Reishi

Also known as: Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi, reishi mushroom

Grade B — Moderate Evidencemushroomadaptogenimmune
1500–3000 mgEvening preferred (calming, sleep-supportive). Morning for immune support.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the "mushroom of immortality." Its bioactive triterpenes and beta-glucans modulate the immune system, with clinical evidence supporting improvements in fatigue, quality of life in cancer patients (as adjunct therapy), and immune cell activity. Reishi also exhibits calming properties, making it distinct from more stimulating medicinal mushrooms. Dual extraction (water + ethanol) is essential to capture both polysaccharides and triterpenes.

TL;DR: Calming medicinal mushroom with immune-modulating and cancer-fatigue benefits. Best taken evening for sleep support.

🧘Stress & Anxiety🛡️Immunity🌙Sleep
Last reviewed: 2026-03-12

Quick Facts

Evidence

Grade B

Studies

2

Interactions

3

Forms

1

Evidence Rating: Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Some RCTs with positive results, or strong observational evidence. More research may refine our understanding.

Cycling Protocol

8 weeks on/2 weeks off

Medicinal mushroom cycling allows immune system recalibration

Interaction Warnings

ImmunosuppressantsModerate

May counteract immunosuppressive drugs; caution post-transplant

Anticoagulants (warfarin)Moderate

Inhibits platelet aggregation; monitor INR; stop 2 weeks before surgery

AntihypertensivesLow

Mild BP-lowering effect; additive

Important Notes

  • Use dual-extract (water + ethanol) fruiting body
  • Avoid mycelium-on-grain products
  • Rare hepatotoxicity case reports — use extract forms

Clinical Evidence (2 studies)

Reishi improved fatigue and QoL in cancer patients

Zhao H et al. (2014) — Cancer Med

Significantly improved fatigue and quality of life vs placebo; RCT

View on PubMed

Reishi polysaccharides enhanced NK and T-cell activity

Tang W et al. (2012) — J Ethnopharmacol

Enhanced NK and T-cell activity in healthy volunteers; RCT

View on PubMed

Alternatives to Consider

These supplements target similar goals and may be worth considering alongside or instead of Reishi.

Ashwagandha

Grade A

Ayurvedic adaptogen with strong clinical evidence for cortisol reduction (15-30%), stress relief, and exercise performance.

🧘 Stress & Anxiety🌙 Sleep

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Grade B

Ayurvedic adaptogen with evidence for stress reduction and blood glucose stabilization. Gentle daily-use herb.

🧘 Stress & Anxiety🛡️ Immunity

Lysine

Grade B

Essential amino acid best known for cold sore (herpes simplex) prevention. Also evidence for anxiety reduction when combined with arginine. Enhances calcium absorption. Vegans are at higher risk of deficiency.

🛡️ Immunity🧘 Stress & Anxiety

Related Supplements

Ashwagandha

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Ayurvedic adaptogen with strong clinical evidence for cortisol reduction (15-30%), stress relief, and exercise performance.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Ayurvedic adaptogen with evidence for stress reduction and blood glucose stabilization. Gentle daily-use herb.

Lysine

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Essential amino acid best known for cold sore (herpes simplex) prevention. Also evidence for anxiety reduction when combined with arginine. Enhances calcium absorption. Vegans are at higher risk of deficiency.

Magnesium Glycinate

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Highly bioavailable form of magnesium. Strong evidence for sleep quality, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction. Most adults are deficient.

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⚕️ Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

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