Reishi
Reishi
Snapshot
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogenic mushroom used to support immune function, stress resilience, and liver health through its polysaccharides and triterpenes.
What is Reishi?
Reishi refers to the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum, rich in beta‑glucan polysaccharides, ganoderic and lucidenic acid triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that modulate immune and inflammatory pathways.
Where It Comes From
Cultivated on hardwood logs or sterile grain substrates in temperate regions, Reishi mushrooms are harvested at maturity, dried, and extracted with hot water and/or alcohol to concentrate polysaccharide and triterpene fractions.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides water‑soluble beta‑glucans (immune‑modulating), triterpenoids (anti‑inflammatory, hepatoprotective), peptidoglycans, and phenolic acids supporting antioxidant defenses.
Health Benefits
Reishi enhances natural killer cell activity; balances Th1/Th2 response for immune regulation; reduces stress‑induced fatigue; supports liver detoxification; and promotes cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Recommended Dosage
Standard extracts (10% polysaccharides, 4% triterpenes) are dosed at 1,000–2,000 mg daily, typically divided into two servings with meals; tinctures use 1–2 mL twice daily.
How to Use It
Take capsules or powder with water or tea; tinctures can be sipped directly or diluted. Consistent use for 4–8 weeks is recommended to assess immune and stress‑modulating effects.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals seeking immune support during stress or seasonal change; those recovering from illness; anyone aiming for balanced stress response and liver health.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated; mild digestive upset may occur; may enhance effects of anticoagulants; consult a healthcare provider if on immunosuppressive or blood‑thinning medications.
Final Thoughts
Reishi is a cornerstone medicinal mushroom offering broad‐spectrum support for immunity, stress resilience, and liver health, backed by centuries of traditional use and modern research.
Scientific Studies
Ganin VM, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2010;12(1):45–52. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v12.i1.40
Wachtel‑Galor S, Buswell JA, Benzie IFF. Ganoderma lucidum (‘Lingzhi’), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004;91(2):263–269. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN20030911
Jin X, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum against CCl₄‑induced liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;141(1):223–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.017