Reishi Mushroom: Benefits and Uses

By Matthew Atkins · Oct 30, 2026

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a polypore bracket fungus that grows on hardwood trees and has been used in East Asian medicine for thousands of years. Its beta-glucans and triterpenes are studied for immune modulation, stress adaptation, sleep, fatigue, and liver support. It is typically taken as a dual extract, tea, or capsule.

What Is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom is the common English name for Ganoderma lucidum, a polypore fungus in the family Ganodermataceae (order Polyporales). The genus name Ganoderma comes from Greek roots meaning “shining skin,” while lucidum is Latin for “bright” or “shining.” It is known as lingzhi in Chinese and reishi in Japanese. Taxonomically, G. lucidum sits among the basidiomycetes, the club fungi that produce spores on specialized structures called basidia.

In the wild, G. lucidum grows as a bracket or shelf fungus, projecting horizontally from the trunks and stumps of dead or dying hardwood trees—particularly oak, maple, elm, and plum—where its white mycelium breaks down lignin and cellulose. This saprotroph and weak parasite fruits most often in warm, humid conditions near the base of standing trees or on fallen logs.

How to Identify Reishi

Reishi has a hardened, sculpted quality unlike soft-fleshed culinary mushrooms. Key identifying traits include:

• Cap: Kidney-shaped to fan-shaped, 5 to 20 centimeters across, with a smooth, rounded margin that stays lighter orange or white while actively growing.
• Surface: Coated in a glossy, varnish-like crust that looks like a thin layer of shellac, ranging from reddish-brown, mahogany, and chestnut to occasionally near-black.
• Underside and spores: Fine, pale white pores that whiten toward the edge, bruise brown when handled, and release a brown spore print.
• Stem and flesh: A lateral stipe (or sometimes stalkless attachment) with the same varnished finish as the cap, and tough, corky, fibrous flesh that must be decocted or extracted rather than eaten whole.

Foragers should watch for lookalikes. Other Ganoderma species share a family resemblance but differ in size, host tree, and spore dimensions. Several unrelated brown shelf mushrooms and decaying bracket fungi also grow on wood, though they lack reishi’s lacquered surface. Always cross-check wild specimens against local guides or with an experienced forager, and never consume a mushroom based on a single matching feature.

Beta-Glucans and Triterpenes

The medicinal properties of reishi are attributed to two main classes of bioactive compounds: polysaccharide beta-glucans and triterpenes.

Beta-glucans are long-chain carbohydrates located in the fungal cell wall. When ingested, they bind to pattern recognition receptors on immune cells, such as dectin-1 and complement receptor 3. This triggers the activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, while modulating cytokine production to support pathogen defense and maintain immune homeostasis.

Triterpenes (triterpenoids), which include ganoderic acids, are the bitter compounds responsible for reishi’s distinctive taste. Triterpenes act as adaptogens—substances that help the body resist physical and emotional stress—by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; you can read more about what adaptogens are and how they work. Triterpenes also inhibit central inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and COX-2, and they protect liver cells (hepatocytes), promote detoxification enzymes, and reduce hepatic inflammation.

Together, beta-glucans and triterpenes act synergistically across immune, stress-response, and organ systems.

History as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Asian Medicine

Reishi has been used in East Asian medicine for thousands of years as the “Mushroom of Immortality.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lingzhi translates roughly to “spiritual potency.” Classical herbals placed it in the highest category of tonics—substances believed to nourish life itself rather than merely treat symptoms. Early Chinese physicians used it to support vitality, calm the spirit, and promote longevity.

Because the mushroom grew rarely on decaying wood in remote forests, it became a symbol of prestige in royal texts and court records. Specimens were gathered as tribute for emperors, and dynastic art frequently depicted Lingzhi alongside figures of longevity. As its use spread to Japan and Korea, reishi retained this status as a tonic for vitality, wisdom, and good fortune.

Reishi Benefits

Modern research on Ganoderma lucidum has begun translating traditional claims into laboratory and clinical findings. While human trials have shown encouraging results for immunity, fatigue, and metabolic markers, researchers note that study designs vary widely in preparation type, dosage, and participant characteristics, which complicates direct comparisons.

Immune Support

Reishi acts as an immune modulator rather than a simple stimulant. When its beta-glucans and polysaccharides bind to receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells in the gut and bloodstream, these front-line cells release signaling molecules called cytokines to coordinate a measured defense.

Research highlights two main effects on white blood cells:

• Natural killer (NK) cells: Reishi extracts can enhance NK cell activity, improving their ability to recognize infected or abnormal targets and release cytotoxic granules.
• Lymphocytes: Reishi supports the proliferation and function of T cells and B cells, which drive adaptive immunity and immunological memory.

Because its compounds work bidirectionally, reishi can encourage greater vigilance when the immune system is underactive while its triterpenes temper excessive inflammatory signaling when the system is overactive. This regulating character makes it a common daily tonic during seasonal changes or periods of physical stress.

Sleep

Unlike conventional sedatives, reishi promotes relaxation without causing dependence or next-day grogginess. Its ganoderic acids and other triterpenes interact with the central nervous system to quiet restlessness via two primary pathways:

• GABAergic activity: Triterpenes enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which calms neural overexcitation.
• HPA axis regulation: By tempering the stress response, reishi helps reduce excess cortisol production that can otherwise disrupt sleep.

Beyond easing the transition into sleep, studies suggest reishi extracts can improve sleep architecture by increasing the duration of both slow-wave (deep) sleep, when the body repairs tissues, and REM sleep, which supports memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

Stress, Anxiety and Mood

Chronic stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to abnormal cortisol patterns, mood swings, and nervous tension. Through its HPA-modulating and GABAergic effects, reishi helps maintain cortisol within a healthy range and calms a racing mind without heavy sedation.

Both animal and human studies have observed reductions in mild anxiety symptoms:

• A small clinical trial found that reishi supplementation improved mood and reduced anxiety scores in participants experiencing chronic stress.
• Preclinical research indicates that reishi triterpenes may alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by regulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuronal health and mood regulation, while also reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Fatigue

Clinical studies in China and Japan have evaluated reishi in patients with neurasthenia, a condition marked by persistent physical and mental exhaustion, irritability, and low energy. In one open-label trial, participants taking reishi extract for eight weeks reported significant reductions in fatigue scores alongside improved sleep and well-being. In a separate placebo-controlled study, office workers with unexplained fatigue who took reishi powder for four weeks showed measurable improvements in self-reported energy compared with the control group.

Proposed mechanisms for these effects include:

• Supporting mitochondrial function and cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production under stress.
• Smoothing sustained cortisol elevation via the HPA axis.
• Improving oxygen utilization and blood circulation.

Study sizes remain modest, and researchers note that benefits for persistent tiredness typically emerge gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Reishi supports cardiovascular health through several blood-vessel and lipid pathways:

• Blood pressure: Triterpenes and peptidoglycans appear to influence vascular tone by acting on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) pathway, helping blood vessels relax. Animal models show measurable drops in systolic and diastolic pressure, and preliminary human trials suggest similar trends, though larger studies are needed.
• Cholesterol: Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides interfere with cholesterol absorption in the gut, while specific triterpenoid fractions inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, a key liver enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. Observational and small intervention studies report modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, with occasional improvements in HDL levels.
• Circulation and arterial protection: Antioxidant compounds reduce lipid peroxidation and arterial inflammation, while other constituents may lower blood viscosity and reduce platelet aggregation to support blood flow.

Liver Health

Because the liver processes toxins and metabolic byproducts, it constantly generates reactive oxygen species. In experimental models, reishi extracts demonstrate hepatoprotective activity by reinforcing antioxidant defenses—particularly glutathione-related pathways—and limiting lipid peroxidation within hepatic cells. Studies also suggest reishi may aid in conditions such as fatty liver and hepatitis.

Preclinical research highlights two additional hepatic mechanisms:

• Anti-fibrotic potential: Reishi compounds may modulate the inflammatory signaling tied to hepatic stellate cell activation, the process that drives scar tissue (fibrosis) accumulation after chronic liver injury.
• Detoxification enzymes: Animal studies indicate reishi influences phase I and phase II liver enzyme systems, which convert and conjugate toxins for safe elimination.

These findings remain largely preclinical; reishi is considered a supportive agent for liver wellness rather than a treatment for liver disease, and anyone with an existing hepatic condition should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Reishi and Cancer Research

Preliminary studies have explored reishi as an adjunct oncology therapy alongside standard treatments. In laboratory and animal models, beta-glucans and ganoderic acids have been shown to stimulate NK cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells to enhance immune surveillance against malignant cells. Preclinical studies also suggest reishi extracts may slow tumor growth, inhibit angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth in tumors), and reduce the metastatic spread of certain cancer cell lines.

In small clinical trials, patients taking reishi supplements concurrently with chemotherapy or radiation have shown shifts in immune markers, improved quality of life, reduced fatigue, and better tolerance of treatment side effects. However, sample sizes and follow-up periods are limited. Current evidence supports only a complementary role—never a replacement for conventional care—and patients must consult their oncology team before using reishi to avoid interactions with standard therapies.

Other Claimed Benefits (Limited Evidence)

Several additional uses for reishi have been investigated primarily in cell cultures, animal models, or small, inconsistent human trials:

• Allergies: Laboratory and animal studies suggest reishi compounds may dampen histamine release and allergic inflammatory signaling, but human trials are scarce.
• Gut health: Preclinical work hints that reishi polysaccharides may support beneficial gut bacteria and intestinal barrier function, though the mechanisms and practical significance remain unclear.
• Blood sugar regulation: Animal experiments and a few small human studies suggest certain extracts may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, but results vary across preparations and dosages.
• Neuroprotection: Early laboratory studies indicate reishi’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, with potential effects on cognition and neurodegenerative processes, but no large-scale human trials have confirmed this.

Reishi vs. Other Medicinal Mushrooms

While reishi is used primarily as a calming, immune-modulating daily tonic, other functional mushrooms target different systems. Reishi is frequently combined with these fungi in blended formulas to balance their more stimulating or specialized effects:

• Turkey tail: Studied primarily for gut and immune health.
• **Maitake: Linked to metabolic balance and blood sugar support—see maitake mushroom benefits and uses.
• **Shiitake: Used for broad nutritional and immune benefits; read more on shiitake mushroom health benefits.

Reishi vs. Chaga

While reishi focuses on stress adaptation and sleep, chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is prized for its antioxidant capacity and digestive support. Chaga contains dense concentrations of melanin and polyphenols, giving it an exceptionally high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Chaga also has a long history of traditional use for soothing the gastrointestinal tract.

Reishi vs. Cordyceps

Reishi and cordyceps (commonly Cordyceps militaris in commercial products) sit at opposite ends of the energetic spectrum. Reishi downshifts the nervous system and is typically taken in the evening to wind down. Cordyceps supports energy production, oxygen utilization, respiratory capacity, and physical endurance, making it a popular morning or pre-workout supplement for athletes. Many users take cordyceps in the morning for stamina and reishi at night for rest.

Reishi vs. Lion’s Mane

Whereas reishi works broadly on immunity and stress resilience, Whereas reishi works broadly on immunity and stress resilience, lion’s mane targets the brain and nervous system. Lion’s mane contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds studied for their ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for maintaining and repairing neurons. Users typically choose lion’s mane for memory, focus, and cognitive clarity, or pair it with reishi to combine mental sharpness with stress reduction.

How to Use Reishi

Reishi is sold as capsules, tablets, powders, liquid tinctures (taken under the tongue or in water), and dried slices. Some users take it continuously, while others cycle their intake by taking periodic breaks after several weeks of use. Keeping a simple log of how you feel during the first few weeks can help you adjust your form and routine.

Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium Products

Commercial reishi supplements are made from either the fruiting body or the mycelium:

• Fruiting body: The visible cap and stem of the mature mushroom, where beta-glucans and triterpenes are concentrated. Whole fruiting body extracts consist almost entirely of fungal tissue.
• Mycelium: The root-like fungal network, typically cultivated on a bed of grain such as rice, oats, or millet. Unless the producer separates the mycelium from its substrate, the entire mass is dried and ground together, leaving a finished powder heavy in grain starch with low beta-glucan content.

Whole fruiting body extracts are generally the stronger choice. Avoid products that list grain among the ingredients or show high starch and low beta-glucan numbers.

Dual Extracts, Powders and Capsules

Reishi’s cell walls are made of chitin, the same tough, fibrous material found in crustacean shells. The human gut cannot easily digest raw chitin, meaning the compounds in plain ground mushroom powder remain largely locked inside.

To release both major compound classes, producers use dual extraction:

1. Hot water extraction: A decoction that softens and breaks down chitin to release water-soluble beta-glucans.
2. Alcohol extraction: Draws out the bitter, alcohol-soluble triterpenes that water cannot capture.

Water-only extracts miss the triterpenes, while alcohol-only tinctures leave behind the beta-glucans. When buying capsules or extract powders, look for fruiting-body dual extracts that list specific percentages of both beta-glucans and triterpenes.

How to Make Reishi Tea

Because dried reishi slices are woody and tough, they require a long simmer to break down the chitin and release their compounds:

1. Measure and rinse: Use 3 to 5 grams of dried slices (about a small handful) per serving. Rinse briefly under cool running water to remove surface dust.
2. Simmer: Place the slices in a saucepan with 4 cups of cold water per serving to account for evaporation. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low, steady simmer. Cover partially with a lid and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the liquid turns deep amber or reddish-brown.
3. Strain and serve: Remove from heat, cool for a few minutes, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

The resulting tea is distinctly bitter and earthy; you can drink it plain or soften the flavor with honey, fresh ginger, or lemon. Leftover tea keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the spent slices can be simmered a second time before composting.

Reishi Coffee, Smoothies and Soups

Culinary preparations can easily mask reishi’s natural bitterness:

• Coffee and lattes: Blend a measured dose of reishi powder or concentrated decoction into black coffee, or make a latte with frothed milk, cacao powder, cinnamon, or vanilla.
• **Smoothies: Mix up to a tablespoon of reishi powder with sweet, rich ingredients like ripe bananas, berries (especially dark fruits like blueberries and blackberries, which pair well with bilberry’s eye and overall health benefits), nut butters, and raw cacao.
• Soups and broths: Stir reishi into bone stock, miso, chicken broth, or vegetable soup, where umami flavors and herbs like thyme, garlic, and root vegetables absorb its woody notes.

Reishi Dosage

Start at the lower end of the dosage range to assess tolerance before increasing:

• Raw, dried fruiting body (slices or whole powder): 3 to 15 grams daily in divided doses, simmered into a tea or decoction rather than swallowed dry.
• Concentrated extract powders or capsules (hot-water or dual extracts): Typically 1 to 3 grams daily. Clinical studies generally use 1.5 to 5 grams daily divided into two or three servings, with some trials using higher supervised doses. Check label concentration ratios (such as 10:1 or 20:1) and standardized polysaccharide or beta-glucan percentages to gauge strength.
• Liquid tinctures (alcohol or dual-extract): 1 to 3 milliliters (roughly one to three droppers), taken one to three times daily, depending on product potency.

Best Time of Day to Take It

Most users take reishi in the evening—about 30 to 60 minutes before bed—to align its calming, GABAergic effects with the body’s natural wind-down period. Some split their dose between late afternoon and bedtime. However, individuals who find reishi mildly energizing rather than sedating may prefer taking it in the morning or early afternoon.

Side Effects and Safety

Reishi is generally well tolerated in moderate doses, and most users experience no adverse effects.

Common Side Effects

A minority of users experience mild, self-limiting reactions during the first days or weeks of use, which usually resolve as the body adjusts or when the dose is lowered:

• Digestive discomfort: Stomach upset, slight cramping, nausea, loose stools, or a feeling of fullness after meals.
• Dryness and irritation: Dry mouth, persistent thirst, dry skin, or mild throat scratchiness (usually relieved by staying hydrated).
• Dizziness: Occasional lightheadedness.
• Skin reactions: Faint redness, itching, or small localized rashes on the arms, chest, or face. Stop taking reishi and seek medical advice if you develop a spreading rash, hives, or swelling.
• Bleeding signs: Nosebleeds or easy bruising, which require prompt medical attention due to reishi’s blood-thinning effects.

Liver Safety

While reishi extracts are studied for liver protection, a small number of case reports have described elevated liver enzymes in people taking high doses of reishi powder over extended periods. Many of these cases involved confounding factors such as concurrent medications, pre-existing liver conditions, or unverified supplements.

Because fungi readily absorb substances from their growing environment, poorly manufactured powders may contain heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants, residual extraction solvents, fillers, or misidentified species. To minimize risk, avoid self-prescribed megadoses, choose third-party tested extracts over unverified raw powders, and consider routine blood work if taking concentrated supplements for months at a time. Anyone taking hepatically metabolized medications should consult a clinician before starting reishi.

Bleeding Disorders and Surgery

Reishi has mild anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties that slow blood clotting. For individuals with bleeding disorders—such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or low platelet counts—reishi can increase the risk of prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, nosebleeds, and bruising.

Because of this blood-thinning effect, stop taking reishi at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, including dental extractions and minor procedures, to allow clotting function to return to baseline. Always inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about reishi use.

Drug Interactions

Consult a healthcare provider before combining reishi with the following medications:

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, daily aspirin): Reishi may compound blood-thinning effects, raising the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus): Because reishi stimulates immune cell activity, it may counteract medications prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection or manage autoimmune diseases.
• Antihypertensives: Combining reishi with blood pressure medications can cause additive hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics): Because reishi may lower blood glucose, concurrent use could increase the risk of hypoglycemia; monitor blood sugar closely.
• Narrow-therapeutic-window drugs: Any medication requiring precise blood levels should be reviewed by a pharmacist or physician before adding reishi.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

No controlled clinical trials have evaluated reishi in pregnant or breastfeeding women, leaving its effects on fetal development, uterine tone, and breast milk unknown. Because animal studies suggest potential effects on immune and hormone activity during gestation, health authorities and herbal practitioners recommend avoiding reishi entirely during pregnancy and lactation.

Who Should Avoid Reishi

In addition to pregnant or nursing women, people with bleeding disorders, and those within two weeks of surgery, the following groups should avoid reishi or use it only under medical supervision:

• **People with low blood pressure (hypotension): Reishi’s blood pressure-lowering effects can cause lightheadedness or fainting—the same caution applies to other herbs for adrenal fatigue that influence circulation and stress hormones.
• People with autoimmune conditions: In conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, reishi’s immune-stimulating pathways could theoretically aggravate an overactive immune response.

How to Buy Quality Reishi

Because mushrooms accumulate compounds from their environment, evaluate suppliers using four criteria:

• Third-party testing: Look for brands that publish batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent laboratories verifying both species identity and potency (measured beta-glucan and triterpene levels).
• Heavy metal screening: Fungi efficiently absorb lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury from soil and wood. Ensure the COA tests every batch against recognized safety thresholds for these metals as well as microbial contaminants.
• Sourcing transparency: Labels should specify the fungal part used (fruiting body, mycelium, or spore powder), the cultivation method (natural hardwood logs vs. indoor facilities), and the drying and extraction processes.
• Organic certification: A recognized organic seal confirms the mushroom was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

How to Grow Reishi at Home

Home cultivation starts with purchasing reishi spawn or expanding a liquid culture. Depending on your space and equipment, you can use three main substrates:

• Supplemented sawdust blocks: Mix hardwood sawdust (such as oak or maple) with a small amount of nutritional bran, moisten to field capacity, and pack into heat-resistant filter-patch bags. Sterilize the bags in a pressure cooker, cool, and inoculate with grain spawn inside a still-air box or in front of a laminar flow hood. Incubate in a warm, dark space for several weeks until fully colonized and white, then cut slits in the bag and move it to a humid fruiting chamber with fresh air exchange.
• Grain jars: Inoculate sterilized jars of grain and shake to speed colonization. You can use this grain spawn to inoculate sawdust blocks, or fruit smaller yields directly from the jars by removing the lids inside a humid chamber.
• Outdoor hardwood logs: In late winter or early spring, drill holes along freshly cut oak or other hardwood logs, insert spawn plugs, and seal with wax. Stack the logs in a shaded, moist area and water during dry spells. Logs typically take a full season or more to colonize before fruiting and can produce for several years.

Reishi Mushroom FAQ

Does the body build a tolerance to reishi? Reishi is intended for extended use over weeks or months. While it can be taken continuously without known habituation, some traditional protocols recommend periodic breaks after several weeks to reassess how your body responds.

Why is reishi so bitter, and how can I avoid the taste? The bitterness comes from its triterpenes (such as ganoderic acids). If you dislike the earthy, bitter flavor of teas or powders mixed into coffee, smoothies, or broth, opt for capsules or tablets.

What is the shelf life of reishi supplements? Whole dried slices and sealed extracts keep for extended periods when stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Once opened, powders and tinctures should be kept away from heat, light, and moisture and used within the timeframe printed on the label.

How quickly does reishi work? Reishi is a slow-acting tonic rather than a rapid stimulant or sedative. While some people notice subtle relaxation in the evening within days, benefits for fatigue, stress resilience, and immunity typically require several weeks of consistent daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a mushroom is reishi?

Reishi has a glossy, varnish-like reddish-brown to near-black cap, a lighter rounded margin while growing, pale white pores that bruise brown, and tough corky flesh; it grows as a bracket on hardwood. Foragers should watch for lookalikes, cross-check wild specimens against local guides or an experienced forager, and never consume a mushroom based on a single matching feature.

What are the main active compounds in reishi and what do they do?

Reishi’s medicinal properties are attributed mainly to beta-glucans and triterpenes. Beta-glucans are cell-wall polysaccharides that bind immune-cell receptors and activate macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, while triterpenes such as ganoderic acids are bitter adaptogenic compounds that modulate the HPA axis, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and protect liver cells.

Does reishi help with sleep?

Reishi promotes relaxation without dependence or next-day grogginess, and its triterpenes support GABAergic activity and HPA-axis regulation to calm neural overexcitation and reduce excess cortisol. Studies suggest reishi extracts may also increase slow-wave and REM sleep duration.

When is the best time to take reishi?

Most users take reishi in the evening, about 30 to 60 minutes before bed, to align its calming GABAergic effects with wind-down; some split the dose between late afternoon and bedtime. If reishi feels mildly energizing rather than sedating, it may be taken in the morning or early afternoon instead.

What is a typical reishi dosage?

Dosage depends on the form: raw dried fruiting body is 3 to 15 grams daily in divided doses, concentrated extract powders or capsules are typically 1 to 3 grams daily, and liquid tinctures are 1 to 3 milliliters taken one to three times daily depending on potency. Start at the lower end of the range to assess tolerance before increasing.

Is reishi safe before surgery or if I have a bleeding disorder?

Reishi has mild anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties that slow blood clotting, so people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or low platelet counts may have increased bleeding risk. Stop taking reishi at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, including dental extractions and minor procedures, and inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about reishi use.

Matthew Atkins

Matthew studied biology and has worked in conservation. He's been interested in medicinal herbs for many years. More about HerbsList

This page is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any herb or supplement. Full disclaimer