From Tradition to Trend: Why Reishi Is Becoming Popular for Sleep Support

If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of the many people who don’t find it easy to fall asleep or stay asleep. Indeed, The Real Sleep Report found that almost 40% of Australians regularly battle with falling asleep. Moreover, nearly half of Aussies have a sleep issue such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnoea, chronic fatigue, or heavy snoring.
What if I were to tell you there’s a natural solution that’s been under your nose the whole time? The reishi mushroom, also known as the “mushroom of immortality,” has been used for centuries by a variety of cultures. Among its many purported benefits include its ability to support relaxation and overall well-being.
What Is Reishi?
Reishi is a functional mushroom used in traditional wellness practices for hundreds of years, if not longer. It’s easy to recognise due to its reddish-brown cap and woody texture, which makes it unsuitable for cooking, unlike common mushrooms like portobello or button.
You’ll find reishi growing on hardwood trees in warm, humid climates, and it’s often found in natural forests. Since it has a tough texture and a bitter taste, it’s not exactly a gourmet delight! Fortunately, you can consume it in different forms, including teas, capsules, powders, tinctures, and, of course, our fabulous reishi gummies.
The mushroom contains a host of bioactive compounds, including:
- Polysaccharides: These naturally occurring compounds are often linked to overall well-being.
- Triterpenes: A group of plant-based compounds found in reishi that contribute to its distinctive taste.
- Beta-glucans: A fibre commonly found in mushrooms, oats, and other plant sources.
These naturally occurring compounds have helped reishi gain a deserved positive reputation for people interested in holistic wellness.
Why Do People Use Reishi for Sleep Support?
We’re at the point where a growing number of people seem to work more than they sleep. The hunt for ways to relax and unwind at the end of a hard day goes on as the realisation that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol aren’t the best options dawns upon most of us!
Rather than rely on that glass or three of pinot grigio, take a look at a few reasons why people incorporate reishi into their evening routines.
A Long History of Holistic Use
Reishi has long been an essential part of traditional wellness systems and is valued for its connection to relaxation and balance. In many cultures, it’s viewed as a premium botanical and is widely used by individuals seeking longevity and vitality.
People who practice mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques sometimes include reishi to support a sense of balance before bedtime.
A Natural Wind-Down Ritual
There’s a growing trend towards using herbal teas, warm drinks, and even products such as kava to help get to sleep. Remember, we live in an age where stressing over things like finances, work, and global events (thank you, 24/7 news cycle) takes up a huge amount of mental energy.
We need a natural alternative for relaxation that doesn’t involve something synthetic created in a lab. Reishi mushrooms fit the bill perfectly and are now widely available.
Complements Other Relaxation Methods
It’s normal to include reishi in a routine rather than rely on it. Therefore, you may find greater success by combining our reishi gummies with other relaxation techniques, including breathwork, a warm bath, and aromatherapy.
Also, please ensure you limit screen time before bed and get your fill of bad news out of the way before dinnertime.
How to Add Reishi to Your Evening Ritual
These days, you can buy reishi in a host of forms, and we explore three common ways to quickly and easily add it to your winding down regimen.
Drink Reishi Tea
Plenty of people appreciate what reishi tea does for them before bedtime. You can create reishi tea by steeping dried reishi slices in hot water. Of course, you have to overcome the bitter taste, which is possible by adding honey and calming herbs like lavender, chamomile, or valerian root.
If you buy reishi slices, add them to hot (not boiling) water. Let them steep for about 20 minutes to extract the necessary compounds. Strain and add herbs, lemon, and a sweetener if you wish.
Blend Powder Into Your Drink
Another option is to blend reishi powder into a beverage. For instance, you can add the powder to warm, plant-based milk, a herbal latte, or a smoothie. Some people include cinnamon and nutmeg with their milk for a better-tasting option.
Try a Reishi Gummy
For some people, drinking liquid before bedtime isn’t a great plan, nor is stimulating yourself by taking the time to create a tasty drink. With this in mind, why not try our reishi mushroom gummies?
Each one contains 50mg of highly concentrated reishi extract and is available in a delicious strawberry flavor. You don’t even need a glass of water; pop one in your mouth while you read the latest bestselling novel that’s as good as melatonin for helping you feel drowsy!
Reishi for Relaxation: A Natural Addition to Your Nighttime Routine
While other cultures have valued reishi mushrooms for their relaxation and ability to help manage well-being, we’ve been left behind, focusing instead on pharmaceutical products with mixed results. Thankfully, things have changed, and now, you can include reishi as part of a healthy sleep routine.
When buying products, please ensure that the reishi is grown in clean, natural environments without pesticides or harmful chemicals. Check for third-party lab reports, and also analyse the list of ingredients to see that fillers and unnecessary additives haven’t sneaked through.