The Herbal Ally Series Part 7: Reishi Mushroom Versus Holy Basil

Description

Welcome to Part 7 of our series on herbal allies, in which I discuss plant medicines that have traditionally been used together across various herbal-based medical systems. 

If you have not read Part 1 (Gotu Kola vs Holy Basil), Part 2 (Bacopa vs Gotu Kola), Part 3 (Bacopa vs Lion’s Mane), or Part 4 (Ginkgo vs Bacopa), or Part 5 (Matcha vs Lion's Mane), or Part 6 (Elderberry vs Acerola), please check them out. 

All forms of traditional herbal medicine recognize that individual herbs have their appropriate place in medicine. However, herbal formulas are central to these long-standing traditional systems of medicine. 

In fact, the tradition of observing how herbs interact and function in their natural environments has long led to some of the most longstanding and effective formulas: Hoxsey Red Clover and Essiac, to name a few. A core value in creating these potent formulas is understanding herbal allies. 

In simple terms, herbal allies are plant medicines that work well together, creating a more potent effect through synergy and by supporting each other's primary mechanisms of action. 

However, herbal allies are not just about tradition. They are a perfect blend of tradition and modern science.  

How Holy Basil and Reishi Mushroom Work Together

In today’s article, I will discuss another great example of both a mushroom and an herb that each have long-standing histories as potent tonics in Traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, or Western herbal medicine for their ability to support adaptability and calm the mind and spirit. 

While not traditionally used together, modern science has clarified how their potent compounds and traditional uses may make them a compatible match. I am talking about the Ayurvedic "elixir of life," Holy Basil, and Reishi Mushrooms, a top-shelf longevity shen tonic that nourishes all three treasures (Jing, Shen, and Qi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

This article will also discuss how, through their mechanisms of action (as described in Western herbal medicine), they complement one another. However, before I get started, let's first define what tonics are in TCM and Ayurveda, and their relationship to “calming the spirit.”  

Principles of Tonic herbalism according to TCM and Ayurvedic Medicine

In simple terms, a tonic is a drink or medicinal preparation intended to invigorate, restore balance, and improve body tone. Tonics are designed to be used consistently over an extended period to gradually build resilience and adaptability. 

Western medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda all use tonic foods and herbs as the basis of their medical systems. Tonics are defined based on function and criteria. In simple terms, four fundamental aspects define a tonic herb, whether in Western or TCM contexts:

1. They create and support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 
2. They can be used indefinitely with no adverse effects.
3. No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build a tolerance.
4. True tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. 

It is important to note that TCM also identifies four categories of tonic herbs:

• Energy tonics: Qi tonics (non-stimulant) that increase physiological energy production and help the body function optimally.  
• Blood tonics: Nourish the blood and utilize nutrients to nourish all tissues of the body. 
• Yin tonics: Because yin is defined as the accumulation and storage of energy, yin tonics provide a deep substance of life.  
• Yang tonics are warming herbs used to boost energy, strength, and vitality. 

However, according to Ayurvedic Medicine, tonics are defined as Rasayanas: therapeutic substances and practices that promote rejuvenation, longevity, vitality, and deep tissue nourishment. Their core principles are deep nourishment, regenerative support, and layered adaptation. Unlike Western tonics (except for phytosome versions) and TCM tonics, Ayurveda uses fats like ghee as a primary activator.  

Furthermore, TCM and Ayurveda believe that all foods have energy. 

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that all foods and herbs have Yin/Yang energy, five temperatures, five flavors, and four directions. One of TCM's primary theories is the Five Phases, which holds that an ingredient's taste is a key determinant of its action in the body. For example, pungent ingredients often promote the circulation of Qi and body fluids, and bitter foods frequently have clearing and drying actions that promote elimination through the urine and bowels. 
• Ayurvedic medicine works with three primary doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which correspond to the elements (water, earth, air, fire, and space). Doshas are believed to be the energies that circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. One of the unique principles of Ayurveda is the understanding of health as a result of the coordinated functioning of the soul, mind, and body in an intimate relationship with everything else in the cosmos- material and non material. It believes the constituent factors of the human body and the cosmos are the same. It should be noted that while the concept of shen is not used in Ayurvedic medicine, its closest equivalent is Prana, Ojas, and Sattva, which define light, force, and vitality. 

What exactly does Holy Basil herb do?

The general term for  tonics that support various aspects of the nervous system is “nervines.” A nervine is a nerve tonic that mildly relaxes without the strong suppressive effects of a sedative. Nervines restore emotional balance and nourish nerves and the nervous system. 

Examples include skullcap, lemon balm, milky oats, and passionflower. Much like Ayurvedic medicine, Western herbalism considers Holy Basil a powerful nervine and nootropic with adaptogenic-like qualities that may help with the following: 

• Lifting the spirit
• Increasing clarity of thought
• Reducing mental fog associated with menopause and chronic stress
• Potentially dispels depression

However, in Western herbal medicine, holy basil is defined as a nootropic herb. 

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic) that may improve cognitive function by promoting relaxation and supporting mood, memory, attention, and creativity. The Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea first defined the term "nootropic" and was also the first to synthesize one of the best-known substances in this category, Piracetam, in 1964. The Giurgea Nootropic Criteria state that for any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

• Enhance learning and memory.
• Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors/memories to conditions that disrupt them.
• Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
• Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
• Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs 
• Be non-toxic at clinical dosages

Keep in mind that many herbs directly affect the nervous system, like sedatives (hops), anxiolytics (valerian, kava), antispasmodics (vervain, kava), analgesics (California poppy), and nervines (milky wild oat, passionflower). 

These herbs are often miscategorized as nootropics. While the above herbs have specific nootropic-like attributes, they don’t fulfill the criteria to be considered actual nootropics. However, it is exciting to know that nootropics do support many of these particular actions. 

Nootropics in traditional medicine are not typically used as standalone agents. They are usually combined with supportive herbs, such as adaptogens and nervines, to balance their effects. With adaptogens providing HPA axis and SAS restorative benefits for the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, and nervines offering calming and emotionally balancing effects, these three categories of herbs are a match made in heaven. 

Is Holy Basil an actual adaptogen? 

As a quick reminder, for an herb to be considered an actual adaptogen, it must fulfill the following criteria: 

• Be nontoxic at clinical dosage. 
• Increase the hormonal and immune systems' resistance to various stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. 
• Normalize body function regardless of how external stressors have altered it. 

However, as research has progressed, we have learned that the primary factor distinguishing plants and fungi as adaptogens is their ability to act through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1) The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintains and supports homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis interfaces the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems.  

2) The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal System, aka fight-or-flight) is a complex system that connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it is our fight-or-flight response. When triggered, it floods the body with adrenaline and releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This hormone release and blood redistribution allow the mind and body to respond and survive. 

Therefore, in simple terms, Holy basil is NOT an actual adaptogen. Instead, it is a nootropic with adaptogen-like and anxiolytic qualities.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported the following: 

Participants received either a placebo or holy basil (1200 mg of active ingredients per day) for 6 weeks. Furthermore, patients self-evaluated the severity of stress-related symptoms at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6 using a symptom rating scale. After six weeks of intervention, the following was reported: 

• Scores of symptoms such as forgetfulness, sexual problems of recent origin, frequent feeling of exhaustion, and frequent sleep problems of recent origin decreased significantly in the holy basil group as compared with the placebo group. 
• The total symptom scores for the Holy Basil group showed a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) compared with the placebo group. 
• The Holy Basil group showed an overall improvement of 1.6 times (39%) greater than placebo in controlling general stress symptoms. 
• No adverse events were reported during the study. 

Therefore, the following was concluded. The findings showed that Holy Basil was effective and well-tolerated by all patients throughout the six-week study period.

What exactly does Reishi Mushroom do?

Red Reishi is known as “The Mushroom of Immortality” and has a long and well-documented history in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its potential to support healthy aging by nourishing what Chinese medicine calls the three treasures. 

• Jing is essence, primarily stored in the kidneys. Jing is one’s constitution, regulates the body’s growth and development, and works with Qi to protect the body from harmful external conditions. Poor constitution, blood loss, and excessive sexual activity can cause Jing essence deficiencies.
• Qi is the life force, or vital energy, stored in the kidneys. Both the physical and emotional are manifested as Qi. Qi in our body comes from two sources. First, we inherit it from our parents; second, we derive it from essential substances like air, food, and water. Deficiencies can come from poor nutrition and digestion, chronic stress, and restricted breathing.   
• Together, Jing and Qi are believed to form the foundation for Shen.
• Shen is the emotional and spiritual layer of our being and reflects the state of our nervous system. Shen lives in the heart and is said to “preside over the activities that take place in the spiritual and mental planes.” Because Shen lives in the heart, people with disturbed Shen may experience anxiety, stress, difficulty breathing, and insomnia. In such cases, the primary weakness is from the spleen, which cannot generate enough blood to nourish the heart and anchor the Shen.  

While adaptogen is a modern 20th-century Western term, the physiological concept of building resilience and restoring systemic balance aligns directly with how TCM has used reishi for over 2,000 years. 

Red Reishi primarily consists of complex carbohydrates, including water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and amino acids. Thanks to modern tissue-culture techniques, we know reishi has around 16,000 genes that code for more than 200,000 compounds, and 400 are active constituents. Red Reishi could arguably be one of the greatest tonics on earth, supporting a healthy immune system response and liver function. Reishi is highly revered for its ability to promote the growth of wisdom. 

Reishi Mushroom: The Great Shen Tonic

While Western herbalism considers Shen tonics a form of nerve tonic, TCM has no direct anatomical equivalent to a "nerve tonic" because classical TCM does not map the body using Western concepts of the nervous system. As stated earlier in this article, according to TCM, Shen is defined as the spirit, mind, and consciousness representing the most refined level of human vitality that governs all mental, emotional, and spiritual functions. 

Shen resides in the heart and relies on heart blood and Qi to ground its energy. Furthermore, as one of the three primary treasures of TCM, Shen transforms Jing and Qi into consciousness and character, manifesting through the eyes, complexion, and speech. When Shen is disturbed by chronic stress, emotional trauma, poor diet, or external factors, it manifests in specific patterns such as the following: 

• Agitated Shen caused by internal heat causes signs of excessiveness like insomnia, excessive dreaming, anxiety, palpitations, racing thoughts, and, in severe clinical cases, mania or delirium.  
• Deficient Shen results from blood or Qi deficiency and includes signs like lethargy, poor memory, brain fog, lack of enthusiasm, and an overall absence of vitality. 

Modern neuroscience translates shen-tonifying actions into the following biochemical mechanisms: 

• GABAergic Pathway Activation: Reishi mushroom helps calm the mind by shifting the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, dampening over-excitation in the cerebral cortex to induce tranquility.
• A disturbed shen creates a depleted state from chronic stress. While Reishi is not a member of the exclusive club of “True Adaptogens”, it does target the HPA axis by stabilizing cortisol through Ganoderic Acid A Activity (a major bioactive triterpenoid compound found in reishi that crosses the blood-brain barrier)
• Rooting the spirit through the Gut-Brain Axis & Sleep Architecture by helping you fall asleep faster and helping you stay asleep longer, as reishi may alter the gut microbiome, increasing levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) in the hypothalamus. 

How do Reishi Mushrooms and Holy Basil herb complement each other specifically to calm the mind?

• Reishi supplies the neurochemical baseline (more GABA available), while Holy Basil maximizes that baseline's efficiency by binding to receptors. This dual action breaks the loop of racing thoughts that agitate the Shen.
• Holy Basil acts as an immediate shield against daytime stress spikes, while Reishi provides a slow, stabilizing foundation. Together, they keep the HPA axis from over-firing, allowing the Shen to remain grounded. 
• Holy basil acts as a localized anti-inflammatory clearing agent, while Reishi reinforces systemic immune balance. Clearing this physical "heat" directly relieves the subjective feeling of a restless spirit.
  

In conclusion, understanding the principles of effective formula formulation is a multilayered process. 

One of the longest-standing traditions is observing how each plant functions both independently and in association with other plants. 

Therefore, when you understand the science behind plant medicines and that each plant has multiple allies that support its ability to heal, you have a proper match made in heaven.  

For more information about our Red Reishi, go here: Organic Red Reishi Mushroom Extract Powder (Lingzhi)

For more information about our Holy Basil, go here: Organic Holy Basil Powder (Tulsi)

The Author’s Bio
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing, with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the field. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets across the 35 countries he has visited. Michael shares his experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and on his YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist Perspective." He is widely regarded as a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.