This article teaches about how reishi mushrooms can help your hair grow. You’ll learn about the most recent scientific study on this ancient herb and how you can begin reaping its benefits immediately.
You should know that this plant has been used in ancient China for almost two thousand years, so let’s start there. To begin with, let’s look at recent studies on the reishi mushroom and its many qualities to check if it can be used to cure pattern baldness in some way.
Then, we’ll share with you three ways to supplement with Reishi, two of which are the successful hair-growth formulations we’ve used.
People in Asia have been using Reishi mushrooms and medicinal mushroom supplements for thousands of years alongside other herbs, such as Fo-Ti, as a potent source of spiritual power. Lingzhi and G. Lucidum are only two of the many names given to this plant, which grows at the base of deciduous trees.
Lingzhi mushrooms, scarce in the wild, are now grown on hardwood logs and wood chips.
The cap of the mushroom is flat and has a corky texture. A crimson varnish and a kidney-shaped cap are typical features. Red Reishi, however, is the most well-known and studied color.
Researchers have focused on and studied this versatile fungus for a long time because of its many therapeutic benefits, including immunomodulation and as an antioxidant.
“Can reishi be utilized for the treatment of hair loss?” is the question this article intends to answer.
DHT Inhibitory Effects of Reishi
The enzyme 5-reductase transforms testosterone into the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone. The latter is a usual occurrence for most people. Those with a propensity to male-pattern baldness, on the other hand, are more sensitive to DHT in their scalps. This most likely causes androgenetic alopecia.
DHT inhibition is possible for those with AGA, which is good news. Hair loss may be halted or even reversed if it is adequately inhibited. The process of hair development can then proceed naturally and unhindered. Reishi mushroom supplementation is one such method.
In 2005, a Japanese study examined the 5-reductase inhibitory effects of 19 mushroom species. Each of the 19 mushroom species used in the investigation was first ethanol extracted by researchers.
The experimenters mixed ethanol extracts with rat liver and prostate tissue in a suspension in the first part of the study. This experiment aimed to measure the proportion of 5-reductase inhibition for each mushroom species. Reishi was shown to have the highest balance of 5-reductase inhibition, with a range of 70% to 80%. Pleurotus osteratus, the second most effective mushroom species, had an inhibitory proportion of roughly 60%.
In the next step, researchers studied the growth of castrated rats’ prostates. This investigation aimed to see if G. lucidum (reishi mushroom) could reduce testosterone’s effects on men’s prostate growth.
The lab rats were divided into three separate groups. As a control group, they were given testosterone. G. lucidum (1.5 mg/kg) and testosterone were given to the second group, whereas the third group received both testosterone and a 15 mg/kg dosage of G. lucidum.
Reishi concentrations lowered prostate weight below the testosterone control group’s values, according to the study results. This experiment had some surprises: The lesser concentration worked better.
Important Message on Hair Loss
Reishi mushroom is primarily an effective 5-reductase inhibitor, lowering the body’s production of DHT. This is a life-changing discovery for those with AGA. DHT-sensitive hair follicles are protected from shrinkage when supplemented with reishi mushroom extract.
Antimicrobial Properties of Reishi
Increasing antibiotic resistance has pushed scientists to focus on natural means of battling diverse microorganisms.
A study by Quereshi et al. used three techniques to extract the active ingredients of the reishi mushroom after it was dried, crushed and ground up (methanol, ethanol, and acetone). Additionally, distilled water was utilized as a negative control, and the antibiotic Gentamycin sulfate was employed as a positive control.
Six different bacterial pathogens were exposed to the five other solutions, which were then incubated for 24 hours each. The tests were run three times each. The following were the outcomes:
Some of the reishi extracts came very close to outperforming the antibiotic as a positive control, but none did so. It is the acetone extract that has shown to be effective against both B. subtilis as well as K. pneumoniae. The negative control was also shown to be inhibited by all extracts.
“What does an antibiotic do for hair loss?” you may question.
Not all types of alopecia are caused by DHT sensitivity, keep this in mind. Fungal infections and bacterial overgrowth are only two examples of other causes of hair loss that you should be aware of.
An antimicrobial agent, such as reishi mushroom, can help keep your hair follicles from becoming blocked or clogged by keeping your scalp healthy. This will grow your hair and develop it in the most satisfactory conditions.
Using Reishi to Improve Immunity
Alopecia areata, one type of alopecia, is autoimmune baldness. The body’s immune system protects it from external threats. Viruses and bacteria are among the agents of these attacks.
The immune system targets the hair follicles of patients with alopecia areata, resulting in hair loss and follicle damage. This results in a varying degree of hair loss on the scalp. This might lead to irreversible hair loss if left untreated.
Patients with this form of alopecia are treated in a variety of ways. The core cause of hair loss must be addressed to find a long-term solution, even if the symptoms of hair loss are treated at the moment.
Immunosuppressive properties of the Reishi mushroom have been demonstrated. This indicates that Reishi can stimulate the immune system by manipulating its chemicals (in this case, cytokine production).
No published or known research has been done on Reishi with regards to alopecia areata. However, the evidence suggests that Reishi could help treat the condition. In the end, a healthy immune response would reduce the damage to hair follicles and support the creation of new hair.
Ways to Use Reishi Mushroom
If you want practical everyday use for reishi mushrooms, there are several approaches you can take.
DIY Shampoo
There’s no need to deal with the harsh chemicals in store-bought shampoos, you can make your own with reishi mushrooms.
What You’ll Need:
Liquid castile soap (½ cup)
Aloe vera gel (⅓ cup)
Green tea (½ cup)
Vanilla essential oil (10 drops)
Reishi extract (1 cup)
Directions:
After bringing the water in to a boil, add the reishi mushroom and let it steep. Reishi solids should be discarded after the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
Make sure to mix the reishi tea with the other components properly.
To use, moisten hair and massage into scalp for two to three minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after using the shampoo for up to five minutes.
Hair Benefits:
Combining the benefits of many different nutrients with the benefits of boosting hair growth and maintaining a healthy scalp results in this potent combo.
This recipe’s major soother is aloe vera gel, which soothes and protects the scalp from itching and irritation.
Vanilla oil extract and Reishi (which inhibits 5-reductase) work together to provide a favorable environment for hair growth.
In addition, the different chemicals found in green tea encourage additional hair development and deliver a potent antioxidant punch.
Dietary Supplement
Rather than producing your shampoo and hair treatments, you may buy them from the store. Instead, you can supplement your diet by including it in your daily routine.
The numerous health benefits provided by Reishi make it a fantastic tea, and drinking it is a great way to get them all. You can also add it to soups, salads, or grill it for a nutrient-packed side dish.
Before eating mushrooms, soak them in water for at least 24 hours. The husk of the mushroom will be softer as a result, and the mushroom’s nutrients will remain intact.
You can even use it as a nutritional supplement. In addition to powder and capsules, it can be purchased in various ways.
DIY Face Mask
It’s never too late to experiment and make your own hair growth masks, moisturizers, and even exfoliators. This time, try adding reishi mushroom into it.
What You’ll Need:
Avocado (1 half)
Vanilla Essential Oil (10 drops)
Cherries (6, peeled and pitted)
Water (1/2 cup)
Herbs (nettle, chamomile, Reishi)
Directions:
Let’s start with a pot of boiling water. Reishi, nettle, and chamomile can now be added into it. Remove the herbs from the water when it reaches room temperature.
The avocado, cherries, and vanilla essential oil goes well together with the herb and mushroom tea. Dump the ingredients into a blender to mix well until a slush-like consistency is reached.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp while they are still damp. Allow the mask to rest on your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Towel dry the mask after rinsing it with lukewarm water.
Hair Benefits:
Several advantages accrue to your scalp due to using this hydrating and nourishing hair mask.
It’s no surprise that Reishi is a 5-reductase inhibitor. Avocados give a wide range of nutrients while preventing hair loss due to dryness. In addition to providing antioxidants, cherries also contain vanilla essential oil, which has been shown to promote hair development.
Conclusion
Reishi mushrooms’ direct effects on hair development have not yet been studied in humans. Still, the current research shows encouraging outcomes for people who wish to address their genetic baldness organically.
When mixed with other ingredients such as pumpkin seed oil and primrose essential oil supplements, Reishi can help you achieve better hair growth.
