This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Reishi mushroom is a fungus. Some people describe it as "tough" and "woody" with a bitter taste. The above-ground part and portions of the below-ground parts are used as medicine.

Reishi mushroom is used for cancer, aging, boosting the immune system to prevent or support immune challenges, and for many other reasons, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In combination with other herbs, reishi mushroom is used to support prostate cancer. Also in combination with other ingredients, reishi mushroom may be used for viruses, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV), genital herpes, and cold sores.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fungus

Primary Functions:

Cancer, aging

Also Known As:

Basidiomycetes Mushroom, Champignon Basidiomycète, Champignon d’Immortalité

How Does It Work?

Reishi mushroom contains chemicals that seem to have a variety of potentially beneficial effects, including activity against tumors (cancer) and beneficial effects on the immune system.

Uses

• Alzheimer's condition. Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom powder does not improve memory or quality of life in people with Alzheimer's condition.
• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia; BPH). Men with enlarged prostates often have urinary concerns. Taking reishi mushroom extract can improve some urinary concerns such as the need to urinate often or immediately. But other concerns such as urine flow rate don't seem to improve. Also it's not clear if reishi mushroom improves urinary concerns in men with enlarged prostates. It might only improve urinary concerns caused by other conditions.
• Cancer-related tiredness. Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom powder reduces tiredness in people with breast cancer.
• Noncancerous tumors in the colon and rectum (colorectal adenomas). Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract can reduce the number and size of these tumors.
• Clogged arteries. Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly) reduces chest pain and shortness of breath in people with clogged arteries.
• Diabetes. Most research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract doesn't improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. But most of these studies were small, and some conflicting results exist.
• Genital herpes. Early research shows that taking a mixture of reishi mushroom and other ingredients helps reduces the time needed for herpes outbreaks to heal.
• Hepatitis B. Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom (Ganopoly) reduces how much of the hepatitis B virus is in the body. This product also seems to improve liver function in people with this condition.
• Cold sores. Early research shows that taking a mixture of reishi mushroom and other ingredients reduces the time needed for cold sores to heal.
• HPV (Human papilloma virus). Early research shows that taking a combination of reishi mushroom and coriolus mushroom reduces amounts of HPV virus in the mouth.
• High cardiovascular health. The effect of reishi mushroom on cardiovascular health is conflicting. Taking reishi mushroom doesn't seem to lower cardiovascular health in people with only slightly high cardiovascular health. But it seems to lower cardiovascular health in people with more severe high cardiovascular health.
• Lung cancer. Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom does not shrink lung tumors. but it seems to improve immune function and quality of life in people with lung cancer.
• Shingles-related pain. Some people report that hot water extracts of reishi mushroom decreases pain when conventional nutritional support does not work.
• Altitude sickness.
• Asthma and bronchitis.
• Boosting the immune system.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Fatigue.
• HIV condition.
• Kidney imbalances.
• Liver condition.
• Poisoning.
• Prostate cancer.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Stress.
• Trouble sleeping (sleep quality).
• Viral immune challenges.
• Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of reishi mushroom depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for reishi mushroom. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Reishi Mushroom Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Reishi mushroom?

Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. People also take reishi mushroom for health conditions such as: High cardiovascular health. High lipid balance.

Can you take reishi everyday?

Reishi helps you to chill out. It's not like kava and won't make you drowsy (it's a non-sedative). When consumed in continuous, small doses, reishi may help to support the body's sleep cycles. Personally, I've found that daily use seems to show more promise than just drinking it once or twice.

How does Reishi mushroom make you feel?

“You get an earthy taste that may be more complex than you find in a traditional coffee, along with the energy and stamina support, and ability to adapt to stress without feeling jittery,” says Rinehart.

How long can you take reishi mushroom?

Komen Foundation note that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also note that taking powdered reishi mushroom for longer than 1 month may be toxic to the liver.

Is Reishi good for liver?

Early research shows that taking reishi mushroom (Ganopoly) reduces how much of the hepatitis B virus is in the body. This product also seems to improve liver function in people with this condition.

What time of day should I take reishi?

The best time to take reishi is in the evening—after dinner, but close enough to bed time that you know those holy compounds are journeying through your circulatory system as you're transitioning to a horizontal state.

Can Reishi mushroom side effects?

Use of powdered reishi mushroom has been associated with toxic effects on the liver. Reishi mushroom can also cause other side effects including dryness of the mouth, throat, and nasal area along with itchiness, stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools. Drinking reishi wine can cause a rash.

Does Reishi really work?

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 immune challenges and cancer, in athletes exposed to stressful conditions ( 8 , 9 ).

Does reishi reduce testosterone?

In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3). That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT.

Can you take too much Reishi?

If your cardiovascular health is too low, it is best to avoid reishi mushroom. A clotting imbalance called thrombocytopenia: High doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding in people with thrombocytopenia. If you have this condition, do not use reishi mushroom.

Is Reishi joint comfort?

Reishi extracts demonstrate immunomodulatory,¹ renoprotective,² joint comfort,³ and hepatoprotective⁴ effects. Clinical findings suggest its benefits in improving lower urinary tract concerns in men,⁵ exerting mild antidiabetic effects, and improving dyslipidemia.

Is Reishi Mushroom a blood thinner?

Talk with your health provider. High doses of reishi mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking reishi mushroom along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Does Reishi Mushroom increase testosterone?

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT. High levels of DHT are a risk factor for conditions such as benign prostatatic hypertrophy (BPH), acne, and baldness.

How much Reishi should I take daily?

A typical daily dose by mouth might be: 1.5 to 9 grams of crude dried mushroom. 1 to 1.5 grams of reishi powder.

Can you mix Chaga and Reishi together?

When you combine them together into a tea blend like our chaga-reishi tea, you have a powerhouse adaptogenic tea blend.  Studies show that both chaga and reishi have immunostimulating properties and have the potential to give your immune system a boost.

Do mushroom supplements really work?

Widespread use of medicinal mushrooms continues in Asia today, with more than 100 varieties used just to support cancer. In clinical trials, the supplement appeared to improve survival for people with gastric or colon cancer and, although the evidence is not as strong, may also benefit those with other types of cancer.

Is Reishi good for kidneys?

Reishi makes the kidney less permeable, to help proteinuria and helps stop erosion of outer membrane of the nephron (the podocyte). Reduced proteinuria, podocyte injury, kidney physical strain and fibrosis.

Is Reishi Mushroom good for stress?

Stress Relief

Reishi also appears to work on the HPA by improving the function of the adrenal glands themselves. This makes reishi an excellent herb choice for calming the mind, easing stress, promoting sleep, grounding and centering us, and fostering greater resilience to stress over time.

Can you take reishi before bed?

Traditionally, when Reishi is taken for sleep, it has been used to alleviate bad dreams, stress and irritability. This mushroom can be sedative short-term, but long-term builds energy and promotes longevity. Reishi is an adaptogen that can support the body's natural sleep cycle and regulation of cortisol.

Which mushroom is best for the immune system?

Take the edge off with reishi

Think of reishi as nature's Xanax. This favored fungus is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, and for good reason. Reishi may be able do it all: aid in weight loss (as seen in a mouse study), keep the immune system in check, and may even fiercely fight cancer cells .

Does Reishi mushroom block DHT?

Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT.

Does Reishi mushroom interact with medications?

High doses of reishi mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking reishi mushroom along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Is Reishi a Cordyceps?

Cordyceps(Cordyceps Sinensis) is rare mushroom that grows 15,000 feet above the Tibetan highlands of China. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) is often referred to as the mushroom of immortality. Reishi is revered in Asia where it has been used as a medicinal mushroom in (TCM) for over 2000 years.

How many mg of Reishi mushroom should I take?

Dosing. The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China recommends 6 to 12 g reishi extract daily. Ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) in doses up to 5.4 g daily (equivalent to 81 g of the fruiting body) for 12 weeks has been used in a few clinical trials.

Does Reishi make you sleepy?

Reishi and Sleep

Reishi helps you to chill out. It's not like kava and won't make you drowsy (it's a non-sedative). When consumed in continuous, small doses, reishi may help to support the body's sleep cycles.

Clinical Studies