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Reishi: The 10,000-Year Mushroom for Resilience, Immunity & Calm- Part 2
- Jodi McKee
- Mar 19, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
Latin-Ganoderma lucidum
If there’s one mushroom that truly deserves the title of “wise elder of the fungi world,” it’s Reishi. With a glossy, lacquered red cap and centuries of traditional use behind it, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is as revered in ancient herbal systems as it is respected in modern research.
Known in Japan as mannentake ("10,000-year mushroom") and in China as ling zhi ("spirit plant" or "mushroom of immortality"), Reishi has long been used to promote vitality, longevity, and spiritual clarity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Reishi is considered a superior tonic herb, supporting everything from the immune system and liver to the heart, lungs, and mind.
Let’s explore what makes Reishi special — from traditional folklore to modern biochemistry.
What Is Reishi?
Reishi is a shelf polypore fungus, meaning it grows in bracket-like formations on dead or dying hardwood trees. When mature, its surface takes on a reddish, varnished appearance — almost as if nature shellacked it. It’s not the kind of mushroom you toss in a skillet; this is a tough, woody, medicinal fungus best simmered, extracted, or tinctured.
What’s Inside: Bioactive Powerhouses
Reishi contains an impressive array of medicinal compounds, including:
Polysaccharides (especially beta-glucans): Stimulate and regulate immune function
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids): Structurally similar to steroid hormones; contribute to anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects
Phenolics, peptidoglycans, adenosine, lectins, fatty acids, proteins
Vitamins and essential minerals
These compounds work synergistically to create Reishi’s far-reaching effects on immunity, inflammation, stress response, liver function, and more.
Traditional & Modern Uses
In both traditional medicine and modern herbalism, Reishi is used as:
An adaptogen – Helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress
An immune modulator – Balances immune responses; strengthens when weak, calms when overactive
A liver tonic – Supports liver detoxification and function
A nervine – Soothes the nervous system, especially under chronic stress
An adjunct cancer therapy – Enhances immune surveillance and reduces chemo side effects
An antiviral – May help with respiratory infections and herpes simplex virus
Reishi & Respiratory Resilience
Reishi is particularly indicated for hypersensitive conditions, especially in the lungs. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing effects may offer relief for those with allergies, asthma, or recurrent respiratory infections.
Studies show that Reishi increases the activity of helper T-cells in the airways, reducing inflammatory overreactions and supporting respiratory strength over time.
Reishi as an Adaptogen: Stress, Sleep & Immunity
If you feel run down, chronically stressed, or just off your game, Reishi can be a grounding daily support. It’s often used when stress and fatigue have weakened the immune system — think frequent colds, slow healing, or long recovery from illness.
As an adaptogen, Reishi helps:
Regulate cortisol (your stress hormone)
Improve sleep quality
Restore energy reserves
Reduce nervous system hyperactivity
Reishi isn’t sedating like valerian or melatonin — it’s more of a deep relaxer for the overtaxed and undernourished.
Cancer Support: A Time-Honored Adjunct
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi has long been used alongside cancer treatments to strengthen qi (vital energy) and protect the body during illness. Modern studies have confirmed some of these effects, especially in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation.
Reishi may:
Activate and modulate immune response
Inhibit tumor cell growth and proliferation
Suppress angiogenesis (blood vessel formation that feeds tumors)
Protect cells from carcinogen damage
Improve patients’ tolerance to cancer therapies (less fatigue, nausea, hair loss)
One 2010 clinical study using a water-soluble Reishi extract in patients with colorectal adenomas showed a decrease in tumor size over one year, while the control group’s tumors grew. While Reishi is not a standalone treatment, research supports its role as an adjunct to conventional care.
Safety Note: Reishi & Liver Health
Reishi is generally considered safe and protective to the liver, thanks to its rich blend of phenolics, triterpenes, and polysaccharides. However, a few rare case reports suggest that powdered reishi — particularly when consumed in large amounts — may be linked to liver stress, especially if improperly processed.
What’s safe:
Traditional decoctions (boiled mushroom teas)
Dual-extracted tinctures
Reputable, third-party-tested extracts
Use caution with:
High-dose reishi powders from unknown sources
Combining with multiple liver-affecting medications without supervision
When in doubt, choose whole or dual-extracted preparations and follow conservative, consistent dosing.
Ways Reishi Supports the Body
System | Action |
Immune | Immunomodulant, antiviral, anticancer support |
Liver | Hepatoprotective, detoxifying |
Nervous | Nervine, calming adaptogen |
Cardiovascular | Hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory |
Respiratory | Anti-inflammatory, supports lung sensitivity |
Emotional | Soothing, grounding, improves resilience |
How to Use Reishi
Reishi’s bitterness and woody texture make it better suited for tonic preparations than culinary use.
Traditional Use:
Decoction (mushroom tea): Slice dried Reishi and simmer for 1–3 hours. Drink 1–2 cups daily.
Tincture: Ideal for long-term adaptogenic support (especially when dual-extracted)
Capsules or extracts: Convenient and consistent (choose hot-water or dual-extracted)
Tip: Reishi pairs well with warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, or astragalus to balance its bitter and drying nature.
Cautions & Considerations
Avoid if you have a very dry constitution unless balanced with moistening herbs.
May enhance immune activity, so use cautiously with autoimmune conditions or transplant medication.s
Check interactions with anticoagulants, blood pressure, or immunosuppressive medications.
Choose high-quality, verified Reishi sources, especially if using daily.
Final Thoughts: Sacred, Strong & Steady
Reishi isn’t here to give you a jolt of energy or mask symptoms. It’s the slow medicine of the forest — building strength over time, calming the nervous system, regulating the immune response, and supporting the body’s deepest reserves.
If your body feels frayed at the edges… if stress has left you vulnerable… if you’re recovering from illness, trauma, or burnout… Reishi can be a wise and steady ally.
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