How Reishi Mushroom Alleviates Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue
,
par SANUSq Research team
How Reishi Mushroom Alleviates Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a powerful adaptogenic herb known for its ability to regulate immunity and improve cardiovascular health. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory and immune strengthening properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (B-glucans) and triterpenes (ganoderic acid).
It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and is referenced in the ancient medical texts in China which describe Reishi mushroom as an ultimate tonic herb that fights ageing and disease, boosts energy, increases stamina and improves vigour and vitality. It is also known as Lingzhi mushroom and the mushroom of immortality. In this blog, we will discuss how reishi mushroom helps ease various symptoms associated with fibromyalgia – a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the body along with unsettling fatigue and poor cognitive functions.
Fibromyalgia and the Role of Reishi Mushroom
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that causes widespread pain in the muscle and soft tissue and is often characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and sleep disturbance. The causes of fibromyalgia are not very well-understood but it has been suggested that central nervous system sensitization to pain and dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA - a complex system where the three glands communicate with each other to manage stress) are two key mechanisms that play a role in the development of this painful condition.
While genetics, infections and chronic disorders such as arthritis, lupus anxiety, depression and irritable bowel syndrome are believed to be the main risk factors of Fibromyalgia, long-term psychological stress, hormonal changes and physical trauma can also trigger a flare-up.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain in the body that can’t be explained and overwhelming fatigue are the two overarching symptoms of fibromyalgia. A person with this condition may experience all or some of the following symptoms, which are often difficult to manage.
Widespread musculoskeletal pain
Fatigue
Joint aches
Morning stiffness
Headaches
Restless leg syndrome
Poor focus and memory issues
Depression and anxiety
As most of these symptoms are non-specific and vague, fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as arthritis, hypothyroidism and depression.
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) for Fibromyalgia Relief
You can manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia to some extent by managing your stress levels, supporting your adrenal health, sleeping well and maintaining the health of your nervous system. That’s where Reishi mushroom fits in.
Reishi mushroom contains hundreds of bioactive compounds that work together to offer a broad range of health benefits. Let’s look at the benefits of using reishi in fibromyalgia. Reishi mushroom has adaptogenic properties -h3 Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen – a unique category of herbs that help the body adapt to stress and improve how the body responds to stress. Due to its adaptogenic properties, reishi brings balance and harmony to the body, and positively influences the HPA axis. As an adaptogen, reishi offers many benefits:
Helps in healthy stress management
Calms the nervous steam
Regulates cortisol levels
Reduces adrenal fatigue
Promotes healthy sleep
Corrects hormonal balance
Reishi mushroom regulates immunity
It is not clear whether fibromyalgia is an inflammatory or an auto-immune disorder. However, it is seen that the immune system of people with fibromyalgia doesn’t function properly (immune dysfunction) and they tend to have increased levels of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which could partially contribute to the pain, fatigue, and overall symptoms associated with the condition. Reishi mushroom regulates the immune system. It not only boosts your immune system (and helps the body fight infections and disease), but it also calms down an overactive immune system. Its role in strengthening immunity could help reduce some of the fatigue and muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia [1]. In addition, reishi is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that impact immunity, sleep, mood and energy levels.
Role of Reishi in managing Fibromyalgia symptoms
1. Reishi mushroom helps manage stress
Chronic stress plays a multi-faceted role in fibromyalgia as it can trigger the condition as well as make the symptoms go worse. The relationship between stress and fibromyalgia is a complex play between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Long-term stress increases cortisol levels that can lead to HPA axis dysregulation (an inability to control or regulate one's emotional responses), resulting in poor stress management, increased sensitivity to pain, mood changes and other symptoms.
The bioactive compounds in Reishi regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and helps the body respond to stress in a healthy manner. Reishi supports adrenal health, and regulates the levels of cortisol hormone (also known as stress hormone).
2. Reishi mushroom alleviates pain
Fibromyalgia affects the way your nervous system processes the pain and carries pain signals. Research suggests that reishi mushroom interacts with the nervous system and influences paths involved in pain perception and pain signaling, thus reducing pain sensitivity. Again, by regulating the HPA axis, reishi can help the body to better manage the pain.
3. Reishi mushroom promotes healthy sleep
For people with fibromyalgia, chronic pain interferes with sleep and reduces the sleep quality. It is often seen that people with long-term pain (whether due to fibromyalgia or any other painful condition, such as arthritis) end up getting less sleep and suffer from sleep deprivation. They may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep due to their pain.
In addition, poor sleep affects how the body perceives the pain. Studies show that insufficient sleep increases the risk of developing chronic body pain. Long-term sleep problems or sleep deprivation can also worsen anxiety symptoms, especially at night. This further impacts sleep and creates a vicious cycle of pain and insufficient sleep, where pain disrupts sleep and poor sleep worsens sensitivity to the pain.
Reishi calms the nervous system and promotes deep, healthy sleep, which in turn improves mood, helps manage pain and allows the body to heal and recover effectively.
4. Reishi mushroom reduces fatigue
In fibromyalgia, chronic pain and poor sleep not only contribute to fatigue but also exacerbates fatigue. Reishi reduces fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties and its rich polysaccharide content. Reishi is also a good source of minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids that relieve fatigue, boost stamina and provides the adaptive energy you need to handle stress.
Traditionally, reishi mushroom has long been used as a tonic herb to boost stamina, improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Although more scientific research is needed to fully support these claims, a small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggested that reishi may help alleviate symptoms of neurasthenia, a condition characterized by profound physical and mental exhaustion. A recent 2024 study found that reishi mushroom improves fatigue, poor appetite, anxiety and depression in cancer patients. [2]
5. Reishi mushroom improves mood
Chronic pain combined with poor sleep cause mood disturbances such as irritability, anxiety, and depression. Studies show that reishi mushroom improves mood [3] and eases symptoms of anxiety and depression. As an adaptogen, reishi balances the efficient working of the nervous system, correct hormonal balance and influences neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotional well-being, which helps reduce anxiety. It also improves sleep, which plays an important role in regulating mood.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Reishi Mushroom in Daily Life
Incorporating reishi mushroom into your daily routine can help improve mood, reduce fatigue, improve immunity and support overall health. You can consume it in various forms, including capsules and tea made by brewing dried mushroom. Taking cracked reishi spores in capsule form is the most practical and effective way to get the maximum benefits of reishi mushroom. The matured fruiting body of the Reishi mushroom fungi releases spores. Spores are richer in bio-active compounds than the fruiting body, especially in terms of triterpenes. Cracked spores improves the bio-availability and absorption of the bio-active compounds present in the spores.
FAQs
Are there any known interactions between Reishi Mushroom and medications?
Reishi can interact with certain medications such as drugs used to lower high blood pressure, blood thinning drugs and immunosuppressants. It is important to consult your healthcare professional and share your complete medical history and other relevant information before you take any herbal or dietary supplement. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How long does it take to feel the effects of Reishi Mushroom on fibromyalgia symptoms?
It can take several weeks to feel the effects of reishi mushroom on the symptoms of fibromyalgia. While improvements in sleep and mood may be noticed within 1-2 weeks of use, but it may take 3-4 weeks or more of consistent use to see improvements in fatigue, energy levels and pain management.
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