What Does Reishi Mushroom Do to Your Body? Benefits, Effects & More
For over 2,000 years, the reishi mushroom has been revered in Eastern medicine as the "mushroom of immortality."
What traditional healers have long believed—that this potent fungus can have a significant impact on human health—is starting to be confirmed by contemporary science.
But what exactly does the reishi mushroom do to your body?
To help you make an informed choice, this article breaks down the advantages, effects, and factors supported by science.
What Is Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi mushroom, known scientifically as Ganoderma lucidum, is a shiny, reddish-brown fungus that grows on hardwood trees in humid Asian forests.
It has been used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditional medicine for centuries to promote longevity, vitality, and immunity.
Today, it is widely available in capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas.
What Does Reishi Mushroom Do to Your Body?
Reishi mushroom contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides.
These compounds work together to influence several body systems,s including the immune system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Beta-glucans are complex sugars known to activate and modulate immune cell activity.
Triterpenes, the compounds that give reishi its bitter taste, are believed to support anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor responses.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Immunity
One of the most well-documented effects of the reishi mushroom on the body is immune system support.
According to research, reishi's beta-glucans can boost the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells that combat cancer and infection (1).
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that reishi supplementation significantly enhanced immune function in cancer patients (2).
This immune-modulating effect may help the body respond more effectively to pathogens without triggering excessive inflammation.
Reishi Mushroom and Stress Relief
As an adaptogen, reishi mushrooms assist the body in adjusting to both mental and physical stress.
Adaptogens work by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the release of cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone.
By supporting a balanced cortisol response, reishi may help reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
This calming effect on the nervous system is one reason why many people use reishi as part of a daily wellness routine.
Reishi Mushroom for Sleep and Fatigue
If you struggle with sleep or persistent fatigue, the reishi mushroom may offer meaningful relief.
Reishi extract has been found in animal experiments to improve non-REM sleep quality and lengthen overall sleep duration (3).
In human research, a study involving individuals with neurasthenia—a condition marked by fatigue, headaches, and irritability—found that reishi supplementation significantly reduced fatigue scores after eight weeks (4).
The triterpenes in reishi are thought to play a role in calming the central nervous system to support deeper, more restorative sleep.
Reishi Mushroom and Heart Health
Emerging research suggests that the reishi mushroom may positively influence cardiovascular health.
Some studies indicate that reishi can help lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels (5).
Its antioxidant compounds combat oxidative stress, which is a major driver of arterial damage and heart disease.
Further large-scale human trials are required; preliminary research has indicated that reishi has minor blood pressure-lowering benefits.
How to Take Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is available in several forms, each with varying levels of bioavailability and convenience.
The majority of studies supported by research employ doses of 1 to 1.5 grams of extract or 1.5 to 9 grams of dry mushroom daily.
Extracts and dual-extracted tinctures tend to preserve the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
It is generally recommended to take reishi in the morning with food or in the evening to support sleep.
Possible Side Effects of Reishi Mushroom
When taken as prescribed, reishi is usually regarded as safe for the majority of healthy persons.
However, especially at higher doses, some people may have dry mouth, disorientation, or upset stomachs.
People using anticoagulants should speak with a doctor before using reishi because it can interact with blood thinners like warfarin.
Before using supplements, people with autoimmune diseases and those who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor.
Final Thoughts
Reishi mushrooms are a powerful adaptogenic fungus with centuries of traditional use and growing scientific support.
Improved immunity, better sleep quality, stress and cortisol control, and perhaps cardiovascular support are among its main benefits on the body.
Most adults can tolerate it well at appropriate dosages, and it comes in a variety of forms.
Before beginning reishi supplementation, always get medical advice, particularly if you take medication or already have a medical issue.
FAQs
Is it safe to take reishi mushrooms every day?
In general, using appropriate dosages of reishi on a daily basis is safe. However, a healthcare provider should keep an eye on long-term use that lasts longer than a year.
What are the side effects of reishi mushrooms?
Common side effects include digestive discomfort, dry mouth, and dizziness. These are typically mild and dose-dependent.
Does reishi mushroom help with anxiety?
Reishi's adaptogenic properties may support a calmer stress response, potentially reducing anxiety over time with consistent use.
How long does it take for the reishi mushroom to work?
Most people begin noticing effects within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use, though some benefits,l ike immune support, may take longer.
Related Studies
1. Title: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides eradicates the blocking effect of fibrinogen on NK cytotoxicity against melanoma cells
Summary: This study demonstrates that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, enhance NK cell cytotoxicity by blocking fibrinogen adhesion on melanoma cells.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3362652/
2. Title: Inhibitory effects of Ganoderma lucidum on tumor growth and metastasis in cyclophosphamide-treated mice with implanted Lewis lung carcinoma
Summary: Published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology, this research shows Ganoderma lucidum improved immune parameters like NK activity and cytokine levels in cancer models, relevant to patient outcomes.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874104002998
3. Title: Hypnotic effects of Ganoderma lucidum spores on pentobarbital-treated mice
Summary: This animal study found Ganoderma lucidum extract prolonged total sleep time and deepened non-REM sleep in mice under pentobarbital induction.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22733652/
4. Title: Effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) on neurasthenia patients
Summary: This clinical trial reported Ganoderma lucidum significantly alleviated fatigue symptoms in patients with neurasthenia after eight weeks of supplementation.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15257299/
5. Title: Ganoderma lucidum reduces plasma lipids in hyperlipidemic rats
Summary: This study in PubMed shows Ganoderma lucidum extract lowered LDL and total cholesterol in hyperlipidemic animal models via antioxidant mechanisms.
