Red Reishi has been a staple of Eastern medicine or what can be referred to as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) due to its beneficial effects on the immune system.
“Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system,” according to Healthline. In fact, “studies have found that some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells.” Additional studies show that “reishi can increase the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in those with colorectal cancer.”
“Although most immune system benefits of reishi mushroom have been seen in those who are ill, some evidence has shown that it can help healthy people, too. In one study, the fungus improved lymphocyte function, which helps fight infections and cancer, in athletes exposed to stressful conditions.”
Cacao Benefits, Magnesium & More
“Magnesium, a mineral known to reduce stress is found in cocoa. Over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in magnesium. And according to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep.
Magnesium, often referred to as the ‘sleep mineral’ is instrumental in sleep and is a natural relaxant that helps deactivate adrenaline. A lack of magnesium can be directly linked to difficulty going and staying asleep. Magnesium also fights acid buildup, neutralizes toxins, calms sensitivity to pain, and quiets nerves.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that when ingested gets turned into the neurotransmitter serotonin and then converted into the hormone melatonin. Serotonin is known as the “Happy chemical” and raw cacao boosts the body’s natural production of it, increasing our mood and ability to fend off stress.
Both magnesium and tryptophan are necessary chemicals for the production of serotonin. Tryptophan is heat-volatile and therefore non-existent in cooked chocolate, making raw chocolate an excellent way to obtain dietary tryptophan.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that has been isolated in cacao, and is released naturally in the brain when we are feeling happy,” according to a recent article by Anima Mundi Apothecary.
Paired with speciosa, Reishi & Cocoa make an amazing immune system boosting hot beverage!
Want to boost the benefits you get from cacao and reishi? Why of course you do!
That’s why I always take my morning dose of Speciosa tea with a nice cup of Red Reishi Hot Chocolate. See recipe below!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Organic Reishi (Any Red Kratom strain will work)
- 1 tsp of organic cacao
- 1 tsp of raw honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 pinch of chili powder
- 1 cup of coconut or almond milk
Directions
Heat your milk up in the microwave for about a minute to a minute and a half, depending on your microwave strength. Remove and immediately add all the other ingredients. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Drink immediately and enjoy with a tsp or two of your favorite strain of Speciosa from Shop Ketum!
