The Chinese mushroom known as "reishi" is becoming more and more well-known and used around the world. Highly valued in traditional Asian medicine, it has fortifying properties, stimulates the immune system, and contains polysaccharides and glucans as well as acids that are very important for the body called triterpenoids.
Its effectiveness has been proven for the treatment of many conditions, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, or problems related to the immune system.
As for pregnant women, they may use this mushroom in moderation, particularly to help fight fatigue and anemia.
What the science says: medicinal mushrooms, breastfeeding
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, as additional insight — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Medicinal mushrooms
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and other medicinal mushrooms contain beta-glucans and triterpenes with immunomodulatory effects, critically reviewed (Phytother Res, 2021) (Biomolecules, 2022) (Molecules, 2023) — which is why they have a place in the immune courses the professor recommends. Precaution: controlled quality and origin; caution with immunosuppressant treatment, anticoagulants, or before surgery; courses of 2 to 3 months rather than continuous use.
Breastfeeding
Fenugreek, fennel, and other traditional galactagogues have been evaluated by the Cochrane review and specialized reviews: modest but real effects in some mothers, when nursing is frequent (Cochrane, 2020) (Ochsner J, 2016) (Biomed Res Int, 2014). Hydration, rest, barley (talbina), and dates support lactation. Precaution: check the compatibility of any herb or supplement with breastfeeding (mint and sage at high doses reduce it); when in doubt, consult a lactation consultant.
