Reishi Herbal Remedies
Reishi is an ancient mushroom, used in Asia for thousands of years as a longevity and powerful restorative remedy. It is a powerful immune-strengthening mushroom that has been revered as a panacea for 2,000-3,000 years in China. In some studies, it appears to regulate blood sugar, relieve allergies, reduce heart problems, alleviate insomnia, and possibly lower cholesterol. In China, it is known as the 'mushroom of immortality' and is used for fatigue, neurasthenia, and insomnia. I have found it useful for many kinds of deficiency syndromes, such as AIDS, chronic fatigue, and cancer--in conjunction with a total constitutional tonification program. Reishi extract is especially useful for helping to reduce fatigue, "calm the spirit," promote a restful sleep and night, and reduce anxiety and nervousness in people who have deficiency, or adrenal weakness. Reishi can be found alone or blended with other herbs in liquid extracts, powdered extracts, and powders. It is best to use only extract products, because the powder is often not efficiently absorbed and is generally too weak for full therapeutic benefits. Notes on reishi preparations: The powdered extract is the best form to use to maximize the herb's tonic properties. This is made by boiling down the mushroom fruiting bodies in hot water which breaks down the cell walls and releases large-molecular weight polysaccharides (giant sugar molecules). This hot tea is then reduced under heat, ground up to a smoothie-like consistency and then dried and powdered. The average tonic dose of this powdered dried tea concentrate is about 2-4 grams/day. With "00" caps (about 400-500 mg/cap), use 2-3, 2-3 x daily with meals. Reishi has a taste of SWEET, MILD and a temperature of WARM.
Reishi Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Reishi Decoction | 10-25 grams daily |
| Reishi Powder | 2-3 capsules 2-3 x daily |
Reishi Reference Information
| Latin Name | Ganoderma lucidum |
| Other Names | Ling zhi |
| Part Used | Fruiting Body |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, powdered extract, tablet, capsule, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Cardiovascular system, Immune system, Liver, Nervous system |
| Cautions | None noted. |
| Botanical Info | A beautiful red- or black-varnished, hard mushroom that grows with a long stalk on dead trees. |
Supporting Research
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Hobbs, C. 1996. Medicinal Mushrooms. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press.