WHAT TO TAKE… TO BOOST IMMUNITY

RED REISHI

Known as the“mushroom of immortality”in Eastern medicine, reishi extract is used in Japan as an adaptogen, something that reduces the body’s vulnerability to stress and helps to build natural immunity. It is traditionally used as a general physical and mental well-being booster.

THE HEALTH CLAIM:

It’s gaining such a reputation as an immune booster that even Cancer Research UK wants to see clinical trials on its use in cancer patients.“Reishi is a useful supplement for tiredness,”says Serene Foster, a doctor of immunology and medical herbalist (hydesherbalclinic.co.uk).

THE EVIDENCE:

Studies consistently show that reishi is effective at boosting the activity of the immune system, although many of the studies have been done on rats. A Cochrane review of five clinical trials found that it improved patient response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

•Bare Organics’Red Reishi Mushroom Powder, `1,918 for 114 grams; amazon.in