Why buy

Reishi is one of the most revered mushrooms in Asia and is known by various names, such as "spirit mushroom". In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Reishi spores and the mushroom itself, known as Lingzhi, have been used for over 2,000 years as a key ingredient to promote vitality and longevity.

Due to its highly prized status, Reishi has often been reserved for the nobility and has earned nicknames such as the "mushroom of immortality" and "spirit plant" for its symbolic and health-promoting properties.

In TCM, Reishi is considered a Shen tonic that promotes balance and harmony between body, mind and spirit. Its main applications include nourishing Qi (life energy), calming the mind, and promoting liver, lung and kidney health.

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• Kick up your immunity with wild herbs and mushrooms
• What to eat in winter to stay healthy?
• Detoxify your body or lighten your body after the winter months
• How to have healthy intestines and thus the whole organism?

For whom are Reishi spores intended:

• For those looking for natural body support: reishi spores offer a high concentration of triterpenes, which are bioactive components typical of the Reishi mushroom fruit, suitable for those interested in natural body strengthening.
• For people with sensitivity to allergens or external influences: thanks to the triterpene content, Reishi spores can help to calm the body's natural reactions to external stimuli and support the overall balance of the body.
• For those who need the support of restful sleep: The triterpenes in Reishi spores are valued for their calming effects and may help with sleep difficulties or insomnia.
• For people looking for balance and vitality: reishi spores are suitable for anyone looking for a natural supplement to support balance and overall vitality without burdening the body.

Mushrooms for Life ("MFL") delivers truly the highest organic quality reishi spores from the Longquan region of China, the traditional home of the red reishi, and is sustainably cultivated on wooden logs known as "duanwood," which resemble the native mountain wood on which this fungus grows in nature.

Because its compounds are difficult to digest, a cold-pressing technique is used in which the spores are rolled up to 30 times to fully release the valuable triterpenes.

The spores are then crushed at a low temperature using pressure and sound vibrations to break down the hard cell wall while retaining the highest concentration of triterpenes (8.78% - much higher than the 3% found in the reishi mushroom).

The use of cold pressing and mechanical disruption is a targeted method that maximizes the bioavailability of Reishi spore-specific compounds.

This process not only increases the availability of valuable ingredients, but also preserves the purity of the spores, as they are not heated, which could devalue sensitive substances.

Reishi Spores - main benefits:

• High in triterpenes - reishi spores contain triterpenes, specifically ganoderic acids, which are bioactive compounds valued in natural supplements for their ability to support a balanced approach to body and mind care.
• Rich in micronutrients and fibre - in addition to triterpenes, spores provide trace elements, fibre and other nutritional substances, making them a suitable supplement for comprehensive body care.
• Supporting the balance of body and mind - thanks to the content of traditionally valued substances according to TCM, Reishi spores can help the harmony of body and mind.
• Jing/Shen Tonic - spores are considered a Jing tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which means they are associated with enhancing life energy and stability.

Interesting facts about Reishi spores

Known as the "Divine Mushroom of Immortality", Reishi is considered in traditional Chinese medicine to be a natural remedy for promoting the harmonious functioning of the body.

Reishi spores represent the most concentrated form of this fungus, rich in bioactive substances such as triterpenes and polysaccharides. It takes up to 1000 kg of Reishi mushroom to obtain 1-3 kg of spores, which contributes to their high value.

The spores can be thought of as the "pollen" of Reishi, containing the essence of the mushroom's life. In addition to triterpenes, they also contain 13 amino acids, adenosine, germanium, selenium, lipopolysaccharides and ascorbic acid. This combination makes them a nutritious "superfood" for those looking for a powerful natural supplement.

The triterpenes and ganoderic acids in Reishi spores are valuable compounds that help harmonize various functions of the body.

These bioactive substances are often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they are part of natural methods aimed at supporting the balance of body and mind.

Reishi grown on wood logs contains a higher concentration of these compounds than variants grown on other substrates.

The wood cultivation method better mimics the natural growth conditions of the fungus and allows it to develop a richer profile of active compounds, which also affects the quality of the spores obtained from these sources.

This combination of natural ingredients makes Reishi spores one of the most important natural supplements in the field of superfoods.

Active substances in the spores:

Reishi spores contain various bioactive substances that differ from the composition of the fruiting body of the mushroom itself:

• Triterpenes: in the spores of Reishi we find up to three times higher concentration of triterpenes than in the fruiting bodies. Triterpenes, especially ganoderic acids, are valued in traditional medicine for their ability to support the balance of body and mind.
• Polysaccharides: the spores also contain a rich amount of polysaccharides, which have a beneficial effect on the body due to their adaptogenic properties, support natural immunity and are often cited among the important ingredients of Reishi for strengthening the body.
• Adenosine and amino acids: Adenosine, which is known for its role in promoting cellular energy, is found in spores along with 13 different amino acids. This combination contributes to nutritional value and overall vitality.
• Minerals and alkaloids: Reishi spores also contain trace elements such as germanium, selenium and other minerals that support a wide range of functions in the body.

Thanks to these ingredients, Reishi spores are considered a unique source of natural nutrients that complement both traditional and modern approaches to nutrition and body harmony. This difference in composition makes spores a highly prized form of Reishi.

Difference between raw ground spores, fermented spores and fruitlet extract

Reishi spore powder and Reishi fruit extract have different properties and provide different benefits. The key difference is that the spore powder comes from the reproductive parts of the fungus, i.e. the spores that are produced at the end of the fungus' life cycle.

These spores are used for reproduction and contain high levels of triterpenes. To achieve their maximum bioavailability, it is necessary to break the cell wall of the spores. This process is carried out by mechanical or ultrasonic methods, which ensures that the active substances become more accessible to the body.

Reishi fruit extract, on the other hand, is made from the whole fruit of the mushroom, which is organically grown on hardwood (called duanwood). The mushroom is harvested after it has completed its entire growth cycle, when it contains a complex of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and a small amount of triterpenes.

This extract is therefore richer in polysaccharides, which are popular for their support of overall vitality and body harmony. The processing of the extract is done by drying the fruit and then extraction, which uses heat or alcohol to release the active substances from the fruit.

When to choose the powder from spores and when to choose the extract from the fruiting body depends on specific situations and needs:

Raw ground reishi spores:

Reach for them if you are in a challenging, stressful period when you need quick adaptation and targeted support to balance your body.

This powder is especially suitable for those who face a high workload, long-term stress or need to improve their immunity after illness.

The spore powder contains a high amount of triterpenes, which is ideal support for allergies or overreactions of the body* when balance needs to be restored.

The spore powder is also suitable for use when adapting to new environments and changes, including transitions to new life stages where physical and mental resilience needs to be supported.

Raw ground reishi spores are a more suitable choice for those seeking traditional, potent support for the body's balance, especially without specific digestive requirements, see fermented reishi spores below.

Fermented Ground Reishi Spores:

Fermented Reishi spores are suitable for those who want to maximize absorption and support good gut health.

Fermentation process not only increases the bioavailability of key components such as triterpenes and polysaccharides, but also promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

This option is recommended if you are looking for a combination of immune support and digestive care or if easy absorption of active ingredients is important to you.

In contrast, raw spores that have undergone a "cell wall breaking" process to release triterpenes provide a high concentration of active ingredients, but their absorption may require more energy from the body.

Raw spores variant is recommended if the main goal is to support the body's natural resistance and long-term balance without focusing on the gut microbiome.

Reishi Fruit Extract:

Reishi fruit extract choose if you are looking for a long-term, gentler boost of vitality and stamina. It is suitable for people who need stable energy and balance without a strong adaptogenic effect.

The extract of the fruit, rich in polysaccharides, is an excellent nutritional supplement for the cold and flu season, when these ingredients support the body's natural resistance and harmony.

It is also recommended for those who want to support the body's natural energy and functions in the normal rhythm of life or as a preventive care for vitality on a daily basis.

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*An overreaction of the body, known professionally as hypersensitivity, is a situation in which the immune system reacts inappropriately strongly to stimuli that are normally harmless. This can include reactions to allergens (e.g. pollen, dust, food) that the immune system perceives as threats, even though they are not harmful to most people. Exaggerated reactions include:

• Allergic reactions - For example, pollen allergies, where the body produces histamine and other chemicals that cause itching, redness, swelling or a runny nose.

• Autoimmune reaction - When the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, as in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

• Anaphylactic shock - An extremely severe allergic reaction that can lead to a life-threatening condition, usually as a result of insect bites, eating certain foods or reacting to medication.

These reactions stem from excessive production of antibodies or immune cells and trigger inflammatory processes that can lead to discomfort, pain or, in some cases, tissue damage.

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Reishi spores and other fungi - synergy:

Mushrooms for Life offers several Myco blends containing Reishi that target different areas of health support:

• Bio Myco Zen capsules: This blend combines Reishi spores with Lion's mane (hericium) and is designed to promote a calm mind and mental stability. Reishi here contributes to the harmonization and adaptation of the organism to stresswhile hericium is popular for supporting mental concentration.
• Bio Myco QI capsules: A combination of Reishi spores and Cordyceps in this blend is designed to support vitality and respiratory function, which will be appreciated by people who are active or have increased demands on their physical stamina. Cordyceps helps to promote energy, while Reishi is popular for its adaptogenic properties.
• Bio Myco Synergy capsules: This complex blend contains Reishi fruitworm, Hericium, Cordyceps, Maitake, Tremella and Shiitake and is designed as a broad-spectrum support for body harmony. Each mushroom has its own unique properties - e.g. Reishi helps to adapt to stress, and Tremella is popular for its support of skin hydration and vitality.
• Bio My Complex capsulesa: This blend is made from pure extract of reishi, cordyceps and maitake, known as the "royal mushrooms." It is a unique blend that carries the effects and benefits of each mushroom contained.
• Bio Myco Blend Fermented (Living Nutrition): Living Nutrition combines fermented Reishi with other adaptogenic mushrooms, namely Cordyceps and Hericium. Thanks to fermentation, the active ingredients are better absorbed and the mixture is aimed not only at supporting the body's resistance, but also at supporting digestion, which will be appreciated by people looking for comprehensive care for everything.

Reishi spores and herbs - synergy:

Reishi spores combined with Ayurvedic herbs can bring a powerful synergy to promote vitality, harmonize energy and the body's natural resistance to stress:

• Ashwaganda: Helps to manage stress and maintain mental equanimity. Together with Reishi, it supports the nervous system and the overall resilience of the body during challenging times.
• Tulsi (holy basil)this combination helps to support respiratory function and the body's natural balance, which is appreciated by people prone to colds or during periods of increased exertion.
• Shatavari: This combination helps to harmonize energy and regenerate the body, making it ideal for those who need a boost of vitality and balance when stressed.

These combinations highlight the natural properties of Reishi and provide comprehensive support for the body and mind.

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If you understand English, you can learn more about mushrooms in Paul Stamets' video. Paul is a renowned mycologist who has been researching fungi for over 40 years.

He is known for his work on important properties of fungi and their ecological uses, especially in the field of mycoremediation (the use of fungi to clean the environment). Stamets is the author of several books including Mycelium Running and The Mushroom Cultivator.

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Study: Pharmacological Activities and Safety of Ganoderma lucidum Spores: A Systematic Review

Nutritional values and dosage

One dose (2 capsules) contains: 800 mg of bio reishi spores (Ganoderma Lucidum)*.

Since Mushrooms for Life has 800 mg of Reishi spores in two capsules, this dose corresponds to the middle range of normal daily intake.

For basic daily support and adaptogenic effects, a dosage of between 1 to 2 grams (1000 to 2000 mg) of Reishi spores per day is usually recommended.

So with 800 mg you get a moderate, medium dose suitable especially for those who are starting out with Reishi or prefer a lower intensity.

For those who need a stronger effect, a dosage of 1.5 to 3 grams per day (1500 to 3000 mg) is commonly recommended. Taking 4 capsules per day (1600 mg total) will get you closer to the higher range and give you a more intense boost.

However, one 800 mg dose still delivers the basic balanced effect of Reishi that is suitable for daily use.

• If you want to increase the effects in capsules, you can start at a dose of 800 mg and gradually increase it.
• If you don't mind pure powder and don't need capsules, just take pure ground powder.
• This product is naturally free of gluten, dairy, soy, or any fillers and preservatives. It is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Why choose Mushrooms Mushrooms for Life

The vital mushroom market is flooded with products that often fall short of high standards, so it is important to choose carefully and check that the supplement you choose meets your needs.

Beware of marketing gimmicks such as "Full Spectrum". In fact, the term often refers to the products of the mycelium, which is the underground network of fungal filaments that helps sustain the life of the fungus and everything around it.

Although full-spectrum products may contain all parts of the fungus, i.e. spores, mycelium and fruiting bodies, this does not always guarantee higher quality.

Manufacturers often use the term "full spectrum" for products based primarily on mycelium, which may not have the same active ingredient content as products made primarily from amniotic fluid, which is richer in bioactive compounds.

For best results, a high-quality mushroom dietary supplement should meet the following criteria:

• Made from mushroom extract, not powder: Extracts are more concentrated and have a higher active ingredient content than ordinary powders.

• Derived from fruiting bodies, not mycelial biomass: fruiting bodies contain higher concentrations of active substances such as beta-glucans, whereas mycelium often contains fillers.

• Hot water extraction: This process ensures high availability of key polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which support the body's natural functions.

• Dual extraction (with hot water and alcohol): this procedure is especially necessary for mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga. Hot-water extraction yields polysaccharides, while alcohol extraction isolates triterpenoids, which have additional bioactive properties. Dual extraction ensures that the product contains both water-soluble and alcohol-extractable substances, providing a full spectrum of active ingredients.

• Sourced organically: organic certification ensures that the mushrooms are grown without the use of chemicals and in accordance with natural growing conditions (e.g. China, Siberia).

• Verifiable beta-glucan or hericenone content: transparency on the content of active ingredients is essential to verify the quality of the product.

• Tested for purity and heavy metals: Independent laboratory testing ensures that the supplement is free of contaminants and safe for long-term use.

We guarantee that Mushrooms for Life meets all these conditions and there is no better brand on the European market.

Choosing the Mushrooms for Life brand over others offers several key advantages, especially for those looking for high-quality, organic mushroom supplements.

Here are a few reasons why this brand stands out:

• Certified Organic: Mushrooms for Life ensures that all their mushroom supplements are certified by the Soil Association. This means that their products do not contain pesticides, fungicides or other harmful chemicals, which is especially important for fungi, which are highly porous and absorb substances from their environment.

• Full transparency and traceability: this label ensures full transparency about where their mushrooms are grown. The mushrooms are grown in areas where they are traditionally grown, such as China and Siberia, which ensures the highest quality. This emphasis on source and cultivation practices is essential to maintaining the medicinal properties of mushrooms.

• Extracts in pure quality: Their "Pure Grade" line is considered a professional level of quality that is commonly used by practitioners, healers and professionals. This means you are getting a highly concentrated product that provides a full spectrum of bioactive compounds, especially polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, ensuring maximum efficacy and therapeutic potential.

• Sustainable and ethical approach to cultivation: the company works closely with its growers to ensure that mushrooms are grown in natural conditions that mimic their traditional environment. This sustainable approach not only supports the health of the planet, but also ensures that mushrooms retain their full nutritional and medicinal properties.

These aspects make Mushrooms for Life a reliable choice for those looking for potent, organic mushroom supplements that adhere to traditional growing methods and modern quality standards.

Experts behind the brand:

Martin Powell

Martin Powell is the founder of Mushrooms for Life, a brand that was established in 2011. He is a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and biochemist, with over 20 years of experience.

In addition to writing and lecturing about vital mushrooms, Powell is dedicated to developing clinically oriented mushroom-based dietary supplements for his patients and other practitioners.

He spent many years in China, where he honed his knowledge of mushrooms and worked with local growers. His expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine has led to the development of Mushrooms for Life as a brand providing high quality and certified organic supplements.

Powell is fluent in Mandarin and his work was crucial to the company's growth and development before he handed it over to his successors, G. Botfield and B. Shouler.

He has written two important books that are important resources for both professionals and those interested in the use of vital mushrooms:

• Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide - This comprehensive guide focuses on the clinical use of more than 20 species of medicinal mushrooms. It is especially recognized in the field of Chinese medicine and serves primarily medical professionals who wish to incorporate mushrooms as supplements in their treatment.

• Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide - This book is more accessible to a wider audience and provides practical advice on how to use well-known medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake and cordyceps to promote overall health.

Both books reflect Powell's efforts to educate the public about the potential of mushrooms based on his more than 20 years of research and practice.

Graham Botfield

Graham Botfield is a nutritionist and microbiome expert and founder of Living Nutrition. This nutritional therapist and researcher specializes in traditional herbal medicine and fermentation.

Living Nutrition has developed a unique fermentation process using kefir and kombucha that increases the bioavailability of nutrients in herbal supplements.

Prior to his role at Mushrooms for Life, he worked with other respected brands such as New Chapter and his knowledge of gut health and digestion has greatly influenced his approach to formulating Living Nutrition, Botanicals for Life and Zen CBD products.

Ben Shouler

Ben Shouler is the co-founder of Mushrooms for Life and a naturopath with a focus on traditional herbal therapies. Together with Graham Botfield, he also founded Botanicals 4 Life, where they expanded the range of products based on herbal supplements and medicinal mushrooms.

Shouler's deep knowledge of natural medicine and nutrition has contributed to the development and growth of Mushrooms for Life, where he and Botfield maintain the highest standards of product quality and efficacy.

In addition to Mushrooms for Life, Ben is also the founder of Planet Paleo, a brand he started in 2016. This brand specializes in collagen supplements that combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional Paleo diet principles.

Planet Paleo focuses on supporting gut, skin, joint health and overall body regeneration. Thanks to Shouler's experience and expertise, the brand has become one of the leading suppliers of collagen supplements in Europe.

Ben's work in natural medicine, nutrition and supplements has made him a recognized expert who emphasizes quality, effectiveness and the use of traditional therapies in a modern context.

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^{Graham Botfield and Ben Shouler are also the co-founders of Living Planet Distribution (LPD), which they founded in 2016 and with which we have been working exclusively since 2018.}

^{LPD specializes in the distribution of high quality health and nutritional supplements, with the goal of bringing to market innovative products that will become leaders in their field.}

^{We are very proud to have these brands in our exclusive offer and the reason why you won't find any other brands here that are only similar to them in composition but not in efficacy (especially not Czech ones, where expertise is lacking and private labeling prevails with a focus on net profit and not the functionality of the product for the consumer}