Some ingredients in our blend are about doing more. Reishi is about doing less — or rather, helping your nervous system settle enough that you can. It's the quiet counterbalance to Lion's Mane's focus and Cordyceps' energy, and it's the reason our mushroom blend feels less like a stimulant and more like an exhale.
Here's what Reishi actually is, and why "grounded" is the word people keep reaching for.
An old mushroom with a big reputation
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, where it's known as Lingzhi — often translated as "spiritual potency" or "mushroom of immortality." That's a lot to live up to, but the reputation has held on for two millennia for a reason: people kept coming back to it for the same thing — a steadier nervous system.
What's actually in it
Reishi contains hundreds of compounds, but three groups matter most: triterpenes, beta-glucans, and ganoderic acids. Researchers believe these compounds interact with the body's stress-response systems in a couple of ways — supporting healthy cortisol regulation (cortisol being the body's main stress hormone) and engaging the GABA system, the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter network.
That GABA connection is part of what gives Reishi its specific flavor of calm: not sedation, but what's sometimes described as "calm alertness" — relaxed, but still present and clear-headed.
What the research shows
A frequently cited 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that participants taking a Reishi extract showed meaningful reductions in anxiety and depression scores after eight weeks — with some improvements persisting even after they stopped taking it. More recently, a 2024 clinical trial combining Reishi with rhodiola rosea found improvements in mood, fatigue, and overall negative feelings after six weeks of use.
To be clear: human research on Reishi is still limited compared to more heavily studied ingredients, and most of the strongest evidence so far comes from animal and preliminary clinical studies. We're not going to tell you it's a guaranteed fix for a hard week — but the early research, paired with two thousand years of consistent traditional use, is a compelling combination.
Why we use it
Reishi is part of the same signature blend as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Chaga in every Day Sesh gummy and mushroom blend chocolate — working alongside Chaga to round out the calmer, steadier side of the formula without the grogginess that can come with other options. It's there to keep the whole blend feeling balanced, not just focused.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Products are intended for adult use only. Please review product details and consult a healthcare professional before use.
