Scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, reishi mushroom has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. It is widely known for its many health benefits, including its ability to strengthen the immune system, boost stamina, treat urinary problems and lower cholesterol levels. In today’s world, this kidney-shaped fungus is rapidly gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for enhancing hair growth. So, keep reading to find out more about reishi mushroom benefits for hair growth.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Hair
Reishi mushroom can help hair health in a variety of ways, including:
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Serves as a DHT Blocker
Elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels serve as a primary cause of hair loss, particularly in men. An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT in the body. In some individuals, DHT binds to hair follicles’ receptors, making them shrink and resulting in a condition called androgenic alopecia, which leads to baldness and hair thinning. To treat male pattern baldness, dermatologists often prescribe DHT blockers. Reishi mushroom acts as a natural DHT blocker and inhibits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme to prevent or slow down DHT production, stopping certain forms of hair loss.
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Offers Anti-inflammatory Action
Reishi mushroom is a rich source of peptidoglycans and polysaccharides, compounds with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This helps reduce scalp inflammation, which can weaken hair follicles, and promote blood flow to your scalp to supply it with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow healthy hair. Moreover, the mushroom’s anti-inflammatory effects help in reducing the chances of scalp issues like dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
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Provides Strong Antioxidant Effects
Possessing powerful antioxidant properties, reishi mushroom can help combat free radicals, compounds that can damage your hair follicles and cause hair loss and thinning. Its antioxidant action also helps shield your hair against damage caused by environmental stressors like the sun, chlorine and pollution. Moreover, as you age, your hair health deteriorates, particularly due to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The antioxidant effects of reishi mushroom can help counteract age-related hair damage as well.
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Packed with Hair-friendly Nutrients
Reishi mushroom is packed with a wide range of essential nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It is rich in various bioactive compounds, like polysaccharides, triterpenes and peptidoglycans, which possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting qualities. It helps promote overall well-being, which can indirectly benefit the health of your hair and scalp.
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Regulates Hormone Balance
Hormonal imbalances can lead to various hair problems like thinning and hair loss. Reishi mushroom aids in balancing your hormone levels, which can promote hair growth. This mushroom can lower the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. It helps your liver in detoxifying xenoestrogens, which mimic estrogen and can lead to side effects associated with elevated estrogen levels. These side effects include several hair growth problems.
How to Use Reishi Mushroom for Hair?
There are two ways of using reishi mushroom for hair growth – oral consumption and topical application. The simplest way is to add this mushroom to your daily diet. This can be done in a variety of ways. Reishi mushroom can be used to make tea, soups and salads. It can also be grilled to make a side dish. Moreover, you can take it as a supplement, which is available in many forms like capsules and powders.
Those who want to opt for topical application can add its extract to their shampoo or use it to make a hair mask. There are also several hair care products available in the market that are already infused with this mushroom.
Conclusion
Reishi mushroom can help address several hair problems, like alopecia areata, male pattern baldness and premature graying. Loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, it shields your hair against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. It also helps in stimulating healthy hair growth and reducing hair loss. All in all, adding reishi mushroom to your hair care regimen or diet can prove to be highly beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp.
