Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
The 'mushroom of immortality' in Chinese medicine. Calms the nervous system, supports sleep, modulates immune function, and gently supports the liver. Take at night.
Strongest evidence: immune modulation in cancer-adjunct settings (Chinese trials show improved quality of life and immune function alongside chemotherapy). Moderate for sleep quality, anxiety, and fatigue in CFS-like presentations. Effects: 2–4 weeks subjective; 8–12 weeks for immune markers.
Reishi is a hard, woody mushroom used in East Asian traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. Its bioactive compounds (triterpenoids, beta-glucans, ganoderic acids) act on the nervous system (calming, sleep-promoting), the immune system (modulating — calms over-active immunity, supports under-active), and the liver. Unlike stimulating adaptogens, reishi is sedating-leaning — it's usually taken in the evening. Cancer-supportive research (especially in conjunction with chemotherapy in Asia) is ongoing. For most users, the noticeable effect is reduced anxiety and better sleep within 1–2 weeks.
- Form
- Dual-extract (water + alcohol) from fruiting body — captures both the water-soluble beta-glucans and the alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Fruiting body extract standardised to >2% triterpenes. Avoid plain mycelium-on-grain without verified actives. Reishi spore-powder (broken cell wall) is a separate, more concentrated product.
- Dose
- 1,000–3,000 mg/day of dual-extract. Spore powder: 500–1,000 mg/day.
- Timing
- PM, 1–2 hours before bed for sleep / calm. AM is fine for immune-only use.
- Schedule
- Daily. Some users cycle (5 on, 2 off) — evidence for needing this is thin.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. GI upset, dry mouth, nosebleed at very high doses. Mild blood-thinning effect.
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — additive, hold before surgery. Immunosuppressants — reishi modulates immunity (can interact either direction). Antihypertensives — additive BP lowering.
- Contraindications
- Active bleeding disorders. Pre-surgery (stop 7–14 days before). On immunosuppressants (e.g. after organ transplant) without provider approval.
- Lab markers
- Not standard. Cytokine panels (IL-6, TNF-α) in research contexts.
- Food sources
- Reishi is too tough and bitter to eat as food — it's traditionally consumed as a long-simmered tea or extract.
Pairs with
Magnesium glycinate, glycine, apigenin (sleep stack). Cordyceps (complementary — reishi calms, cordyceps energises; balanced AM/PM split). Astragalus (immune support combo).
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