Reishi mushroom effectively inhibits the enzyme responsible for DHT production, suggesting its potential as a treatment for both male and female pattern baldness. [3]

DHT Blocking Potential

Research confirms that Reishi mushrooms possess the ability to inhibit DHT, the hormone associated with hair loss. Incorporating Reishi and Maitake mushrooms into shampoo formulations could stimulate hair regrowth. Additionally, supplements containing these mushrooms, along with supplementary nutrients, have shown promise in reducing excess DHT levels and promoting the growth of new hair. [4]

Reduction of Scalp Inflammation

Reishi mushrooms exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in soothing an itchy, inflamed scalp. Furthermore, they enhance blood circulation to the scalp, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. This reduction in inflammation and improvement in blood flow not only promotes healthier hair growth but also lowers the risk of scalp conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. [5][6]

Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Hair

Reishi mushrooms are rich in triterpenes and beta-glucans, which are crucial for maintaining hair health. They work to enhance hair growth and are also abundant in antioxidants, providing protection against hair damage and reducing the likelihood of issues such as thinning. Here are some of the most notable benefits of reishi mushrooms for hair.

Promoting Hair Growth

Reishi mushrooms regulate certain bodily functions, including those that could potentially harm hair follicles. Consequently, they reduce inflammation, strengthening the follicles and improving blood circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the hair roots, facilitating robust hair growth and combating conditions like dandruff. [5]

Preventing Premature Graying

By fortifying hair roots, reishi mushrooms contribute to maintaining vibrant hair color and can help prevent premature graying. The nutrients found in reishi mushrooms nourish the hair follicles, providing them with the essential elements needed to maintain their pigment production and vitality. Regular consumption of reishi mushrooms or the use of products containing their extracts can play a significant role in preserving the natural color of your hair, keeping it looking youthful and vibrant for longer periods.

Strengthening Hair Follicles

The immune-boosting properties of reishi mushrooms offer assistance in cases of alopecia areata, a condition where the body mistakenly attacks hair roots. Additionally, they mitigate harmful bodily processes that may target the hair, reducing inflammation and enhancing scalp circulation. This support to the follicles promotes overall hair health. [7]

Final Word

Adding reishi mushrooms into your hair care routine can yield significant benefits. These mushrooms are renowned for their ability to promote hair growth and overall hair health. Packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone-balancing effects, reishi mushrooms offer a holistic approach to hair care. Additionally, they boost the immune system, further contributing to overall well-being.

For centuries, reishi mushrooms have been integral to Chinese medicine, and now, their potential benefits for hair care are becoming increasingly recognized. By incorporating these ancient mushrooms into your routine, you may achieve the hair of your dreams. While further research is needed current findings suggest that reishi mushrooms could be a valuable addition to your hair care regimen.

References

[1]  Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9.

[2] Martínez-Montemayor MM, Ling T, Suárez-Arroyo IJ, Ortiz-Soto G, Santiago-Negrón CL, Lacourt-Ventura MY, Valentín-Acevedo A, Lang WH, Rivas F. Identification of Biologically Active Ganoderma lucidum Compounds and Synthesis of Improved Derivatives That Confer Anti-cancer Activities in vitro. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Feb 19;10:115. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00115. PMID: 30837881; PMCID: PMC6389703.

[3] Urysiak-Czubatka I, Kmieć ML, Broniarczyk-Dyła G. Assessment of the usefulness of dihydrotestosterone in the diagnostics of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014 Aug;31(4):207-15. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40925. Epub 2014 Sep 8. PMID: 25254005; PMCID: PMC4171668.

[4] Fujita R, Liu J, Shimizu K, Konishi F, Noda K, Kumamoto S, Ueda C, Tajiri H, Kaneko S, Suimi Y, Kondo R. Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 31;102(1):107-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.05.041. PMID: 16029938.
[5] Ziemlewska A, Wójciak M, Mroziak-Lal K, Zagórska-Dziok M, Bujak T, Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z, Szczepanek D, Sowa I. Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion’s Mane Extracts. Molecules. 2022 Aug 10;27(16):5090. doi: 10.3390/molecules27165090. PMID: 36014338; PMCID: PMC9412612.
[6] Lull C, Wichers HJ, Savelkoul HF. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties of fungal metabolites. Mediators Inflamm. 2005 Jun 9;2005(2):63-80. doi: 10.1155/MI.2005.63. PMID: 16030389; PMCID: PMC1160565.
[7] Jiao C, Xie Y, Yun H, Liang H, He C, Jiang A, Wu Q, Yang BB. The effect of Ganodermalucidum spore oil in early skin wound healing: interactions of skin microbiota and inflammation. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jul 21;12(14):14125-14140. doi: 10.18632/aging.103412. Epub 2020 Jul 21. PMID: 32692722; PMCID: PMC7425473.
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