Reishi & astragalus
Reishi is a bitter, woody mushroom. Astragalus is a sweet yellow root. Both get simmered.
Two herbs, three things to know
Simmer reishi, never chew
It is too tough to eat. Simmer thin slices in water for an hour or more. Red dates or honey soften the bitterness.
Put astragalus in soup
Add a small handful of flat slices to chicken soup. They taste sweet and a little like beans. Lift them out before serving.
Spot lingzhi in art
Lingzhi stands for long life in Chinese painting and porcelain. The cloud-shaped head of the ruyi scepter is widely said to echo it.
In legend, Lady White Snake stole lingzhi to save her husband.
What to look for
These are traditional herbs, not proven treatments. Reishi can interact with warfarin and other blood thinners and blood pressure drugs. Astragalus may affect immune-suppressing drugs. Skip both in pregnancy and before surgery.
Reishi & astragalus
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What is reishi mushroom good for?
In Chinese tradition, reishi is a tonic linked with long life. Modern research is limited, and it is not proven to treat or prevent any disease.
Is reishi safe to take every day?
Ask your doctor first. Reishi can upset the stomach, long-term safety is not well studied, and rare liver injury has been reported, mostly with powders.
What is astragalus used for?
Astragalus is a root used in Chinese soups and herbal tradition, where it is called a qi tonic. Cooks treat it like a mild, sweet stock herb. It is not a proven remedy.
