Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Hair Health: Reishi For Hair Loss

Key Takeaways

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a bold red fungus that grows in the shape of a kidney.

It is believed to hold various healing and rejuvenation qualities and is used as an alternative therapy for illnesses and health conditions.

Considered a superfood and containing a host of compounds associated with improving health, reishi is believed to provide health benefits and offer healing treatment such as its potential ability to prevent balding and premature hair loss.

This post will explore reishi mushrooms' effectiveness in maintaining and supporting hair and skin health.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits For Hair

The properties contained in Reishi that are believed to be the source of improving skin health may also be the root of promoting hair health. The following shows how Reishi is good for hair.

Promotes Growth

Hair breakage and damage can be caused by a variety of health concerns. One of the causes of poor hair growth comes from a lack of proper blood circulation in the scalp.

If you suffer from poor hair growth, the problem may not be your hair, but your scalp. Maintaining a healthy scalp is equally as important as maintaining healthy hair. One of the causes of poor blood circulation is due to inflammation of the scalp.

Reishi, however, is believed to offer anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to increase blood flow and improve circulation in the scalp. With a healthy scalp and hair follicles comes healthy hair.

Strengthens Hair

If you suffer from weak and brittle hair, Reishi may provide the benefits you need to grow strong and healthy hair.

Reishi is believed to offer antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that help to improve the condition of your scalp, all of which provide the nutrients needed to nourish your scalp.

Antioxidants help to restore damaged cells which suggests that Reishi may be able to protect the hair from damage by strengthening and restoring damaged hair follicles.

Prevents Premature Discolouration

If you’re looking to keep those greys at bay, Reishi may be just the solution you’re looking for. Containing high levels of melanin, Reishi is believed to provide the properties needed to maintain colour.

Like Chaga, Reishi is believed to increase the production of melanin which contributes to the pigment in your hair and skin. Increased pigmentation may help to concentrate the natural colour of your hair and reduce premature discolouration.

Reishi Mushroom For Hair Loss

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that affects the scalp. Alopecia causes the damage of hair follicles as a result of a compromised immune system as the immune system attacks hair follicles which is what causes hair to fall out.

The symptoms of alopecia are hair loss and baldness.

Does Reishi Mushroom Help With Hair Loss?

Reishi contains immune-boosting compounds which are believed to be the source of its abilities to prevent hair loss.

Reishi’s powerful immune-boosting compounds such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, both of which are associated with providing anti-oxidation, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.

These properties, in combination with antioxidant properties, may be able to help to prevent oxidative stress and regulate the immune system to stop it from attacking itself.

This may be able to help combat hair loss and effectively promote the growth of new hair.

In a study done on the anti-androgenic properties of mushrooms, Reishi was found to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a significant factor in male pattern baldness. This suggests that Reishi may have the ability to prevent male pattern baldness.

How To Use Reishi Mushroom For Hair Health

While the full range of benefits is still under research, reishi mushroom shows promise in promoting healthy hair growth and combating thinning hair. You can incorporate it into your routine in two ways: oral and topical. Here's a breakdown:

Oral Methods:

• Supplements: Look for capsules or powders containing standardized reishi mushroom extract. Follow the recommended dosage on the label, but typically it's around 500mg-1000mg daily. Remember, these can interact with medications, so consult your doctor before starting.

• Tea: Brew dried reishi mushrooms in hot water for 10-15 minutes and strain. You can add honey or other flavorings. Research suggests the active compounds have limited absorption this way, so its effectiveness might be lower.

Topical Methods:

• DIY Hair Mask: Mix reishi mushroom powder with other nourishing ingredients like yogurt, honey, or avocado oil. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

• Infused Products: Look for shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks containing reishi mushroom extract. This ensures direct application to the scalp but research on their effectiveness is limited.

Important Notes:

• Limited Evidence: While studies show promise, more research is needed to confirm reishi's effectiveness for hair growth and its optimal usage.

• Dosage and Quality: Consult your doctor for proper dosage and choose high-quality products with standardized extracts.

• Alternative Causes: Hair loss can have various causes. If you experience significant thinning, consult a dermatologist to rule out underlying medical conditions.

• Patience is Key: Don't expect overnight results. Stick to your chosen method consistently for several months to assess potential benefits.

Remember, reishi mushroom can help but it isn't a guaranteed solution for hair concerns. Consult your doctor for personalized advice and explore all potential causes before incorporating this adaptogen into your routine.

Is Reishi Good For Skin?

If you suffer from dull, blemish-prone, or ageing skin, Reishi mushrooom may be able to provide you with a solution to rejuvenate your skin. The following shows how Reishi contains properties associated with improving skin health.

Antioxidant

Rich in antioxidants, Reishi is believed to offer properties that help to prevent and restore the damage done to cells. Reishi contains two powerful antioxidants which are ergothioneine and glutathione.

The antioxidants in Reishi help to combat oxidative damage. Its antioxidant properties help to fight free radicals and may ultimately help to prevent breakouts, dull skin, and damage caused by the sun.

Hydrator

If you suffer from dry skin, Reishi mushrooom is believed to provide you with the hydration you need. Containing polysaccharides, Reishi is believed to provide humectant and hydrating benefits.

These properties work to mimic the effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin which is known to repair and restore moisture barriers.

This property in Reishi is believed to potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as promote hydrated, soft, and supple skin.

Exfoliator

If you suffer from a dull complexion and an uneven skin tone, Reishi is believed to provide brightening benefits. Containing kojic acid, Reishi may be able to provide gentle exfoliation, the result of which is a clearer and brighter complexion.

Protector

If you suffer from sensitive skin that appears red and irritated, Reishi mushrooom is considered to be a natural solution to reducing redness and relieving sensitivity.

Its antioxidant properties are believed to contribute to anti-inflammatory abilities that may help to soothe and calm the skin. The result is reduced redness and reduced inflammation.

Is Reishi Good For Acne?

Acne is often caused by a combination of surface bacteria and the blockage of fatty acids within oil glands. Acne can be difficult to shift and often causes extensive scarring.

It’s believed that Reishi is a fantastic remedy for acne with its ability to treat acne and reduce scars. As we know, Reishi is rich in antioxidants and so is believed to improve your body’s healing capacity.

These properties may be able to assist in recovering damaged cells caused by acne and helping to reduce future breakouts.

Which Other Mushrooms Are Good For Hair Growth?

Medicinal mushrooms are believed to contain properties that provide them with the ability to promote hair growth, strengthen roots, and improve suppleness - essentially boosting overall hair health.

One of the other key players in the mushroom world is the Chaga mushroom. This mushroom is believed to be a great substance for anyone suffering from poor hair health.

Chaga is considered to contain a variety of properties that are believed to be helpful in promoting healthy hair. Chaga may benefit you...

• If you suffer from weak and brittle hair, Chaga is believed to be a suitable solution. This fungus is rich in vitamin D and melanin - two essential nutrients for contributing to hair health. This dynamic duo works together to restore damaged hair. Vitamin D helps to nourish and hydrate hair follicles which strengthens the epidermis of the skin. It also helps to protect your scalp from sun damage. The melanin in Chaga helps to increase your natural pigmentation making your hair look healthy and radiant.
• If you’re suffering from oxidative stress. Chaga is naturally rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are critical when it comes to combating oxidative stress which is caused by the destruction of cells caused by free radicals. The antioxidants in Chaga help to eliminate free radicals and help to preserve and restore cell health. As a result, antioxidants help to keep hair strong and healthy, preventing breakage and premature discolouration.

Reishi Mushroom FAQs:

Q1. Is Reishi mushroom a DHT blocker?

Direct evidence is lacking, but some studies suggest Reishi might indirectly influence DHT levels through anti-inflammatory properties. More research is needed for confirmation.

Q2. What does reishi do to the brain?

Reishi may support cognitive function and nerve health through antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, research is still ongoing and conclusive evidence is limited.

Q3. How does reishi make you feel?

Individual experiences vary. Some report feeling calmer and more focused, while others describe no significant changes. It's important to manage expectations and consult your doctor before use.

Conclusion

Reishi has been used as a natural remedy for hair and skin problems for years. With the properties it contains, it may be possible for these remedies to be effective.

Many of the compounds in reishi are associated with natural healing abilities that help to maintain and promote healthy skin and hair. If you suffer from hair loss or problematic skin concerns, Reishi may be a suitable alternative therapy for you to try.

For more on the benefits of Reishi and where you can find it, check out our full guide.

Disclaimer

Note: This blog discusses health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.

Darcy Ogdon-Nolan

Holding a Bachelor Of Science (Hons.) combined with close to a decade now in the health food and wellness industry, I believe I'm uniquely positioned to provide a depth of knowledge and first-hand experience on emerging health products, trends and ideas! From greens powders and medicinal mushrooms through to protein powders and workout nutrition - I'm particularly interested in what modern science can uncover about what human cultures have been using to treat ailments for millennia!