Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for DHT Blocking and Hair Loss?

Shaivy Choubey

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Eat reishi mushrooms and forget your hair problems! These mushrooms have been proven by science to reduce the factors that lead to hair loss. Since ancient times, these mushrooms possess healing properties and have been used to make traditional medicines for various health issues.

Read the following blog to learn how this incredible superfood can help stop hair fall and achieve fuller and healthier hair. Also, explore if there are any side effects of eating these mushrooms.

What is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom is also known as Lingzhi and has the scientific name of Ganoderma lucidum. The use of this mushroom dates back to 2000 years ago, and it has been used since then for its powerful effects, records Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. It is used to make traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Asia to treat various illnesses and conditions.

The health benefits of this mushroom include lowering blood pressure, managing cholesterol levels, reducing anxiety, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, it has greatly benefited dermatology-related conditions and benefits hair and skin.

Did You Know?

The Reishi mushroom is also famously known by the name of “Mushroom of Immortality.” Ancient healers believed it to have potent anti-aging properties, and even finding this rare mushroom was considered a stroke of good luck.

Popular Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Hair Health

These mushrooms are full of antioxidants that protect the scalp from environmental damage and free radicals formed inside the body. Reduced free radical damage makes your scalp healthy and creates a suitable environment for hair follicles to regrow thicker, fuller hair.

These mushrooms are also a powerhouse of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming them improves blood circulation, meaning that more oxygen and hair-friendly nutrients go to the scalp to promote healthy hair growth while suppressing the chances of scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Thus, many people who know about these benefits use reishi mushroom for hair growth.

These mushrooms are also natural adaptogens because they cause various positive effects on the body. The health benefits of adaptogens found in these mushrooms that are also linked with good hair health include:

  • Enhanced protein synthesis (protein is needed for hair formation)
  • Relieves stress and tension (excess stress is linked to hair fall)
  • Enhance sleep during the night (lack of sleep can disturb the hair follicle and hair growth cycle, resulting in hair fall)

Can Reishi Mushroom Prevent Hair Loss?

Typical hair loss or alopecia usually happens due to the excess of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. DHT is made by converting testosterone by an enzyme known as 5a-Reductase. This mushroom is shown to inhibit DHT by reducing the production of 5a-Reductase, as per an NCBI study.

So, eating these mushrooms can prevent DHT from binding to the hair follicles and stop the occurrence of androgenetic alopecia, including female and male hair loss. Studies show that these mushrooms can reduce 5a-Reductase production activity by up to 70 – 80%, making these mushrooms a natural DHT blocker and a miracle herb for those with hair fall and hair loss.

DIY Reishi Mushroom Recipes for Hair Growth

Raw reishi mushrooms are bitter in taste. But if you want to know how to use reishi mushroom, then you can use them to make their hot extract in teas or soups. Some may prefer eating them grilled or added to salads or side dishes.

We’ll share a quick, no-fuss tea recipe you can have at any time.

You will need:

  • 4 – 6 cut pieces of reishi mushrooms
  • 8 mugs of water
  •  tablespoons of tea leaves

Steps to make it:

  • Boil 4 cups of water and dried mushrooms to simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Sieve the mushrooms from that liquid.
  • Steep the mushroom-infused water with the chai tea using a tea infuser or tea net and pour another
  • 2-4 cups of boiling water over the tea to infuse for up to 10 minutes.

You can also boil this mushroom water and store it. Use it to make herbal hair masks and rinse treatments for extra nutrition and antioxidants to boost your hair’s health and shine.

Are There Any Side Effects of Reishi Mushrooms?

In some cases, these mushrooms can be harmful to pregnant and breastfeeding women. These could also lead to more possibilities of bleeding disorders as well as reduced blood pressure much lower than it is supposed to be.

If you are suffering from any disease or you are pregnant and breastfeeding, then consult with your physician before consuming these mushrooms.

In A Nutshell

The benefits of consuming reishi mushroom for hair health can be credited to its ability to boost protein synthesis, stress management, and improve sleep, all of which improve hair health. Above that, the top benefit of these mushrooms is that they inhibit the production of DHT, a hormone that leads to hair loss. Although these have potent medicinal properties, it is advised to consume them by consulting a doctor if you are pregnant, lactating, or have serious medical illnesses.

About Author - Shaivy Choubey is a dedicated and skilled healthcare writer with over seven years of experience in writing, editing, and proofreading content across various niches, including lifestyle, skincare, haircare, and overall well-being. When not writing, Shaivy is on the lookout for the latest wellness trends, exploring vibrant destinations, or savouring her favourite healthy treats.

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