7 Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom According to Science

Key Takeaways:

• Reishi mushrooms boost the immune system and are rich in antioxidants.
• Taking Reishi as a dietary supplement may offer anti-cancer benefits.
• Reishi can improve heart health and may affect cholesterol levels.
• Consider Reishi for blood sugar control; it has shown promise in small-scale studies.
• Reishi may alleviate symptoms of depression and fatigue.
• The mushroom contains anti-ageing compounds that support skin health and hydration.
• Reishi may promote healthier skin, hair growth, and scalp health.
• Reishi may help regulate testosterone and DHT levels linked to hair loss.
• Reishi’s adaptogenic properties may improve sleep quality and relaxation.
• Consult a healthcare provider before adding Reishi to your regimen due to potential side effects.

Mushrooms: you either love them or hate them (Note: - we love them).

Though these little fungi are one of the most divisive foods on the planet, their appeal goes far beyond what taste and texture they can bring to the table.

Aside from their unique flavour and texture, many mushrooms offer some remarkable health benefits. Reishi is one such mushroom.

The Reishi mushroom has been used to treat various ailments for almost 2000 years, but what does it do exactly, and does it work?

 

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The Health Benefits Of Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms and reishi extracts have been one of the cornerstones of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, and now modern science even suggests that these compounds may also have some powerful health benefits.

So, what exact ailments can Reishi extract treat, and what is the supporting evidence?

1) Reishi May Support The Immune System

Reishi has been used as an immune stimulant for centuries and now there is some clinical evidence to suggest that Reishi extract may help boost the human immune system.

Although the research is limited, preliminary test-tube studies have found that Reishi mushrooms can influence the genes in our white blood cells, one of the most critical parts of our immune function.

Reishi has been used as an immune stimulant for centuries, and its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, contributing to its immune-boosting effects.

Additional research in cancer patients found that some forms of the Reishi mushroom may increase the activity of natural killer cells, which help to fight cancer cells in the human body.

Although most of this research has been performed in test tubes or on patients with cancer, Reishi’s ability to increase the number of natural killer cells in our bodies may suggest that this immune-boosting power may benefit healthy patients as well.

However, as with all medicinal mushrooms, more research is currently needed to confirm this.

2) Reishi Has Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

As we’ve already seen, Reishi extract may have some powerful immune-boosting benefits that may improve the health and well-being of cancer patients.

There is also further evidence to suggest that Reishi’s anti-cancer properties extend beyond simply reinforcing the immune system.

As mentioned above, the Reishi mushroom has been studied to assess its role in preventing and treating colorectal cancer, indicating it may have important immuno-modulating effects.

Another study also discovered that after just one year of Reishi treatment, patients with intestinal tumours saw a decrease in their size and prevalence. Although it was a small study, it was a study on humans.

Although the evidence is promising, much more research is needed in this area, however, many patients already use Reishi under the guidance of a physician as a dietary supplement in an attempt to improve their condition.

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3) Reishi May Improve Heart Health

The current data is a little mixed, however, there are some indications that taking reishi mushroom could also be used to support heart health by affecting cholesterol.

For example, in a 12-week study of 26 participants, Reishi extract was shown to improve the amount of HDL cholesterol and decrease the presence of triglycerides.

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is often considered “good” cholesterol, and it can help flush out other negative cholesterols from our bloodstreams.

However, it’s important to note that follow-up research found that consuming Reishi for 16 weeks did not improve the participant's cholesterol.

Both studies conclude that more research in this area is required before anything definitive can be said.

4) Reishi May Help Control Blood Sugar

There is also evidence to suggest that Reishi may help control our blood sugar levels.

Animal studies discovered that some of the molecules in Reishi mushroom and extract may reduce blood sugar, and additional research on humans supported this.

Again, these studies were small-scale, and more intensive research is needed to explore the benefits of Reishi on human blood glucose and diabetes.

5) Reishi Could Help Treat Depression And Fatigue

In a study of 48 breast cancer survivors, fatigue and general wellbeing were improved after just four weeks of taking Reishi powder.

Participants also reported experiencing less anxiety and depression.

Another small and limited study that provides promising early results.

6) Anti-ageing Effect 

Reishi is famous for its super-elevated levels of anti-oxidants and is a powerful scavenger of free radicals that cause cell damage and signs of premature ageing. Reishi mushroom is anti-inflammatory and contains skin-protective polysaccharides that may help protect the skin from oxidation damage caused by UV rays, environmental pollutants, and other external stressors which can cause the skin to age more rapidly.

7) Reishi Mushroom Benefits For Skin

If you suffer from dull, blemish-prone, or ageing skin, Reishi mushroom may be able to provide you with a solution to rejuvenate your skin.

Hydration and Moisture Retention

Reishi is rich in antioxidants and is believed to offer properties that help to prevent and restore damage done to cells. Reishi contains two powerful antioxidants which are ergothioneine and glutathione. These antioxidants help to combat oxidative damage by fighting free radicals and may help to prevent breakouts, dull skin, and damage caused by the sun.

Many of the properties that make reishi mushrooms so effective in immune support, anti-cancer treatments and blood glucose regulation are also what make it a potent medicinal mushroom for skincare.

Reishi mushroom contains a high concentration of beta-glucans, simple sugars that are present in many different mushrooms. These are attributed to much of the immune stimulation and anti-tumour properties of lingzhi, and from a skincare perspective, are believed to help reduce itching and redness from acne and other breakouts, helping with a smoother and more toned complexion. Beta-glucans are also thought to help with collagen regeneration, assisting with skin elasticity.

Smooth and Tone

If you suffer from dry skin, Reishi mushroom is believed to provide hydrating benefits. Containing polysaccharides, Reishi is believed to provide humectant and hydrating properties. These properties are believed to work in a similar way to hyaluronic acid, helping to repair and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. This may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting hydrated, soft, and supple skin.

Brightening and Gentle Exfoliation:

Reishi is also believed to provide gentle exfoliating benefits. Containing kojic acid, Reishi may help improve dull complexion and uneven skin tone, resulting in a clearer and brighter appearance.

Reduce Redness and Sensitivity

For sensitive or irritated skin, Reishi mushroom is considered a natural solution for reducing redness and relieving sensitivity. These properties are believed to help soothe and calm the skin, resulting in reduced redness and inflammation.

Hormone Balancing

Due to its anti-stress properties, reishi mushroom can be used to help balance sex hormones that are known to cause pre-period breakouts around the chin, or androgen driven acne along the jawline, neck and upper back.

Thickens Epidermis and Dermis

Studies have also shown that Reishi may help increase the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, improve skin structure, and protect skin cell DNA. It has also been shown to help prevent the degradation of collagen and elastin and enhance levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) within the skin, contributing to fuller and more youthful-looking skin.

Accelerated Healing

When applied directly to the skin, Reishi mushroom is believed to help speed up wound healing due to its protective polysaccharides and may also help reduce pigmentation and support skin repair.

Used in conjunction with other potent natural skin healers (i.e. green tea or matcha) and you've got yourself a powerful ally in the fight against skin damage.

8) Reishi Mushroom Benefits For Hair

The properties contained in Reishi that are believed to be the source of improving skin health may also be the root of promoting hair health.

Promotes Growth

Hair breakage and damage can be caused by a variety of health concerns. One of the causes of poor hair growth comes from a lack of proper blood circulation in the scalp. Maintaining a healthy scalp is equally as important as maintaining healthy hair.

One of the causes of poor blood circulation is due to inflammation of the scalp. Reishi is believed to offer anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to increase blood flow and improve circulation in the scalp. With a healthy scalp and hair follicles comes healthy hair.

Strengthens Hair

If you suffer from weak and brittle hair, Reishi may provide the benefits you need to grow strong and healthy hair.

Reishi is believed to offer antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that help to improve the condition of your scalp, all of which provide the nutrients needed to nourish your scalp.

Antioxidants help to restore damaged cells which suggests that Reishi may be able to protect the hair from damage by strengthening and restoring damaged hair follicles.

Prevents Premature Discolouration

If you’re looking to keep those greys at bay, Reishi may be just the solution you’re looking for. Containing high levels of melanin, Reishi is believed to provide the properties needed to maintain colour.

Like Chaga, Reishi is believed to increase the production of melanin which contributes to the pigment in your hair and skin. Increased pigmentation may help to concentrate the natural colour of your hair and reduce premature discolouration.

Reishi Mushroom for Hair Loss

Reishi contains immune-boosting compounds which are believed to be the source of its abilities to prevent hair loss.

Reishi’s powerful immune-boosting compounds such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, both of which are associated with providing anti-oxidation, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.

These properties, in combination with antioxidant properties, may be able to help to prevent oxidative stress and regulate the immune system to stop it from attacking itself.

This may be able to help combat hair loss and effectively promote the growth of new hair.

In a study done on the anti-androgenic properties of mushrooms, Reishi was found to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a significant factor in male pattern baldness. This suggests that Reishi may have the ability to prevent male pattern baldness.

9) Reishi May Help Regulate Testosterone and DHT Levels

Studies have shown that Reishi may offer anti-androgen effects. An androgen is characterized as a group of sex hormones that are responsible for developing male sex traits such as facial and body hair growth and voice change. They are present in both males and females.

It’s believed that Reishi mushrooms contain anti-androgenic properties that help to inhibit the production of testosterone rather than increase it.

In one significant study, the research showed that out of 20 mushroom species explored, Reishi mushrooms proved to be the strongest in their ability to inhibit testosterone (a principle androgen).

If you are looking to lower your levels of testosterone, you may be in luck. Reishi mushrooms contain oils called triterpenoids, these active compounds help to reduce the production of testosterone.

Because of these properties, it’s believed that using Reishi mushrooms may have the same effect.

A study showed that Reishi mushrooms significantly prevented the conversion of testosterone into a stronger strand of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an androgen that derives from testosterone.

Testosterone and DHT offer benefits to the body by promoting sexual health, particularly in males. Testosterone is converted to DHT with the helping hand from an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

However, a common side effect of high levels of DHT is a shrinking of hair follicles and a shortened hair cycle causing hair loss and balding as vitamins, minerals and proteins can’t reach the hair follicles to keep them healthy and nourished.

For many, hair is a source of self-confidence, and losing it can create anxiety. In this case, finding something that reduces levels of DHT would be ideal. There are different options available for those who wish to reduce their levels of DHT.

If you are considering lowering your levels of DHT but are wanting a natural solution, Reishi mushroom may be what you’re looking for. It is increasingly becoming a more popular natural solution to combating the effects of high levels of DHT such as hair loss and balding.

10) Reishi May Help Improve Sleep Quality

Reishi mushroom is believed to offer properties that may be able to combat sleep problems. There are a couple of ways in which it is considered to be a solution. The following will show how its properties could be of help:

Antioxidant Concentration

Rich in antioxidants, Reishi is believed to help reduce fatigue. Antioxidants are compounds that help to maintain the health of the body’s internal system.

They work to restore balance and protect and rejuvenate cells. This helps to reduce symptoms of imbalance such as fatigue by balancing hormones and blood sugar levels to increase energy.

One study shows the results of patients who, after using Reishi to treat neurasthenia (a condition with symptoms of fatigue, irritability, and emotional stress), experienced significantly lower levels of fatigue and an increase in overall wellbeing.

Adaptogen

Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens. Adaptogens - like antioxidants - help to restore balance in the body. The Reishi mushroom’s adaptogenic qualities are considered to help sleep in several ways.

Adaptogens such as lion's mane mushroom & reishi are known for their ability to combat stress and have a calming effect on the central nervous system. It is believed that they may be able to support the body’s response to stress to adapt and rebalance to a state of calm. High stress levels can lead to feelings of fatigue, agitation, frustration, and even physical pain.

Providing a reduction in stress and promoting a calming effect may be just what you need to help your body and mind to wind down before getting to sleep.

Studies have shown that the adaptogenic compound in Reishi may be able to reduce symptoms of physical and mental exhaustion by reducing feelings of aches, pains, and fatigue.

Relieving stress in the muscles, the mind, and body all contribute toward promoting sleep.

Reishi’s adaptogenic properties are also believed to help to restore the body’s natural systems, the sleep cycle being a significant one.

Containing active compounds such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes, Reishi may be able to balance the body’s functions by aiding in hormonal balance. Hormones are key players when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.

Whilst Reishi doesn’t make you sleep, it provides properties that relieve stress, promote calm and balance your internal systems which all contribute to you feeling more relaxed and in a better state to sleep.

Further Potential Benefits Of Reishi Extract

Reishi extract has also been used extensively by TCM practitioners to treat many different ailments and conditions.

It’s celebrated and used widely in Eastern Medicine to help with such things as:

• Hair Growth & Health
• Increasing Testosterone
• Improving Sleep
• Lower blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Urinary tract symptoms in men
• Altitude sickness
• HIV/AIDS
• Pain relief
• Improve focus and concentration

How To Use Reishi Mushroom:

Reishi mushroom can be bought as a supplement in many different forms: powdered, capsules or as a liquid extract.

Which one you choose is really personal preference as they all come with their pros and cons; powdered reishi mushroom extract can be added into your coffee, smoothies, tea or yummy recipes, capsules and liquid extracts can simply be taken on a morning and are quick and easy. You can even mix reishi with other mushrooms.

Whichever option you choose, we recommend you do your research to find the most potent, contaminant-free medicinal mushrooms, that are ethically sourced and contain no "filler" ingredients as these will be the ones that will let you unlock all the incredible benefits these herbs have to offer.

What Is Reishi Extract?

Reishi extract is made from whole Reishi mushrooms and is usually produced as a concentrated dried powder, a liquid form or as capsules.

Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi and Ganoderma lucidum, are a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine and are considered relatively rare, generally found at the base of deciduous trees.

Reishi mushrooms grow throughout Asia, Southeastern United States, Southern Europe, and the South Pacific.

They are hardy and can survive in the wild in a variety of climates, however, some species prefer to grow almost exclusively in cooler temperatures.

They also prefer to grow on hardwood trees such as beech, maple, oak, and elm.

You’ll usually see these mushrooms in forested areas between May and November time, especially in warmer regions.

Reishi extracts can be produced from different parts of the Reishi mushroom, including the spurs, mycelia, and fruit body.

Historically, Reishi mushrooms have been used to decrease fatigue, improve heart health, fight infection, support the immune system, fight cancer, and maintain blood sugar levels. However, the science to support these claims is still limited.

When purchasing any reishi extracts, be sure to check that the producers are regularly 3rd party testing for mycotoxins and heavy metals. There are unfortunately some bad brands producing some bad products - these are our recommendations for buying reishi extracts in Australia (& the rest of the world to be honest!)

Reishi Extract: What’s In It?

Reishi mushrooms have been used as a treatment in Eastern medicine for around 2,000 years when Chinese healers started using them during the Han dynasty.

In Chinese, the Reishi mushroom is called “lingzhi” which means “magic fungus” or “the mushroom of immortality.”

These famed mushrooms have been popular for centuries, and in Japan and China, medical mushrooms have even been approved as cancer treatments in modern times.

But how does it really work?

Well, we need to understand what components and molecules make up the Reishi mushroom.

The Reishi mushroom contains several molecules, the most important appearing to be triterpenoids and polysaccharides. These are thought to be most responsible for the Reishi mushroom's health benefits.

 

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Triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are a group of natural compounds found in plants, and they represent the largest group of phytochemicals in nature.

Although triterpenoids are biosynthesized in plants, they have a low toxicity profile, and emerging evidence of their pharmacological benefits has led to an increased interest in their benefits on human health.

Some recent studies have suggested that triterpenoids may be effective when used in chemoprevention and the treatment of breast cancer.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are a class of biomolecules that help store energy, send communication signals between cells, and provide structural support.

Polysaccharides are essentially carbohydrates, one of the most important energy sources in the human diet, and they can be found naturally in most foods and plants.

Polysaccharides play an essential function in our bodies, and research suggests they may exhibit some remarkable properties, including:

• Antithrombotic
• Antitumor
• Anticoagulant
• Antiviral activities
• Anti-mutagenic
• Anti-inflammatory

What Dose Of Reishi Should You Take?

Research on the effects of Reishi is limited, and for this reason, there’s no official dosage guideline you should be following.

The dosage varies widely depending on what type of extract you’re using, and why you are taking it. If you’re taking reishi for general health and maintenance then doses on the smaller side will work fine, but if you’re looking to treat something specific you may require a larger dose.

Most producers will give you a recommended dose, however, if you’re new to using Reishi extracts, we’d recommend starting out with a small dose (e.g. half of what the manufacturer recommends) to see how your body reacts and then increasing it over time as you adapt to it.

Does Reishi Have Side Effects?

Reishi is considered safe and well-tolerated in most people, however, it can cause unwanted side effects in some users, particularly those sensitive to mushrooms.

If you have a mushroom allergy, you should definitely not take Reishi.

The following minor side effects have been documented:

• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Rashes

These side effects are rare and appear mostly in users with mushroom allergies.

We always recommend consulting your doctor before taking any new medicinal mushroom, and even then starting with a small dose and increasing over time as your body adapts.

Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should seek medical advice before adding reishi mushroom (or any medicinal mushroom) to your diet.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you take reishi extract?

Reishi extract comes in several forms, including a powder, a liquid, a capsule, and even tea or ganoderma coffee!

For this reason, reishi extract is one of the most versatile herbal treatments on the market today.

There are very few hard and fast rules on how to take your Reishi extract. The form of extract you choose is down to your personal preference.

However, here are a few points to consider before choosing:

• The powder and liquid extracts are great for mixing into food and drink
• Reishi tea and coffee will already come dosed, so you won’t have to select a dosage yourself (unless advised otherwise)
• Capsules are the most popular way to take Reishi, but they should be taken with food

What does reishi extract taste like?

Thinking of mixing your daily dose of Reishi into your food and drink? Reishi has been described as having an earthy and bitter flavour profile.

So, if you want to add it to a smoothie, be aware that it may give your fruity concoction a more bitter punch than you’re used to.

If you want to add Reishi extract to your food, we’d recommend choosing a meaty or spicy dish.

These flavours mix well with Reishi’s bitterness, and if you’re not keen on the taste, it’ll be easier to disguise.

In lighter meals such as salads or vegetable-heavy dishes, you can expect the taste of Reishi to be more prominent, depending on the flavourings of your dish.

If you really don’t like the flavour of Reishi at all - capsules are probably your best bet.

Is Reishi mushroom a DHT blocker?

Direct evidence is lacking, but some studies suggest that Reishi mushrooms may block DHT by preventing it from binding to the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This action may significantly reduce DHT levels and help prevent hair follicle shrinkage associated with androgenic alopecia. More research is needed for confirmation. 

How does Reishi reduce DHT for hair loss?

Reishi mushrooms work to act as a blocker that prevents DHT from binding to 5-alpha reductase. Blocking the enzyme leads to a significant reduction in DHT levels and helps to prevent it from shrinking hair follicles.

It also acts as an inhibitor by working to reduce the body’s production of DHT. This dual protection is believed to be effective in combating hair loss and protecting hair follicles.

If you suffer from hair loss or balding, it’s not too late. Reishi extract may offer an alternative solution to hair loss as it has the potential to act as a hair growth treatment.

Does Reishi reduce the risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer?

Though research is currently inconclusive, there are suggestions that there may be a connection between those with a sensitivity to DHT and the increased risk of men getting prostate cancer.

DHT is responsible for stimulating the growth of prostate cells. While this is beneficial during adolescence for maintaining normal growth, it can become a problem for older men by contributing to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland.

To avoid any risk of prostate cancer, many look to find a solution that will lower their production of DHT

Reishi is believed to be a natural solution to preventing risks of prostate cancer by stopping the growth of the gland.

Acting as a DHT inhibitor it may be able to reduce levels of DHT produced in the prostate which are responsible for causing an enlarged prostate and which older men are at risk of prostate cancer.

What does reishi do to the brain?

Reishi may support cognitive function and nerve health through antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, research is still ongoing and conclusive evidence is limited.

How does reishi make you feel?

Individual experiences vary. Some report feeling calmer and more focused, while others describe no significant changes. It's important to manage expectations and consult your doctor before use.

Is reishi good for testosterone?

Reishi mushrooms can be beneficial in regulating testosterone levels in humans. Their anti-androgenic effect, particularly notable in decreasing free testosterone, makes them a viable option for those looking to modulate their hormonal balance.

Is Reishi mushroom estrogenic?

Reishi mushrooms, or Lingzhi, do not exhibit estrogenic properties; rather, they are recognized for their inhibitory effects on testosterone production.

Should men take reishi?

Men may consider taking reishi, especially if they are experiencing issues related to high androgen levels, such as hair loss or prostate concerns. The effects of reishi in the body include the modulation of androgen hormones, which can be advantageous for maintaining normal testosterone levels.

Does reishi mushroom help with sleep quality?

Studies show that these compounds along with Reishi's adaptogenic properties may be able to help you sleep. One study found that Reishi can increase non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM sleep).

This stage of sleep is essential for getting into a state of deep sleep. A state of deep sleep is what you need for your body to do its work whilst you're resting. This state of sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and rested in the morning.

The result of increased NREM sleep significantly increased total sleep time.

Another study showed that the properties found in reishi can decrease sleep latency. Sleep latency is characterized by how long it takes for you to fall asleep.

Reishi could be effective as a remedy for sleep deprivation when it comes to the early stages of sleep as it promotes a state of deep sleep which may improve sleep quality.

A decrease in latency will effectively increase your sleep time and could be considered a suitable solution for those suffering from insomnia.

Whilst these studies were not conducted on humans, the properties contained in Reishi may be able to have the same or similar effects on humans.

How should Reishi be taken for sleep?

Reishi mushrooms come in a variety of forms. With a woody taste, many prefer to take Reishi extract rather than using it in its raw form.

If you’re thinking of incorporating Reishi into your bedtime routine, why not try in a powder form adding it to food or baked goods in the evening before bed?

Make sure that the powder is 100% pure and from the fruiting body. You can also take it as tea before bed. Both ways may be able to help regulate your sleep cycle and improve your quality of sleep.

What is the recommended Reishi dosage for sleep?

For improving sleep regulation, a typical dosage of Reishi mushroom extract ranges between 1 to 1.5 grams daily. It's advisable to start with the lower end of this range and observe the effects before potentially increasing the dose. Always consider personal factors like overall health and specific sleep issues when determining the right amount for you.

Can Reishi be combined with other mushrooms for sleep?

In addition to Reishi, other functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga mushrooms can also help promote better sleep. Lion’s Mane supports brain health and stress relief, while Cordyceps may help manage stress. Chaga is rich in antioxidants that aid relaxation. Integrating these mushrooms could potentially enhance your sleep quality by creating a more balanced internal state.

The Bottom Line

Reishi extracts are a great addition to your healthy living routine - providing a range of concentrated beneficial compounds that help in everything from boosting your immune system to help fight off colds and flu, to showing serious promise as a supplemental treatment for more serious ailments such as heat disease and certain cancers.

Although TCM has used reishi extracts for many millennia, clinical research into the effectiveness and long-term effects of dosing reishi extracts are currently limited.

If you’d like to try reishi for yourself, make sure you buy from trusted and reputable suppliers (we’ve listed our favourite sources in this article) and always consult a medical professional for advice before starting any medicinal supplements.