Getting enough sleep and down time is a struggle many of us face. The pace of living often makes it difficult to slow down and actually relax but it’s so important to do so.
A balanced healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen by accident, in fact, it takes prioritising our holistic wellbeing to get us there. And one way you can do this is by adding superfoods that promote relaxation to your routine.
There are many different kinds of superfoods, each with vitamin and nutrient properties that help us to nurture various parts and functions of our bodies. Even in the case of rest, relaxation and sleep, there are superfoods out there that could improve this for you.
One of the superfoods touted for its relaxing properties is the Reishi mushroom, so today, we’re going to take a look at the Reishi mushroom, including a look into its history and use in traditional medicines and what it could do for you.
History of the Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom holds a rich history that stretches back centuries. Scientifically known as the Ganoderma lucidum, it has been traditional used in various Asian cultures due to its health promoting properties.
In Ancient China, the Reish mushroom was nicknamed the "Mushroom of Immortality" and was cherished for its exceptional association with longevity, vitality, and spiritual well-being.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi was a symbol of good fortune and a prized ingredient in herbal concoctions aimed at enhancing overall health. Its use dates back thousands of years, with references found in ancient texts like the "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing." Emperors and nobility held Reishi in high esteem, often regarding it as a precious gift that conferred strength, wisdom, and balance.
Reishi's journey continued through time, weaving its way into Japanese and Korean traditional medicine practices, where it was similarly esteemed for its potential to support various aspects of well-being. The allure of Reishi's potential benefits transcended cultural boundaries, uniting different societies in their recognition of its significance.
Today, Reishi mushrooms carry with them the legacy of centuries of reverence. This history infuses every use of Reishi with a sense of tradition and an acknowledgment of its enduring value in the pursuit of health and vitality.
How can superfoods help in relaxation and rest?
Certain superfoods house bioactive compounds that interact with the body in ways conducive to relaxation. These compounds often have a calming influence on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
On top of this, superfoods containing specific amino acids, such as tryptophan, play a role in the synthesis of serotonin—a neurotransmitter known for regulating mood and promoting a sense of well-being.
In the world of superfoods, the Reishi mushroom holds a distinguished place as a natural ally for relaxation and sleep enhancement. Its blend of bioactive compounds engages with physiological pathways to potentially induce a state of calmness and contribute to a more restful slumber.
What are Reishi’s relaxation enhancing benefits?
Some of the potential benefits that Reishi mushrooms have in terms of relaxation and sleep include:
How it interacts with neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are the messengers of our nervous system and compounds within Reishi modulate neurotransmitter activity. This can help in promoting the release of molecules linked to relaxation and positive mood. This intricate dance creates an environment of balanced neurotransmitter function, fostering a sense of ease.
Reduces the stress we experience
Modern life's stressors are no match for Reishi's stress-fighting abilities. Specific compounds in Reishi mushrooms inhibit the production of stress hormones, curbing the body's stress response. By lessening stress hormone levels, Reishi not only encourages relaxation but also sets the stage for a serene state of mind.
Works with our nervous system
Reishi engages with the autonomic nervous system, which governs our stress and relaxation responses. By favouring the branch of the system that is responsible for relaxation, Reishi ushers in a calming effect.
What Reishi could do for your sleep cycles
Reishi mushrooms, with their centuries-old legacy, hold the promise of enhancing sleep quality through their unique array of bioactive compounds. Here’s how:
Helps to regulate sleep cycles
Reishi's influence extends to our internal clocks, known as circadian rhythms, which govern our sleep-wake cycles. Compounds within Reishi mushrooms harmonise with these rhythms, aiding in the regulation of sleep cycles. By promoting synchronisation between our bodies and the natural world, Reishi offers a pathway to a more consistent and rejuvenating slumber.
Helps to reduce symptoms of insomnia
For those plagued by the restlessness of insomnia, Reishi mushrooms offer a glimmer of hope. Research suggests that Reishi's bioactive components possess the potential to alleviate insomnia symptoms. By calming the mind and reducing anxiety—a common culprit of sleeplessness—Reishi creates an environment conducive to falling asleep more easily.
Helps to improve deep sleep phases
The depths of deep sleep hold the secrets to truly restorative rest. Reishi's impact on sleep extends to this crucial phase, where the body undergoes essential repair and rejuvenation. Compounds in Reishi have been linked to an enhancement of deep sleep, allowing for a more profound and refreshing slumber that leaves individuals waking up revitalized.
How to incorporate Reishi into Your Routine
There are numerous ways that you can add Reishi to your routine, some of which we’ve listed below:
- Evening Ritual: Take your Reishi mushroom supplement as part of your evening wind-down routine. Incorporate it alongside other calming activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation to create a holistic relaxation experience.
- Pre-bed teatime: Combine Reishi mushroom supplements with a cup of soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or lavender. The warm beverage coupled with the relaxing properties of Reishi can help signal to your body that it's time to unwind.
- Make a supplement stack: Consider integrating Reishi mushroom supplements into your existing supplement routine. Pairing Reishi with other natural sleep aids like magnesium or melatonin can enhance the overall sleep-inducing effect.
- Sleep boosting dessert smoothie: Blend your Reishi mushroom supplement into a calming smoothie with ingredients like banana, almond milk, and a touch of honey. This nourishing blend can serve as a nourishing pre-bedtime treat.
- Travel Companion: For those who experience difficulty sleeping while traveling, Reishi mushroom supplements can provide a familiar routine and soothing effect that supports restful sleep-in unfamiliar environments.
- Experiment with Timing: While many find consuming Reishi supplements before bedtime effective, some individuals might benefit from taking them earlier in the evening to allow the relaxation effects to set in gradually.
Discover Wellness with Superfoods Australia: Elevate Your Health Journey
Embarking on a journey towards holistic well-being requires nourishing your body with the finest nature has to offer. That’s where we come in at Superfoods Australia. We’re a leading retailer of superfoods in Australia and we’re dedicated to sourcing and curating a selection of premium quality products that empower you to take charge of your wellness.
At Superfoods Australia, we believe that every choice you make in nourishing your body matters. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each superfood we offer meets the highest standards of purity, potency, and sustainability. Among our prized collection, the Reishi mushroom shines as a standout gem, renowned for its relaxation-inducing properties and potential to enhance sleep quality.
If you can’t find what you’re after, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to answer questions and help you find the right superfood for you.
