In the extensive world of medicinal mushrooms, Chaga and Reishi are two of the most popular mushroom varieties to be introduced into American culture. Various studies suggest that both mushroom species have potent antioxidant properties that make them effective immune boosters. But being a powerful source of immune support isn’t the only attribute these mushrooms are known for. 

Chaga and Reishi both provide several benefits to your body and mind and have been used for centuries to aid in creating healthy lifestyles. While the similarities between Chaga and Reishi are more clear, you may still be wondering, what are the differences between Chaga and Reishi? The answer is more than just their names, and you may be surprised to learn the various benefits each mushroom offers you.

Chaga vs Reishi: What’s the difference?

Chaga and Reishi are types of medicinal mushrooms that are commonly processed into powder and distributed as natural supplements. Both of these mushroom species are rich in certain polysaccharides like beta-glucans that are extremely beneficial to a person’s immune system. 

However, Chaga has proven to be more effective in reducing oxidative stress that affects the body’s skin cells while Reishi is frequently used to improve mood disorders and support strength and stamina. 

Organic Chaga Mushroom 

Chaga, known scientifically as Inonotus obliquus, has been called the “King of Mushrooms” for its high level of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune-boosting abilities. In the wild, the hard, dark charcoal-colored mushroom can be found growing on birch, alder, and elm trees in the cooler climate areas of Siberia, Russia, Poland, and Canada. At first glance, Chaga appears to be burnt, but once the conk has been opened, a soft and rusty-colored center is revealed.   

Benefits of Chaga

As an adaptogenic medicinal mushroom with a variety of uses, Chaga is considered to be one of the most popular mushroom supplements with immune-boosting qualities. The ORAC value of Chaga is 1,104 units per gram, which carries the highest potency of all the antioxidant superfoods on earth. This makes Chaga effective in nourishing the immune system, protecting cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, and slowing down the aging process. More benefits of organic Chaga include:

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation causes various health problems and has been linked to a slew of diseases and imbalances within the body. Chaga contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce access to inflammatory pathways and prevent the production of pro-oxidants. 

Anti-Aging Capabilities

Aging is greatly affected by the free radicals that roam inside the body and attack healthy cells. As a powerful antioxidant, Chaga is often used to slow the aging process by protecting cell DNA to be copied and made new for the continued reproduction of healthy cells. By slowing down the life cycle of your body’s cells, the physical signs of aging will also subside improving skin elasticity and diminishing wrinkles.

Immune Support

As stated above, Chaga is full of antioxidants that are effective against free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable cells that without their missing electron, damage cellular DNA and destroy necessary cells. This can lead to inflammation, organ damage, tissue damage, cell death, and serious diseases like cancer.

Improved Gut Health  

The polysaccharides found in Chaga function as natural prebiotics that help regulate your gut health. It does this by increasing the body’s good bacteria in the gastrointestinal system and decreasing harmful bacteria. 

Organic Reishi Mushroom

Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma, is also a popular mushroom species traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its immune-boosting abilities. Centuries ago, Reishi was specifically reserved for royal use only due to its popularity and rarity. Unlike Chaga, the Reishi mushroom is grown in hot, humid climates such as the South Pacific, Southern Europe, and Asia. While known for its kidney/fan shape and bold reddish-orange color, Reishi also has a reputation for being the “mushroom of immortality” used to strengthen immune function and improve sleep and symptoms of fatigue. 

Benefits of Reishi 

Reishi is a powerful medicinal mushroom that contains triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans. Triterpenoids are naturally found in plants and have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate immune function. Polysaccharides are beneficial for combating free radicals in the body and providing cellular structural support. And lastly, peptidoglycans help protect bacterial cells from environmental stress and regulate bacterial cell division. Health benefits of Reishi include: 

Effective Mood Stabilizer

Reishi is considered to be a holistic medicinal mushroom that provides advantages to the body and mind. Reishi mushroom is used to restore emotional balance and reduce stress, both of which have an effect on the nervous and digestive systems. In return, the proper neurotransmitters will develop which elevates and stabilizes mood. 

Boosts Energy and Brain Health

The Reishi mushroom is known to be a neuroprotective nervine that works to support the nervous system. The increased nervous system support promotes healthy energy levels and improved cognition. Nerve growth is a major factor in developing a healthy, happy mind which the Reishi mushroom is a known stimulant for. Also, thanks to Reishi’s ability to create balance within the nervous system, it’s the best medicinal mushroom to aid in exercise recovery.

Organic Chaga and Reishi Mushroom Supplements from Aloha Medicinals 

While Chaga may provide more cosmetic benefits, it’s still effective in providing immune support to the body. Reishi, on the other hand, is beneficial for active people looking for an all-around body and mood enhancer. Add both these mushrooms to your diet and experience the synergistic benefits that come from these two mushrooms. Both Chaga and Reshi have combined values that help enhance performance during your daily life. 

Whichever you choose, be sure to get the best quality pure Chaga or Reishi mushroom products from Aloha Medicinals!