Reishi Mushroom Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways:

• Reishi mushrooms offer both health benefits and potential side effects.
• Commonly used in various forms like powders, extracts, and supplements.
• May cause digestive issues, liver concerns, and blood-thinning effects.
• Not recommended for pregnant women and those on certain medications.
• Positive effects include immune system boost and potential anti-cancer properties.
• Dosage varies; moderation and individual body response are key factors.

Reishi mushrooms, also known by their scientific name Ganoderma lucidum, have long been a subject of fascination in traditional Eastern medicine. While they are often lauded for their health benefits, it's equally important to consider the potential side effects if you're planning to use it for the long term. This article aims to provide an overview of the common potential risks when taking reishi mushroom, including reishi mushroom extract, and what you need to know before you decide to take reishi as a supplement.

So, What Are Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that predominantly flourish in hot and humid locations across Asia. The mushroom is used for a variety of health-related purposes and are highly regarded for their therapeutic properties. Available in multiple forms such as powders, extracts, and dietary supplements, reishi mushrooms have found their way into modern wellness routines. But what are its potential drawbacks?

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What Are Common Side Effects of Reishi?

Digestive Issues

If you're considering taking reishi mushroom extract, be aware that digestive issues are a possible side effect. 

Digestive discomfort is a common reaction some people experience when taking reishi mushroom or its extract, with symptoms ranging from mild nausea to more severe gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and bloating.

Although reishi can cause diarrhea and stomach upset in some patients, these reactions appear to be very rare. One study noted that a patient with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presented with chronic diarrhea after long-term use of reishi mushroom. Once the patient stopped ingesting reishi, the symptoms improved. Despite this case, there are few reports of serious adverse reactions linked to reishi.

When taken in small doses, reishi mushroom appears safe for most people, except those with a sensitivity or allergy to mushrooms. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to mushrooms, you should avoid this supplement, as reactions can range from mild discomfort to more significant allergic responses depending on individual sensitivity.

While reishi mushroom powder has been consumed globally for thousands of years, current clinical evidence is limited and does not clearly establish its long-term safety. Because research is still limited, it is advisable to think carefully and consult medical advice before taking reishi mushroom powder.

These digestive symptoms are often temporary and may subside as the body adjusts to the supplement. However, everyone reacts differently, and some people may experience symptoms for a longer period, particularly when taking higher doses of reishi.

Liver Concerns

Liver issues associated with reishi mushroom consumption are rare but worth mentioning. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals who already have liver conditions or are taking medications that affect liver function.

Unfortunately, the long-term effects of reishi consumption are not well understood due to limited human trials and clinical research. That said, the general consensus within the medical community is that reishi mushroom is safe for consumption and produces minimal side effects, especially when taken at low doses.

There have been isolated reports linking reishi ingestion to liver toxicity in a very small number of people. Between 2004 and 2005, a patient in Hong Kong experienced fulminant hepatitis after consuming reishi. 

Fulminant Hepatitis, also called fulminant hepatic failure, is when the liver begins to fail suddenly and quickly. Symptoms of fulminant hepatitis can include sleepiness, jaundice, confusion, stomach swelling, and changes in personality or changes in behavior.

Although they could consume boiled Reishi without experiencing any negative effects, a hepatotoxic episode occurred when the patients switched to powdered form. Little is reported about any other contaminants in the specific reishi powder they were taking, or how high the dose was.

While cases of liver toxicity have been reported, they typically involve excessive consumption over an extended period and remain extremely rare. For most people, reishi is considered hepatoprotective and has been shown to support liver health. However, little is clinically known about how reishi interacts with liver function in the long term.

If you plan to take reishi mushroom for an extended period, monitoring liver enzyme levels may be advisable. Anyone with existing liver concerns or questions about potential side effects should consult a medical professional before starting reishi supplementation.

Blood-Thinning Effects

Reishi mushrooms may have mild blood-thinning properties, which could be a concern for individuals already on anticoagulant medications.

While the blood-thinning effects are generally not strong enough to be a major concern for most people, they could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications.

If you're someone who bruises easily or has a bleeding disorder, it's something to keep in mind.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

There's minimal research on the effects of reishi mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating reishi into your routine if you fall into this category.

Individuals on Medication

People taking anticoagulants or immunosuppressants should exercise caution. Reishi mushrooms could interact with these medications, which may lead to adverse effects.

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What Are Potential Health Benefits of Reishi?

The health benefits of reishi mushrooms are vast and mighty impressive - the list below is some of the most well-recognized uses and most supported by modern research.

Immune System Boost

Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have positive effects on the immune system in some studies. They may enhance the function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and disease.

Anti-Cancer Properties

There's also promising research that suggests reishi may have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have shown that certain doses of reishi mushroom extract may help lead to the death of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells.

Beyond this, reishi mushrooms are also being explored as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Reishi mushrooms have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure. While more research is needed, initial findings are promising and suggest that reishi could be a natural way to manage blood pressure levels.

Dosage and Recommendations

Dosage varies depending on the form of reishi used. A dried extract is commonly used, with doses ranging from approximately 1.5–9 g per day. Always follow the guidelines provided on the supplement or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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Does Reishi Mushroom Interact with Medications?

Reishi mushroom powder may also interact with other medications and reduce their efficacy.

There is some concern that Reishi supplements may lower blood pressure and interact with antiplatelets or anticoagulants.

If taken in high doses, Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding in some patients, although this is not confirmed.

There is also some concern that Reishi may interact with antidiabetic drugs.

Reishi lowers blood sugar levels in the body, so consuming reishi supplements with these medications may cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels.

However, this has not been confirmed. You should always consult a GP before taking reishi mushrooms, especially if you are taking any other medications.

What Is Red Reishi?

There are over 2,000 species of Reishi mushroom, and red reishi is probably the most popular reishi fungi from a medicinal point of view.

Red reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, is believed to be the most superior reishi mushroom, and many people take this mushroom to support the function of internal organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs.

Red reishi has a high polysaccharide content which may also improve its antioxidant content and offer greater support for the body's inflammatory responses and cell growth.

This mushroom is also one of the most common reishi mushrooms, and as a result, it has a much higher global demand than other types.

Nations such as China and Japan focus their commercial agriculture on this mushroom due to its demand, health benefits, and nutritional profile.

Visually, Ganoderma lingzhi or Red reishi is quite striking - showing a distinctive red-brown cap with bands and a stem with a fan-like appearance.

This particular reishi has found itself at the centre of many studies, including those exploring the effects of medicinal treatments in cancer patients.

You may also hear the red reishi being referred to as the 'mushroom of immortality,' as it's believed to be one of the most vitality-enhancing herbs in the world.

Many people take this herb purely for its reported anti-aging benefits, and it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How does reishi make you feel?

Reishi is known for its adaptogenic properties, often making people feel more relaxed and less stressed. However, individual experiences can vary, and some may feel minor side effects like digestive discomfort.

2) Is it okay to take reishi every day?

Reishi is generally considered safe for daily use within recommended dosages. However, though rare, long-term use at high doses has been linked to liver toxicity, so moderation is key.

3) What to avoid when taking reishi?

Avoid taking reishi with blood-thinning medications, as it may have mild blood-thinning properties. It's also advisable to avoid alcohol to prevent extra strain on the liver.

Closing Thoughts

So, there you have it—a full rundown on the yin and yang of reishi mushrooms. While they may not be a cure-all, they offer a host of benefits that make them worth considering. Just remember that the best choices come from a place of understanding your own body's needs.

Think of Reishi as that intriguing novel—worth diving into, but best understood when you read the fine print. After all, the most rewarding experiences come from balanced choices. For those interested in taking the next step, be sure to check out our best reishi mushroom guide, which goes into the specifics of reishi mushroom supplements.