Reishi Dosage
- For general well-being and sleep 1000mg-2000mg per day
- For targeting the immune system and recovery from exercise: 3000mg-5000mg per day
Reishi mushroom has most often been used by adults in doses of 1400-5400 mg by mouth daily, usually in divided doses.
Benefits of Reishi
Reishi mushroom extracts have a long history in traditional Eastern medicine, potentially offering benefits like boosting the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and supporting heart health.
- Immune Support: The most well-known benefit of Reishi is its ability to support the immune system*. Studies have shown that polysaccharides in Reishi may be able to modulate the immune system [1] and even alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells*. [2] In one study on athletes exposed to stressful conditions, Reishi also improved the function of white blood cells. [3] Modern clinical animal studies (specifically on nematodes) have shown water extracts of Reishi protect against oxidative stress and significantly prolong lifespan.[4]
- Better sleep: Another common name for Reishi is the “Spirit mushroom” because of its ability to foster calmness, relaxation, and more specifically, sleep*. Studies in mice and rats have found that extracts of Reishi significantly increased both total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time and suggest Reishi supplementation produces a hypnotic effect. [5]
- Unique Spores: One unique aspect of Reishi is that it’s not just the fruiting body that is beneficial. The spores themselves contain high concentrations of triterpene. Reishi mushrooms produce billions of these spores every day, which can be collected separately before the fruiting body is harvested. The spores then need to be “cracked” open to make the triterpenes bio-available. This is usually done by running the spores through an ultra-fine milling process. To get the full benefits of Reishi, look for products that contain both the fruiting body and the spore powder.
Possible Reishi Drug Interactions
Reishi has the potential to interact with anti-platelet (above 3 grams per day), anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertension medications. Those with known clotting disorders or planned surgeries should speak with their healthcare provider before starting or continuing reishi supplementation. Reishi mushrooms can enhance the immune system, so for those on immunosuppressants, this becomes relevant.
Pregnant women should avoid taking Reishi. Reishi supplements have not been studied extensively in clinical trials involving pregnant women, leaving experts to suggest avoidance for safety reasons.
Diabetes: Reishi has been known to lower blood sugars. Care must be taken when used by diabetics.
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