Reishi

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Reishi
- Ling zhi (Chinese - "mushroom of immortality")
- Mannentake (Japanese)
- Lacquered polypore
- Phantom mushroom
- Mushroom of spiritual potency
- Red reishi
- Antler mushroom
- Spirit plant

Latin Name: Ganoderma lucidum (also Ganoderma lingzhi)

Category: Other Supplement (Medicinal Mushroom)

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Longevity and vitality tonic - Chinese medicine, 2,000+ years
• Calming tonic for elderly - Japanese traditional medicine
• Spiritual cultivation and memory enhancement - Taoist tradition, documented since 456-536 AD
• Heart, liver, and lung strengthening - Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Spirit nourishment and essence tonification - Chinese herbal tradition

Modern Uses

• Immune System Support - Enhances immune cell function and response | Research quality: Strong
• Key findings: Stimulates interleukin 1 and 2, enhances natural killer cells, activates macrophages, enhances T-cell function, stimulates gamma-interferon production; polysaccharides (beta-glucans) show significant immunomodulating effects

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Hobbs - Medicinal Mushrooms

• Cardiovascular Support - Blood pressure regulation, cholesterol management, circulation | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: Japanese study of 50+ patients showed blood pressure reduction from 156/103 to 137/93 over 6 months; Chinese study of 53 patients showed blood pressure and lipid reduction; inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE); reduces platelet aggregation at higher doses (3g+/day)

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Respiratory Health - Bronchitis, asthma, chronic respiratory conditions | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: 60% recovery rate in allergy-related chronic bronchitis with 97.9% improvement; 87.5% benefit for bronchial asthmatics with 48% cure rate; significantly inhibits histamine release

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Liver Protection - Hepatoprotective effects, detoxification support | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: 80% cure rate for ulcers; 10% cure rate in chronic hepatitis with 40% symptom reduction; stimulates glutathione S-transferase activity for detoxification

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Stress and Sleep Support - Adaptogenic, calming, sleep quality | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Chinese study found relief of weariness in 78% of patients, cold extremities in 74%, insomnia in 78%; both ethanol and aqueous extracts inhibit central nervous system activity

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Blood Sugar Regulation - Glycemic support | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Gandelan A & B identified as sugar-regulating compounds; traditionally used for diabetes

• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Stein - Healing Herbs A to Z

• Cognitive Support - Memory, brain blood flow | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Shown to increase blood flow and oxygen uptake in the brain in Alzheimer's patients; praised for preventing forgetfulness in old age since ancient times

• Source citations: Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins; Wild Rose College Materia Medica II

• Adjunct Support During Conventional Treatments - Reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiation | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Reduces treatment side effects (fatigue, nausea, appetite loss); protects body from radiation; maintains leukocyte counts; decreases pain in patients with serious illness
• Source citations: Wild Rose College Materia Medica II; Hobbs - Medicinal Mushrooms

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Polysaccharides (beta-glucans, Gandelan A & B) - Primary immune-modulating compounds; antitumor activity; stimulate cytokine production from macrophages and T lymphocytes
- Triterpenes (ganoderic acids A-Z, ganodermadiol) - Anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to hydrocortisone; ACE inhibition for blood pressure; immunomodulating and antioxidant activity
- Adenosine - Part of energy regulation system; contributes to cardiovascular and calming effects
- Ergosterol - Precursor to vitamin D2; contributes to antiviral properties
- Organic germanium - Trace amounts; enhances oxygen utilization
- Coumarins - Contribute to anticoagulant effects
- Lentinan - Immune-stimulating polysaccharide

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule/tablet (dried extract)
- Amount: 500 mg, twice to three times daily (1,000-1,500 mg total)
- Frequency: Divided doses throughout day

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Varies by condition and preparation
- Amount: Health maintenance: 0.5-1 g dried fruiting body per day; Chronic conditions (fatigue, stress, autoimmune): 2-5 g per day; Serious illness: 5-10 g per day
- Purpose: Graduated dosing based on health status
- Duration: Ongoing for chronic support; cycle recommendations vary

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Extremely high safety margin (no toxic effects observed at 300x therapeutic dose in studies)
- Warning threshold: LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg in animal studies suggests humans could theoretically consume 350 g/day without toxic effects

Bioavailability Notes:
- Vitamin C enhances absorption of active components
- Water extraction (decoction/tea) best for polysaccharides and immune support
- Alcohol extraction best for triterpenes and calming/anxiolytic properties
- Dual extraction captures both compound classes
- Fresh reishi may be more potent than dried

How to Take It

Timing:
- Can be taken any time of day
- Evening dosing may benefit sleep
- With food can reduce occasional digestive sensitivity
- Syrup decoction traditionally consumed before bed or divided into three equal doses

Preparation Methods:
- Tablets/Capsules: Most convenient standardized form
- Tincture (1:5, 20% alcohol): 10-20 ml (2-4 tsp), up to 3x daily
- Tea/Decoction: 3-5 g boiled; or 2-5 g per quart water simmered 2 hours until reduced by two-thirds
- Powder: 3-6 g daily (chronic); 9-15 g daily (acute); can be encapsulated (6-12 "00" capsules)

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Vitamin C - Increases absorption of reishi's active components | Enhanced bioavailability and immune effects
2. Astragalus - Fellow immune tonic | Complementary immune system support; traditional pairing for immune deficiency
3. Shiitake and Maitake Mushrooms - Medicinal mushroom synergy | Broadened beta-glucan profile and immune activation
4. Ginger - Traditional pairing | Formulations for E. coli infections and immune support; improves circulation
5. Licorice - Traditional pairing | Used together in immune support and respiratory formulas; harmonizing herb

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Herbs (angelica, anise, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, horse chestnut, red clover, turmeric) - At doses above 3g/day, reishi may decrease platelet aggregation | Increased bleeding risk

2. Hypotensive Herbs (andrographis, cat's claw, CoQ10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine) - Reishi has hypotensive activity | Risk of excessive blood pressure lowering

Drug Interactions:
1. Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs (aspirin, warfarin/Coumadin, clopidogrel/Plavix, heparin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen) - Higher doses (3g+/day) may decrease platelet aggregation | Increased bleeding risk | Severity: Moderate
2. Antihypertensive Drugs (captopril, enalapril, losartan, valsartan, diltiazem, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) - Additive hypotensive effects | Risk of low blood pressure | Severity: Moderate
3. Immunosuppressant Drugs - Reishi's immune-stimulating effects may counteract immunosuppressive therapy | Reduced drug efficacy | Severity: Moderate to Severe
4. Caffeine - Reishi reduces the stimulative effect of caffeine | Altered caffeine response | Severity: Mild
5. Sedatives (Reserpine, chlorpromazine) - May increase sedative effects | Enhanced sedation | Severity: Moderate
6. Amphetamines - Reishi may inhibit their action | Reduced stimulant effects | Severity: Moderate
7. Cholesterol-Lowering Medications - Potential interaction; use under medical supervision | Unknown interaction | Severity: Use caution

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented
- Caffeine effects may be reduced

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Scheduled surgery (discontinue at least 1 week before due to bleeding risk)
- Active bleeding disorders
- Those on immunosuppressive therapy (organ transplant recipients)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data; consult healthcare provider)

Side Effects:
- Common initial effects (usually resolve with continued use): Dizziness, itching, thirst, increased urination, diarrhea or constipation, soreness, pimple-like eruptions, dry skin, mouth ulcers
- Rare: Dry mouth, digestive distress, irritability
- These are traditionally considered normal detoxification responses

Long-Term Use:
- Generally considered safe for extended use
- Some sources suggest caution with use beyond 3 months without breaks
- No serious side effects reported even at extremely high doses (300x therapeutic)
- No known toxicity in standard use

Special Precautions:
- Surgery: Discontinue at least 1 week before scheduled procedures
- No cross-reaction with common button mushrooms; usually safe for those with field mushroom allergies
- Birthing: Avoid close to delivery due to potential bleeding effects
- Those with low blood pressure should monitor carefully

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Immune system support, cardiovascular health (blood pressure, cholesterol), respiratory conditions, stress/anxiety relief, sleep support

Secondary: Liver protection, blood sugar regulation, cognitive support, longevity tonic, fatigue and debility recovery, allergy relief, altitude sickness prevention

Sources

Local Library:
- Wild Rose College of Herbal Medicine - Western Materia Medica II
- Wild Rose College of Herbal Medicine - Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interaction
- Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Hobbs, Christopher - Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide
- Buhner, Stephen Harrod - Herbal Antibiotics
- Stein, Diane - Healing Herbs A to Z
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing
- Bartram, Thomas - Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
- DK - Herbal Remedies (2007)
- Grogan, Barbara Brownell - Healing Herbs Handbook
- Easley, Thomas - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
- Tierra, Michael - The Way of Herbs
- Lust, John - The Natural Remedy Bible

General Knowledge:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine texts and pharmacopoeias
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (earliest documentation, 456-536 AD)
- Japanese Cancer Society research
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports