Up until now, our blog and educational resources have focused mainly on CBD. Considering this is what LoFi was all about, that approach made sense. However, with the release of new products with new ingredients like CBN and now Reishi, it was time to shake things up.   

In this post, we’ll be covering the basics: what it is, the makeup of our Reishi Relax oil, summarize the science, chat dose and side effects, and end things off with a classic CBD with Bre, but with a Reishi twist.  

What is Reishi? 

Reishi, also known as lingzhi, is a type of mushroom native to many Asian countries, such as China and Japan. It’s been used for years in traditional Chinese and alternative medicine for its potential health benefits, usually coming in dried or powdered form. Now, it’s a popular supplement many people are adding to their diets or routines. Traditional uses tended to be for help with asthma, sleep, dizziness, and heart conditions.  

As a mushroom, Reishi contains many different compounds, like triterpenes and nutrients, all of which can have different effects on our bodies. There’s a long list, so we’ll be keeping our discussion a little broad. As a note though, many of the studies we link below discuss specific nutrients within Reishi, and not necessarily Reishi as a whole.  

Introducing Reishi Relax 

Reishi Relax is a mix of Lofi’s Full Spectrum CBD extract, blended with a carrier oil of MCT and Reishi Spore Oil. It has a potency of 50mg per ml and is made in BC. The Full Spectrum Extract (FSE) is made from high-CBD hemp flower and extracted right here in BC, and our sustainably-sourced MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) is blended with Reishi Spore Oil at a ratio of 2.5:1. 

For more detailed product information, including COAs, check out the page here.  

Summary of the Science 

Despite being a popular supplement and tool in alternative medicines, Reishi is under-researched. This makes it hard to know anything for certain yet, especially when it comes to the effects it may have on our bodies. What studies we do have are interesting, however.  

When it comes to Reishi and sleep specifically, what research we do have seems to suggest that some of the compounds found within the mushroom may be able to not only positively impact our sleep cycles but influence things like anxiety and inflammation – things that could be preventing a good night’s rest. For example, this study here, conducted with mice, found that Reishi may help promote better sleep due to the way it impacts gut and serotonin pathways.  

On another note, this research review found that Reishi has the potential to help with all sorts of things, including stomach and digestion support, act as an anticancer and antioxidant agent, help prevent cardiovascular disease, may contain antiviral and antimicrobial properties, and may even have potential anti-inflammatory effects that could help with things like covid. That said, the same review also raised concerns about safe and ethical sourcing. This study reiterates the potential support Reishi may be able to provide to individuals going through cancer therapy but also discusses the lack of human clinical trials.  

On the topic of science, this review further discusses these gaps in research, highlighting the need for proper, clinical human trials with an emphasis on studying safety, efficiency, and interactions with food and drink.  

If you want a more comprehensive overview of studies, research, and different clinical trials looking into Reishi’s effects on things like cancer, the immune system, antibacterial properties, or liver support, check out this detailed research synthesis linked here. 

Dosing 

Currently, there’s not a lot of research that discusses dose. It’s also a challenging topic because everyone’s bodies are different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Especially because we’re discussing CBD and Reishi, it’s important to start low and go slow, gradually increasing the dose while giving your body time to adjust.  

Side Effects 

There are several noted side-effects and risks associated with Reishi. These include things such as allergic reactions, increased bleeding risk, and medication interactions. Always talk to your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, especially if you’re taking other medications at the same time.  

Reishi With Bre 

Like other CBD with Bre instalments, this is the section where I talk about my experiences taking the Reishi Relax. Everyone’s body is different, so what happened for me isn’t necessarily going to happen for you. This isn’t meant to be taken as advice or any sort of recommendation. Mostly, the idea is that perhaps by sharing my experiences, someone new to Reishi may have a bit of a better idea what to expect when starting out.  

I’m known for really appreciating Full Spectrum CBD, especially when it comes to sleep. I tend to struggle with insomia – always have – and sometimes I go through phases where I just can’t sleep. I also struggle quite a bit with restless leg syndrome and anxiety, which only makes it harder. Finding a lot of success with CBD, I was looking forward to trying the Reishi variation.  

Out of all the products I’ve tried for sleep, I found the Reishi Relax to be the most interesting of them all. Full Spectrum CBD helps me relax, fall asleep faster, and fights things like mild insomnia. CBN completely knocks me out but can leave me groggy the next day. In contrast, the Reishi seems much milder. I can tell when CBD starts kicking in, but the Reishi feels a lot more subtle in a way that seems a bit more fitting to everyday, consistent use.  

With the Reishi, I’m falling asleep easier and staying asleep better throughout the night, without an evening crash or the next day grogginess. What I noticed the most, however, is that I’ve been dreaming a lot more. It’s not just that I’ve been sleeping better, but rather, my sleep quality feels a lot more stable. Even on the days when I got less sleep than I wanted to, or had to get up ridiculously early for work, I felt refreshed in the morning and energetic throughout the day. As someone who’s chronically overtired and overworked, I felt like the Reishi really supported my body to get the quality sleep it needed, even if I got fewer hours than I would have liked.  

I tend to go through phases of bad insomnia that even CBD won’t help with. I think I’d still reach for CBN if I was having a particularly rough night or week. However, the improvement in sleep quality has made a huge difference lately, so I can see Reishi becoming more of a staple in my nighttime routine. Again, its effects are more subtle – I don’t feel any different or more tired after taking it. However, I’ve definitely noticed more consistent energy the following day. 

In general, I’d take Reishi for everyday sleep quality support, Full Spectrum CBD with lots of THC for rougher nights, and CBN when I really need to sleep.    

TL;DR  

Reishi has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, especially when it comes to things like heart support, immune system boosting, sleep, anticancer support, and things like inflammation. While we still don’t have a lot of research, especially relevant human clinical trials, what we do have is interesting and promising. If you’re looking to try Reishi, make sure you start low and go slow, and talk to your doctor about potential medication interactions.