Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi)
The 'mushroom of immortality' used for centuries to support immune function, sleep quality, and stress resilience.
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom with over 2,000 years of use in Asian medicine. Known as the 'mushroom of immortality,' it contains beta-glucans and triterpenes that support immune function. Unlike stimulating adaptogens, reishi has calming properties that support sleep and stress resilience. Often used for immune support and general wellness.
Mechanisms of Action
Immune Modulation
Activates and balances immune function
Adaptogenic/Calming
Supports stress resilience with calming effects
Recommended Dose
1-3g dried mushroom or 500-1500mg extract
Optimal Timing
- Evening (for sleep)
- With or without food
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Dual-extract (water + alcohol) capsules or powder
Alternatives: Hot water extract, Spore powder
Dual extraction captures both water-soluble beta-glucans and alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Look for fruiting body extracts.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Calming effects make evening dosing ideal. Can be taken any time for immune support.
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Immune Support
Enhanced immune function
Better Sleep
Improved sleep quality and calmness
Stress Resilience
Better stress adaptation
Insufficient data; avoid
Use with caution β may stimulate immune system
Who Should NOT Take This
- Bleeding disorders
- Before surgery
- Autoimmune conditions (use with caution)
Drug Interactions
May increase bleeding risk
May counteract immunosuppressive effects
May have additive blood pressure lowering
Possible reduced effectiveness, rejection risk
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Stay hydrated
Warnings
- May affect blood clotting β stop before surgery
- Quality varies greatly β choose reputable brands
- Rare liver toxicity reported with some products
Cordyceps
complementaryDifferent mushrooms with complementary effects
Reishi for calm/immune, cordyceps for energy
Turkey Tail
complementaryBoth support immune function
Comprehensive mushroom immune support
Agarikon
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Broad-spectrum immune and antiviral support
Astragalus
complementaryTraditional combination for immune and longevity
Comprehensive TCM-based immune support
Chaga
complementaryBoth are immune-supporting mushrooms
Comprehensive immune and adaptogenic support
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Weiner JD et al. β’ Lupus science & medicine (2025)
βWe identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.β
Key Findings:
- We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
- This article may serve as a reference to help clinicians counsel patients with autoimmune skin diseases on the risks associated with use of specific herbal supplements.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Ahmad R et al. β’ Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)
βYet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.Β© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.β
Key Findings:
- In particular, quality clinical data are intensely needed to support pharmacological activities for human use.
- Reishi possesses many valuable pharmacological activities, and the number of patents and clinical trials is increasing for Reishi.
- Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.Β© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
GonzΓ‘lez A et al. β’ Nutrients (2020)
βEx vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of Ξ²-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.β
Key Findings:
- From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials.
- In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of G. lucidum aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to Ξ³-rays.
- In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies.
- Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of Ξ²-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.
Zhang Y et al. β’ Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)
βAll rights reserved.β
Key Findings:
- In this study, we will review the biological activities and preclinical studies of GSP in China based on literatures searches from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chongqing VIP Chinese Scientific Journals Database), Wanfang database, and PubMed database.
- Both basic and preclinical studies showed that GSP has antitumor, antioxidant, anticytopenia, and unique mushroom-poison detoxification properties that are different from that of GLPS.
- Our goal is to provide a molecular picture that would allow in-depth evaluation of GSP as one of few glycan-based drugs that has been used as an immunomodulatory adjunctive drug during cancer therapy.Β© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
- All rights reserved.
Klupp NL et al. β’ The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015)
βEvidence from a small number of randomised controlled trials does not support the use of G lucidum for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.β
Key Findings:
- We found no improvement for fasting plasma glucose (WMD 0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.95 mmol/L to 1.55 mmol/L).
- There were no statistically significant differences between groups for blood pressure or triglycerides.
- Participants who took G lucidum for four months were 1.67 times (RR 1.67 95% CI 0.86 to 3.24) more likely to experience an adverse event than those who took placebo but these were not serious side effects.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.