When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, Reishi is a favorite. Known since ancient times as the “Mushroom of Immortality” for good reason, Reishi is full of life-enhancing properties! Let’s explore all the benefits of Reishi and why it’s such an excellent mushroom to give to our pets!
What are Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms belong to the family of Ganodermataceae. Fungi belonging to Ganodermataceae have specific qualities, most notably their bitter taste, among many other attributes. There are more than 219 species of Reishi, but the most popular are Ganoderma lucidum and Red Belted Conk or Artist Conk. We will focus more broadly on the benefits to the entire family of Reishi mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms have a specific appearance: they are fan-shaped, glossy, and reddish brown in color (with some exceptions depending on the species).
Benefits of Reishi for Pets
Reishi mushrooms may not be as well known as Turkey Tail, but research is abundant on their benefits. In ancient times, Reishi was believed to be able to tonify and enhance vital energy, strengthen cardiac function, improve memory, and prolong life.
Indeed, it does that and more!
Stress Relief and Nervous System Support
Reishi is a popular adaptogen known for its wide range of benefits. It acts as a stress reliever, helping with anxiety and sleep disturbances by activating GABA receptors in the brain.
When a pet experiences chronic stress, their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes unbalanced, leading to unregulated cortisol production and a range of secondary health issues. These health issues may include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Reishi can support adrenal function and regulate cortisol circulation, producing a more balanced and optimal nervous system.
Cardiac/Heart Benefits of Reishi for Dogs & Cats
Reishi mushrooms have been found to offer several heart health benefits. In a clinical trial involving individuals with diabetes, reishi was shown to effectively lower blood cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. This is great for our diabetic pets, as it helps reduce the amount of insulin they need (always consult with your holistic veterinarian before altering medication dosages).
Another study demonstrated that reishi extract can protect the cells lining blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attacks in individuals with kidney damage. Additionally, research on hypertensive rats revealed that reishi extract led to a notable and lasting reduction in blood pressure, with effects lasting up to 8 hours. These benefits are critical for breeds that are more susceptible to cardiovascular problems, like Dobermans, Cavaliers, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers, to name a few.
Reishi for Cancer in Dogs & Cats
Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes, which have been found to promote immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities. Research has also shown that its polysaccharides have antitumor effects, making it effective in shrinking and preventing cancerous growths. Studies have indicated that reishi can help prevent secondary cancers by isolating the original cancer and halting further growth. This makes it an essential potential tool in inhibiting cancer spread.
Like Turkey Tail, Reishi can help your dog respond better to chemotherapy treatments. A study conducted by The Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research showed that reishi has balancing effects, decreasing the amount of drug-induced side effects such as nausea and vomiting. This is imperative when dealing with our pets with cancer since appetite loss and vomiting can be common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.
Reishi for Respiratory Issues
Reishi is highly esteemed for its capacity to enhance respiratory function. By reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, the body becomes more capable of oxygenating itself and defending against diseases. Since neurodegenerative disorders can lead to impaired respiratory function, Reishi serves the dual purpose of supporting these bodily systems.
Our brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers, can greatly benefit from using Reishi daily to help increase oxygenation and blood flow. That’s who our Breathe tincture is specifically formulated for!
Reishi for Cognitive Dysfunction, Dementia in Pets
Another benefit of Reishi for pets with cognitive dysfunction, like CCD, is its ability to improve sleep pattern problems. Pets with dementia, such as dogs suffering from CCD, often have difficulty sleeping through the night and experience restlessness. Reishi's unique triterpenoid compounds have been shown to promote restfulness and improve sleep quality.
Reishi for Kidney Health
Reishi has also been studied and proven effective in managing kidney injury and disease. Interestingly, this mushroom has been used for kidney health for a long time in ancient medicine, and now we have modern medical evidence to prove it’s true! Since Reishi is also a powerful anti-nausea remedy, it’s a key tool in managing kidney disease since nausea is a major symptom.
Reishi for Liver Damage
Reishi is also hepatoprotective, meaning it protects and helps repair the liver. Reishi’s secondary metabolites (parts of the mushroom that aren’t necessary for growth): phenolic compounds, terpenes, steroids, as well as essential cell wall components such as polysaccharides (reishi has a very high concentration), b-glucans, and proteins, have been shown to work in tandem to repair liver damage. Reishi’s high antioxidant content also protects the liver by reducing the effects of free radicals- a massive culprit of diminished liver function.
Since our pets face liver damage in just about any direction they turn (food, water, air, drugs, fragrances, cleaning products, etc.), adding a daily liver-protective supplement to their bowl is a must. Using Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms will help protect your pet from the daily damage of their environment.
Immune System Boost
Reishi has also been studied to affect genes of white blood cells, which heavily influence immune function. In a study done on individuals with colorectal cancer, Reishi supplementation increased white blood cell counts. In another, it altered the inflammatory pathways of white blood cells. Reishi has also been shown to improve lymphocyte counts (lymphocytes help fight infections and cancer).
Reishi for Allergies
Just as Reishi modulates the immune system in severe illnesses like cancer, so it does with allergies. Since allergies are an inappropriate response by the immune system, the immune system needs to be slightly downregulated to respond appropriately.
Reishi is loaded with compounds (mentioned above) to help regulate the immune system. These compounds modulate the activity of specific cells involved in the immune response, aiding in managing allergies. Regardless, it is not just the Beta-glucans that make Reishi an effective immunomodulator; the triterpenes in the mushroom also play a significant role.
Triterpenes are a class of molecules known for influencing the activity of white blood cells, which are critical components of the immune system. These molecules can help regulate the immune response, ensuring it is balanced and effective.
One notable group of triterpenoid compounds, such as lanostane, delivers anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects. These properties are particularly beneficial in managing allergic reactions and inflammation, making Reishi a valuable tool in promoting immune health.
Recent research has identified an impressive 119 different triterpenoids in Reishi, showcasing the mushroom's extensive potential for supporting and modulating the immune system. This diverse array of triterpenoids contributes to Reishi's reputation as a potent natural remedy for enhancing immune function and overall well-being.
Is Reishi Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Absolutely! While there are not as many studies done on dogs (mainly due to humane laws and public outcry-yay!), there are many parallels between the other animals used in studies (mice, rats, humans). We can conclude that Reishi is safe for pets based on scientific research about standard biology and the common properties of various substances, not to mention the thousands of pet parents worldwide giving their dogs and cats medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and seeing the positive health outcomes it provides.
Our Reishi mushroom is carefully sourced, extracted, and formulated to be 100% safe for pets. MycoDog was explicitly started for the sole purpose of helping pets live healthier lives, and with as potent a dose as possible to see results with less volume of product.
What to Look for in a Reishi Extract for Pets
Since the market is flooded, mostly with fraudulent or watered-down products, it can take time to know what is best. In addition, since there is little to no regulation for supplements, knowing your product inside and out is critical. Not only for your wallet but also for your and your pet’s health.
Mushroom Extracts vs. Ground Mushrooms
Many mushrooms on the market are not extracts; they are simply ground-up mushrooms. While not inherently harmful, the benefits noted will be negligent. They are little more than a fiber source. This is due to mushrooms' very thick cell wall, called chitin. In order to get the beneficial compounds out, the chitin must be broken. Extraction methods are the only way to break the chitin and release the beneficial compounds.
Extraction Methods
MycoDog mushrooms are carefully extracted through a unique triple-extraction process. This process involves a primary ethanol extraction using Organic Cane Alcohol, followed by evaporation of the alcohol. Next, there is a hydro extraction with distilled water, and finally, the fungi's mineral salts are carefully extracted in the spagyric method, and added to the tincture. The end product is a potent mushroom tincture known as a Spagyric Tincture. Due to our extraction methods and concentration, our beta-glucan content is the highest in the industry.
Glycerin-Based for Pets
Our tinctures are in 100% organic vegetable glycerin, ensuring they are correctly suspended and will yield maximum benefits without altering blood sugar or using flavorings. A good company will be transparent with you and tell you the source of their glycerin. If they do not, then steer clear.
One of the best sources of vegetable glycerin is organic coconut glycerin. Organic coconut glycerin will yield every benefit of glycerin, while being completely safe and pure for your pet to consume on a daily basis. This is the type of glycerin used in all of the MycoDog mushroom extract tinctures, to ensure the purest and highest quality product possible.
Where are the Mushrooms Sourced?
The best mushrooms come from the wild, where they have to survive climate conditions, thus making their medicinal properties more robust. Mushrooms grown on sawdust, oats, sorghum, or other artificial substrates will yield less therapeutic results and can often be tainted by their substrate since mushrooms are bioaccumulators (absorb toxins from their environment).
MycoDog mushrooms are wild-harvested and cultivated outdoors, free from grains or fillers. Given mushrooms' ability to absorb environmental toxins, we prioritized sourcing from the Pacific Northwest, right here in the U.S., rather than sourcing from other countries.
Extractions from the Fruiting Body
Many mushrooms contain mycelium, which is the root structure of the mushroom. While mycelium has some beneficial properties, isolating it from the substrate it grows is impossible. Since oats also have beta-glucans, if a mushroom is grown on oats and then ground up, the oats will artificially inflate the beta-glucan content (the beta-glucans in oats are not the same as mushrooms but will appear the same on a lab result). The most potent medicinal properties of mushrooms are found in the fruiting body- the part you see growing. Make sure your mushroom product extracts from the fruiting body.
Conclusion: Reishi for Optimal Pet Health
Incorporating Reishi mushrooms into your pet’s health regimen is a powerful way to support their overall well-being. MycoDog Breathe and MycoDog Reishi offer excellent solutions for ensuring your pets receive the full spectrum of benefits that Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms provide.
The Breathe tincture combines two types of Reishi mushrooms with Chaga, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Astragalus, creating a comprehensive formula designed to help with allergies, respiratory health, and boosting energy.
For those seeking a more concentrated Reishi option, our single Reishi extract delivers the potent, life-enhancing benefits of the Mushroom of Immortality, supporting your pet’s immune system, heart, liver, and more.
Whether you’re addressing specific health concerns like respiratory or cardiovascular issues, or just looking to give your pet a wellness boost, MycoDog’s medicinal mushroom extracts are the perfect addition to any pet’s health protocol.
