With such moniker as “the life-elixir” and the “fungus of immortality,” how could not you want to make reishi part of your routine. But, is reishi mushroom safe? Here, we are going to answer that question, take you through some of the benefits of reishi mushrooms, how often we suggest consuming it, and a couple of simple ways you can include it in your diet.
Is Reishi Mushroom Safe?
Reishi mushroom is very safe, in fact, you can review the plethora of studies outlining all of the incredible things reishi mushroom is known for here. For many, taking daily supplements of reishi may be a safe and effective way to reap the full benefits. As with many superfoods and natural adaptogens, their effects are not immediate, or even readily apparent, so it is important to consistently take the recommended dosage (a teaspoon, for the powdered reishi from Om) for an extended period of time in order to experience the best results. As with any dietary supplement, it is never a bad idea to consult your doctor or health care provider to ensure reishi is appropriate and safe for you to take on a daily basis based on your current situation.
If you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a preexisting condition, please take time to do your research, and also talk with your health care provider to get their recommendations. If you are taking reishi daily for some time now (or planning on doing so), make sure you are listening to your body. Pay attention to how your body reacts to reishi at different times of day.
Can Reishi Mushroom Make You Sick?
There are a few potential side effects to be aware of. Some people may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, or dry mouth after consuming Reishi mushrooms. If you have a mushroom allergy, you should avoid eating Reishi mushrooms.
Can Reishi mushrooms cause headaches?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Reishi mushrooms can cause headaches. However, some people may experience headache as a side effect of consuming Reishi mushrooms. If you experience headaches after consuming Reishi mushrooms, it is recommended that you consult a health professional. Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help reduce your chance of headaches.
Can Reishi mushrooms cause liver damage?
Reishi mushrooms can be toxic to the liver, especially in powdered form. Although you’d have to take recklessly high doses of reishi on a daily basis to even come close to doses that could cause any liver issues.
The Upside of Reishi
Reishi was a well-respected herb well before modern researchers were able to confirm its benefits and therapeutic history. In ancient China, the mushroom was reserved for the royal family, for health enhancement and longevity.
Studies now suggest that reishi mushrooms are packed with nutrients, beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that play a role in a wide range of bodily functions and systems, and that mushrooms may support a healthy, strong immune system, decrease inflammation, help the body achieve homeostasis when under stress, and even inhibit histamines and ease some symptoms of allergies. Supports a healthy, strong immune system. By increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are the white blood cells that help protect the body from pathogens, and also having a positive effect on genes within the white blood cells, reishi mushrooms are a powerful tool for helping the immune system remain strong all year long.
It helps your body to achieve homeostasis when it is under stress. Homeostasis refers to how the body responds dynamically to stressors and changes in its environment in order to maintain stable conditions. It is a critical part of, well, staying alive.
When poor diet and lifestyle factors, like poor nights sleep, bad foods, or excessive drinking, throw our bodies off-balance, setting off stress responses, reishi is the ingredient that acts like a powerful adaptogen, the stuff that helps our bodies stay in a state of homeostasis. Some people have even called reishi the “natures chill pill,” and they are not wrong: reishi is unique because it is high in triterpenes, which are mood-boosting compounds that may ease stress. In a study of rats, reishi was shown to improve overall and slow-wave sleep (NREM) times for a period of three days. Researchers speculated this was because of reishi’s ability to modulate cytokines like TNF-a.
Ways to Incorporate Reishi Mushrooms Into Your Diet Every Day
Do not worry: adding reishi to your routine is easy. We have a range of reishi products is designed to fit even the busiest person, so there are no additional steps or complex recipes you have to worry about. You can learn more about the different types of reishi products by checking our the links in our main menu under the reishi tab.
If you are constantly in a time crunch and don’t see yourself spending much time in the kitchen, consider getting yourself a bottle of reishi capsules you can ingest along with your meals. Reishi powder is an excellent cooking tool you can add to everything from ramen noodles to yogurt-honey cups. Because reishi has a gentle, neutral taste, you can blend it in soups, drinks, smoothies, and more, and not alter the taste.
We also offer a number of broths and drink mixes already with Reishi and some of our other superfood mushroom species. Use our mighty beef bone broth, containing reishi, lions mane, and Shiitake, as the base of your next soup or stew (or use our powerful mushroom broth as a meat-free, umami-rich alternative).
Need something to sip on during the hot summer months? Make yourself a naturally sweetened mid-afternoon tonic loaded with Reishi, Maitake, and other immune-supporting ingredients using immune.
High-Quality Reishi
If you are going to be taking reishi daily, make sure to look for a high-quality, well-respected product. After all, taking reishi that has not been produced with care and integrity can result in possible health risks down the line.
The brands on this site make products that are grown organically, containing both the fruiting bodies and mycelium, providing you with the most optimal nutrition and quality. You can read more about our process, and how to pick out high-quality mushroom products, here.
You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:
Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement
Best Reishi Mushroom Mushroom Gummies
Additional Resources:
Can Reishi Mushrooms Cure Diabetes?
Updated 10/19/2022
