Many of today's ailments and conditions are brought about by a fast-paced lifestyle and stressful work. Add to that the sedentary living habits and diet of people, and this is an invite to viruses and bacteria to enter the body. People turn to technology to help cure these diseases and conditions, and it works. However, there has been a movement to return to treatments that people have used for many years that help the body become healthier with the cure of ailments. Among these is a mushroom that holds near-sacred status in the East.

Reishi is a type of mushroom used for several millennia by the Chinese for medicinal purposes. Many have tried it for its many benefits, from improving overall health to curing various diseases. Some even say that it gives some people the blessing of immortality, as shown in various stories surrounding the reishi mushroom.

What is extremely surprising about this type of mushroom is that it does not have any unfavorable side effects. Although it is recommended to take it in small doses at first, no one suffers from any of the debilitating effects that other supplements or medicines have. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular, despite the yet to be concluded research about its medicinal and curative properties.

Several studies have come out showing the positive effects of reishi mushroom extract when ingested by people. It combats the effects of inflammation very well. A 2003 Indian study showed that it could help reduce inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. Earlier efforts, such as a 1993 study on the mushroom, showed that it had several anti-inflammatory properties.

Previous research has also shown that a reishi mushroom extract that people take can improve joint health and function in people with arthritis. The mushroom contains properties that limit the effects of arthritis. Likewise, it has actually been compared to another anti-arthritis drug - prednisolone. A study showed that it had similar effectiveness, but without the debilitating side effects that some people get from prednisolone.

With sufficient precaution, it wouldn't hurt to try reishi mushroom extract to improve health. Because many have taken it without any dangerous side effects, maybe it's time that one joins the club of people who have experienced so much positive change in themselves through ingesting this mushroom. Who knows? Any condition one may have might go away completely, and a fuller and longer life may be waiting.