Reishi mushroom is best known for its traditional use in supporting immune function and promoting general well-being.
Evidence · Grade D
Traditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research
Adaptogenic medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) used for immune modulation, sleep, and as an adjunct in integrative oncology.
Last reviewed June 1, 2026 · AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a traditional medicinal fungus widely consumed in Asian cultures. It is often used for its purported immune-modulating and stress-reducing properties. Typically, it is consumed as an extract in powders, capsules, or teas, made from the mushroom's fruiting body or mycelium. Reishi is considered an adaptogen, believed to help the body adapt to various stressors.
Quick answer
What it is: Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a traditional medicinal fungus widely consumed in Asian cultures.
The current evidence for Reishi mushroom primarily consists of preclinical studies, traditional use, and a limited number of small human trials. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the lack of large, well-designed randomized controlled trials contributes to its current D evidence grade.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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Commonly Combined With
Other remedies frequently used alongside this one — from curated relationships, community reports, and shared protocols.
Community signal breakdown
Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.
A classical ketogenic diet typically provides ~70–80% of calories from fat, ~15–20% from protein, and only ~5–10% (often 20–50 g/day) from carbohydrates. The metabolic shift to ketosis lowers blood glucose and insulin, raises ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate), and is being studied for neurological and metabolic conditions. Variants include the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT).
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Pasture-raised eggs
Avocado and olives
Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil
Grass-fed meat and poultry
Full-fat dairy (butter, ghee, hard cheeses)
Nuts and seeds (macadamia, pecan, walnut, chia, flax)
Low-carb leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Bone broth and electrolyte-rich foods
Foods to avoid
Sugar and sweetened beverages
Grains and starches (bread, pasta, rice, cereal)
Most fruit (except small portions of berries)
Legumes and beans
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas)
Low-fat or sweetened dairy
Vegetable seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower) in excess
Most processed and packaged foods
Key principles
Carbohydrate intake usually 20–50 g net carbs per day
Adequate protein (~1.2–1.7 g/kg) — not high-protein
Most calories from whole-food fats
Track electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent "keto flu"
Best initiated with clinician guidance if on medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or seizures
Typical duration: Often 3–6 months minimum to assess response; medically supervised protocols (e.g. for epilepsy) may be maintained for years.
Why it may help
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Investigated as an adjunctive metabolic therapy alongside standard oncology care — most evidence is preclinical or early-phase, with some glioma and glioblastoma trials. Should only be used under oncology and dietitian supervision.
Ketogenic therapy is a medical intervention when used for seizure disorders or oncology — work with a clinician or registered dietitian experienced in ketogenic therapy. Not recommended in pregnancy, type 1 diabetes without supervision, pancreatitis, certain fatty-acid oxidation disorders, or active eating disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Lower dietary inflammatory index scores are associated with reduced incidence of multiple cancers in large cohorts.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Vegan cohorts show some of the lowest incidence rates of cancer in observational data, particularly for hormone-related and GI cancers.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Vegetarian Diet
A plant-based eating pattern that excludes meat, poultry, and fish but typically allows eggs and/or dairy.
Vegetarian diets range from lacto-ovo (includes eggs and dairy) to lacto (dairy only) and ovo (eggs only). Done well, they are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Done poorly, they can be high in refined grains and low in key nutrients (B12, iron, omega-3s, zinc).
Foods to emphasize
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, tempeh)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat)
Vegetables and fruit, daily and varied
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Plan for protein at every meal (legumes, tofu, tempeh, eggs, dairy)
Pair iron-rich plants with vitamin C to boost absorption
Plan a reliable B12 source — fortified foods or a supplement
Include omega-3 ALA from flax, chia, walnuts; consider an algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Long-term cohorts (Adventist Health Study, EPIC-Oxford) associate vegetarian patterns with lower incidence of several cancers, especially colorectal.
Nutritional adequacy depends on planning, not just food choice. A registered dietitian can help avoid common gaps.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Vitamin D
Fat-soluble vitamin
Hormone-like vitamin central to immune function, mood, bone, and thyroid health.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Observational and some interventional data link adequate vitamin D to improved outcomes in several cancers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
Essential fatty acid
Anti-inflammatory lipids critical for brain, joint, and skin health.
Selenium reduces TPO antibodies in Hashimoto's and supports T4→T3 conversion. Deficiency is implicated in thyroid autoimmunity and viral susceptibility.
Reishi's effects appear to be mediated through compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides, which may interact with immune cells and exhibit antioxidant properties.
How it works in more detail
Preclinical studies suggest that beta-glucans and triterpenes found in Reishi may modulate the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These compounds appear to influence cytokine production and may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. In some preclinical models, Reishi constituents have been studied for their potential to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Further research is needed to fully characterize these mechanisms in humans.
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.
Editorial guidance
Suggested dosage
1000–3000 mg/day dried fruiting body extract, divided doses.
Research dosage range
No established human research dose
Typical onset
Effects of Reishi mushroom are generally not acute; consistent use over several weeks to months is typically reported before potential benefits may be observed.
Typical forms
capsule, powder, extract, tea, tincture
Quality markers
Look for products standardized for key compounds like polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans) or triterpenes, often with stated percentages. Third-party testing for purity and contaminants is advisable. Products derived from the fruiting body are often preferred, and organic certification can indicate quality sourcing.
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Immunosuppressants
Antidiabetic drugs
Avoid if
Pregnant or breastfeeding (lack of sufficient safety data)
Undergoing surgery (potential for increased bleeding)
Taking anticoagulant medications (potential for increased bleeding)
Have a bleeding disorder
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
1000–3000 mg/day dried fruiting body extract, divided doses.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years as a "mushroom of immortality" for longevity and qi.
Safety
Safety warnings
May lower blood pressure; can cause GI upset and dizziness. Avoid before surgery.
Avoid if
Pregnant or breastfeeding (lack of sufficient safety data)
Undergoing surgery (potential for increased bleeding)
Taking anticoagulant medications (potential for increased bleeding)
Have a bleeding disorder
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Immunosuppressants
Antidiabetic drugs
Reported side effects
Dry mouth
Dry throat
Nausea
Upset stomach
Skin rash
Dizziness
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
No indexed evidence yet. We're still building out this remedy's evidence ecosystem.
Limitations: Current research is often limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study design, and variations in mushroom preparation and dosage. Many proposed benefits are derived from in vitro or animal studies, with insufficient human clinical data to draw definitive conclusions.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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