Modern living can often bring with it more stressors than we realise from deadlines, and disagreements with loved ones, to steady streams of digital demands and distractions. Tension from these situations can not only affect us in the moment but have the potential to build up in the background taking up mental space and lingering within the body.

We like to run offence versus defence when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. While it can sometimes be easy to slip in and out of consistent meditation practice it's one of the tools we turn to regularly to help stay on top of stress levels in an effort to maintain a sense of balance rather than letting tension build and gather energy which ultimately leads to a crash.

Reishi & Meditation

We work with Reishi in a similar way, and this is one of the reasons why this king of mushrooms is one of our favourites. Reishi’s ability to guide the body to a peaceful state of balance is second to none. In the Daoist tradition, Reishi is known as a Shen tonic, which loosely translates to a herb that nourishes the spirit or put another way supports the emotional, mental and spiritual power of a human being. When we’re connected to our Shen essence we can be thought of as being in our element and allowing our personality and radiant spirit to shine through.

What tradition has told us about Reishi’s spiritual potential and ability to cultivate a calm, harmonious state is supported by a more scientific understanding today with the adaptogenic beta-D-glucans and triterpenes in Reishi working to relax the nervous system and ease mental stress. This is thought to be how Reishi can work to help calm the mind and promote a relaxed state of focus, similar to a meditative state. This benefit has long been valued by spiritual seekers, meditators, yogis, and those looking to help manage the stressors of everyday life.

Personally, I love taking my reishi with a black decaf coffee in the early evening as it’s a lovely way to wind down after a long day at work.

Paul