Ganodermataceae
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
✓ Generally Safe
Consult Doctor
Native to: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Also known as: Lingzhi, Mushroom of Immortality, Spirit Plant
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Whole
Therapeutic Uses
Immune modulation, cancer adjunct (improves quality of life, immune response), chronic fatigue, hypertension, hepatitis, insomnia, altitude sickness. Deeply revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2000 years.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator, adaptogen, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, platelet aggregation inhibitor
Active Constituents
Polysaccharides (beta-glucans, ganoderans), triterpenoids (ganoderic acids), adenosine, protein-bound polysaccharides, sterols
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3–5g dried mushroom per 500ml water, simmer 2 hours, drink throughout day |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml dual extract tincture (1:5, water+ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Dual extraction required: hot water for polysaccharides, alcohol for triterpenes. Dried whole mushroom needs long simmering (2+ hours). Standardized extract: 1.5–9g daily. Bitter taste is marker of potency (ganoderic acids). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with immunosuppressants. Antiplatelet effect — stop 2 weeks before surgery. May enhance effects of antihypertensives and blood thinners.
Side Effects: GI upset, dry mouth, dizziness in first few weeks. Rare liver toxicity with powdered preparations. Generally well tolerated as extract.