One of the main effects of the reishi mushroom is that it can boost your immune system.In a recorded study, the fungus improved the function of lymphocytes, which help fight infections and cancer, in athletes that were exposed to stressful conditions.Reishi’s mushroom effects on the immune system being the most emphasized, it has also been noted to reduce depressive systems and fatigue.Various studies looking at people with both healthy and unhealthy levels of blood sugar and lipids found that reishi mushroom works to decrease blood sugar, increase good cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides

Introducing The Reishi Mushroom. 

Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in throughout Asia.This fungus could also decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer. While improving the quality of life for some people with cancer.Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In these cases, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the mushroom itself is consumed.For example, 50 grams (g) of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5g of mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract will vary per person.

Healthy Mind And Healthy Body 

Reishi mushrooms may benefit your immune and overall health. But they can also cause digestive side effects and could potentially be unsafe for certain people, including those taking certain medications.<figure><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/AN_images/reishi-mushroom-1296x728.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/AN_images/reishi-mushroom-1296x728.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/AN_images/reishi-mushroom-1296x728.jpg?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/AN_images/reishi-mushroom-1296x728.jpg?w=1155&amp;h=1528" alt="reishi mushroom" width="690" height="388"></picture><figcaption dir="auto">Share on Pinterest</figcaption></figure>The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998036/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">1</a></hl-trusted-source>).It has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system. However, its safety has recently come into question.Below are 6 potential benefits of the reishi mushroom.<div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_3">1. Boost the immune system</a></div>One of the most important effects of the reishi mushroom is that it can boost your immune system (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777013/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">2</a></hl-trusted-source>).While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.What’s more, these older studies have found that some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20574926" dir="ltr">3</a></hl-trusted-source>).One 2006 study found that reishi could increase the number of other white blood cells in those with colorectal cancer (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16428086" dir="ltr">4</a></hl-trusted-source>).In another older study, the fungus improved the function of lymphocytes, which help fight infections and cancer, in athletes exposed to stressful conditions (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048435" dir="ltr">5</a></hl-trusted-source>).What’s more, one review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving quality of life (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27045603" dir="ltr">17</a></hl-trusted-source>).<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryAlthough reishi mushroom may be beneficial for cancer prevention or treatment, more research is needed.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_5">3. Could reduce fatigue and depression</a></div>Though reishi’s effects on the immune system are often most emphasized, it may also reduce depression and fatigue.One older study examined its effects in 132 people with neurasthenia, a condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches, and irritability (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857210" dir="ltr">18</a></hl-trusted-source>).The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857210" dir="ltr">18</a></hl-trusted-source>).Another 2012 study on people with breast cancer found that taking reishi powder reduced fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improved quality of life after 4 weeks (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22203880" dir="ltr">19</a></hl-trusted-source>).While reishi mushroom may hold promise for people with certain conditions, it’s unclear if it would benefit those who are otherwise healthy.<BLOCKQUOTE>SummarySome studies have shown that reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve the quality of life in those with certain medical conditions.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_6">4-5. Other potential benefits</a></div>In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health.<h3>4. Heart health and blood sugar</h3>A number of studies looking at people with both healthy and unhealthy levels of blood sugar and lipids found that reishi mushroom may help decrease blood sugar, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-to-lower-triglycerides" dir="ltr">decrease triglycerides</a> (<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">20</a>).At least one older study in healthy adults showed a slight trend toward lower lipid levels, but this was not statistically significant (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912" dir="ltr">7</a></hl-trusted-source>).Additionally, some other studies have found no effect of reishi supplementation on cholesterol or triglyceride levels (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25686270" dir="ltr">21</a></hl-trusted-source>).<BLOCKQUOTE>SummarySome research suggests that reishi mushroom could improve HDL cholesterol and blood sugar. However, other studies indicate that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidant levels.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_7">Dosage recommendations vary based on the form used</a></div>Unlike some foods or supplements, the dose of reishi mushroom can vary depending on which type is used.Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In these cases, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the mushroom itself is consumed (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912" dir="ltr">7</a></hl-trusted-source>).For example, 50 grams (g) of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5 g of mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract vary but typically range from approximately 1.5–9 g per day (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25686270" dir="ltr">21</a></hl-trusted-source>).Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract. In these cases, the recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryThe dose of reishi mushroom varies based on the specific form. Consuming the mushroom itself provides higher doses, while extracts provide lower doses.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_8">Possible side effects and dangers</a></div>Despite its popularity, some have questioned the safety of reishi mushroom.Some research found that those who took reishi mushroom for 4 months were almost twice as likely to experience minor side effects as those taking a placebo (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27045603" dir="ltr">17</a></hl-trusted-source>).Other research found that taking reishi mushroom extract for 4 weeks did not produce any detrimental effects on the liver or kidneys in healthy adults (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912" dir="ltr">10</a></hl-trusted-source>).Still, because other factors were involved, it can be difficult to determine if the mushroom itself was responsible for the observed liver damage.Nevertheless, there are several groups of people who should probably avoid reishi, including people taking other medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants (<a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">31</a>).<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryReishi mushroom may cause minor side effects and has been linked to liver problems in some case studies. Some people should also avoid reishi, including those taking certain medications.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="TOC_TITLE_HDR_9">The bottom line</a></div>Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.Most human research has shown that it does not <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lower-cholesterol" dir="ltr">improve cholesterol</a>, blood sugar, or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.

The reishi mushroom is popular in Eastern medicine and claimed to have various health benefits. Here are 6 ways that it can improve your health, along with info about its side effects and dosage recommendations.

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Reishi mushrooms may benefit your immune and overall health. But they can also cause digestive side effects and could potentially be unsafe for certain people, including those taking certain medications.

The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998036/">1 </a>

It has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system. However, its safety has recently come into question.

Below are 6 potential benefits of the reishi mushroom.

One of the most important effects of the reishi mushroom is that it can boost your immune system (<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777013/">2 </a>

While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.

What’s more, these older studies have found that some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20574926">3 </a>

One 2006 study found that reishi could increase the number of other white blood cells in those with colorectal cancer (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16428086">4 </a>

In another older study, the fungus improved the function of lymphocytes, which help fight infections and cancer, in athletes exposed to stressful conditions (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048435">5 </a>

What’s more, one review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving quality of life (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27045603">17 </a>

Although reishi mushroom may be beneficial for cancer prevention or treatment, more research is needed.

Though reishi’s effects on the immune system are often most emphasized, it may also reduce depression and fatigue.

One older study examined its effects in 132 people with neurasthenia, a condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches, and irritability (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857210">18 </a>

The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857210">18 </a>

Another 2012 study on people with breast cancer found that taking reishi powder reduced fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improved quality of life after 4 weeks (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22203880">19 </a>

While reishi mushroom may hold promise for people with certain conditions, it’s unclear if it would benefit those who are otherwise healthy.

Some studies have shown that reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve the quality of life in those with certain medical conditions.

In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health.

A number of studies looking at people with both healthy and unhealthy levels of blood sugar and lipids found that reishi mushroom may help decrease blood sugar, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-to-lower-triglycerides">decrease triglycerides </a>(<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413">20 </a>).

At least one older study in healthy adults showed a slight trend toward lower lipid levels, but this was not statistically significant (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912">7 </a>

Additionally, some other studies have found no effect of reishi supplementation on cholesterol or triglyceride levels (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25686270">21 </a>

Some research suggests that reishi mushroom could improve HDL cholesterol and blood sugar. However, other studies indicate that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidant levels.

Unlike some foods or supplements, the dose of reishi mushroom can vary depending on which type is used.

Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In these cases, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the mushroom itself is consumed (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912">7 </a>

For example, 50 grams (g) of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5 g of mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract vary but typically range from approximately 1.5–9 g per day (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25686270">21 </a>

Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract. In these cases, the recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.

The dose of reishi mushroom varies based on the specific form. Consuming the mushroom itself provides higher doses, while extracts provide lower doses.

Despite its popularity, some have questioned the safety of reishi mushroom.

Some research found that those who took reishi mushroom for 4 months were almost twice as likely to experience minor side effects as those taking a placebo (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27045603">17 </a>

Other research found that taking reishi mushroom extract for 4 weeks did not produce any detrimental effects on the liver or kidneys in healthy adults (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912">10 </a>

Still, because other factors were involved, it can be difficult to determine if the mushroom itself was responsible for the observed liver damage.

Nevertheless, there are several groups of people who should probably avoid reishi, including people taking other medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants (<a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom">31 </a>).

Reishi mushroom may cause minor side effects and has been linked to liver problems in some case studies. Some people should also avoid reishi, including those taking certain medications.

Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.

This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.

Most human research has shown that it does not <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lower-cholesterol">improve cholesterol </a>, blood sugar, or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.

Reishi Mushroom And A Few Of Their Health Benefits.

Introducing The Reishi Mushroom.

Healthy Mind And Healthy Body

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