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Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Capsules · LONGEVITY129 zł
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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
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Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Powders · PRIME189 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Powders · LONGEVITY119 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Capsules · PRIME189 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Drops · PRIME169 zł
Reishi guide
Version 2.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, international TCM therapist (8 years of therapeutic practice, Doctor of Acupuncture, Level A certificate issued by WFAS, an NGO in official relations with WHO, 2018; author of the books „Przebudzenie Zdrowia" and „Suplementacja grzybów Funkcjonalnych").
Reishi in 60 seconds
- Ganoderma lucidum, Japanese reishi (霊芝, „divine mushroom"), Chinese lingzhi (灵芝, „mushroom of immortality"), Polish common name lakownica żółtawa.
- Bioactive compounds: ganoderic acids A-Z (over 150 triterpenes), β-1,3/1,6-glucans above 30%, GLPS polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, adenosine, ergosterol.
- Mechanisms described in the literature: regulation of the HPA axis and evening cortisol, potentiation of GABA-A receptors, activation of Dectin-1 and TLR4.
- Strongest study: an 8-week RCT (Tang 2005, n=132), a 28.3% reduction in fatigue on the FACT-F scale and a 38.7% increase in wellbeing.
- In TCM it tonifies Heart Qi, calms Shen, supports Liver Yin and tonifies the Lungs.
- Our raw material: a 10:1 red Reishi fruiting-body extract, standardised to above 30% β-glucans (EUROFINS lab).
What reishi is and where it comes from
Reishi is the common name for the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum of the Ganodermataceae family. In Polish lakownica żółtawa (a common name rarely used in everyday speech). Japanese reishi (霊芝, „divine mushroom"), Chinese lingzhi (灵芝, „mushroom of immortality"), mannentake („10000-year mushroom") in Buddhist monasteries. All of these names refer to the same species.
It is a parasitic and saprotrophic mushroom that grows on the trunks of deciduous trees, mainly oak, horse chestnut and plum. The fruiting body has a characteristic lacquered, red-mahogany cap, hence the botanical name (lucidum = „shining").
Chinese tradition distinguishes six colours of Reishi (red, black, white, green, yellow, purple), of which red is the most widely used in therapy and supplementation.
Tradition of use
The first written mentions of Lingzhi come from the Chinese herbal Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing from around 2000 years ago, where it was classed among the highest grade of herbs („shang yao"), those that support longevity and can be taken long-term without risk.
In Japan red Reishi was for centuries reserved for the imperial court; the law forbade ordinary people from gathering it.
In Buddhist monasteries it was used to support long meditation practices, especially in people who found it hard to quiet the mind.
Bioactive composition, what is in the extract
Several hundred bioactive compounds have been identified in the Reishi fruiting-body extract. The most important groups:
Ganoderic acids A-Z, over 150 highly oxidised lanostane triterpenes. Present mainly in the fruiting body, responsible for the bitter taste. These are what distinguish the fruiting body from mycelium grown on grain.
β-1,3/1,6-glucans, the main polysaccharides responsible for immunomodulation. Standardised in our extract to above 30%.
GLPS polysaccharides (Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides) and the Ganopoly peptide fraction, studied in the Tang 2005 clinical RCT. Adenosine modulates the activity of A1 receptors in the brain and is linked in animal models to a calming effect. Ergosterol acts as an antioxidant (Nrf2) and is a precursor of vitamin D2 after the fruiting body is exposed to UV light. In addition peptidoglycans and trace elements (organic germanium, zinc, magnesium) in trace concentrations.
Fruiting-body extract versus mycelium on grain. The fruiting body (a hard, lacquered growth) contains ganoderic acids and a fuller β-glucan profile. Mycelium grown on grain contains 70-85% grain substrate and only minimal ganoderic acids.
How reishi works: three mechanisms
Mechanism 1. Regulation of the HPA axis and the circadian rhythm
The most explored direction in the context of sleep and recovery. In Cui et al. (2012) a Reishi extract given to rats for 28 days shortened sleep latency and lengthened NREM sleep time. The earlier study by Chu et al. (2007) pointed to a GABAergic mechanism: Reishi potentiated the effect of pentobarbital but did not change sleep architecture in healthy animals. This suggests regulation rather than sedation.
A key difference from classic sleep agents. Reishi does not „switch off" consciousness and does not bind to benzodiazepine receptors in an agonistic way. It acts more like a regulator, lowering evening cortisol and quieting overactivity of the HPA axis, so the body enters the sleep phase on its own.
Mechanism 2. Immunomodulation through β-glucans and GLPS
Reishi β-glucans (β-1→3, 1→6 structure) bind to Dectin-1 and TLR4 receptors on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells (Brown & Gordon 2003, Nature). This triggers a signalling cascade modulating cytokine production. With Reishi the mechanism goes both ways, both activating the anti-infective response and quieting an overreactive allergic response.
The peptide polysaccharides (Ganopoly) were studied in a clinical RCT in patients with neurasthenia (Tang 2005, n=132, 8 weeks), where they showed a 28.3% reduction in fatigue and a 38.7% increase in wellbeing versus placebo.
Mechanism 3. Hepatoprotection and regulation of inflammation
Ganoderic acid A shows hepatoprotective activity in animal models by supporting phase II liver detoxification (cytochrome CYP450, glutathione-S-transferase). In cell cultures ganoderic acids modulate NF-κB and inhibit histamine release from mast cells (Wachtel-Galor 2011). This is the molecular basis of the traditional use of Reishi for seasonal allergies and liver overload, although large human RCTs in these indications are not yet available.
What reishi does not do
Reishi does not have an immediate, sedative effect like benzodiazepines or high-dose melatonin. It is a regulating mushroom; the first changes in sleep quality usually appear after 2-4 weeks, with the full effect after 8-12 weeks of regular use. Reishi does not replace psychiatric, hormonal, anticoagulant or immunosuppressive medicines. All contemporary research points to a supportive effect, not a therapeutic one in the medical sense.
How to take reishi: the supplementation protocol
Time of day
Reishi works in the evening, 1-2 hours before sleep. It is traditionally an evening mushroom, supporting Yin and calming Shen. In the morning it can be taken in small servings by people with high evening cortisol and a tense nervous system, but for most protocols the evening is the first choice.
Serving size
For prevention, 1 g of extract as powder (1 teaspoon) or drops (10-15 drops) once a day in the evening, and in capsules the standard serving is 3. Intensively, in a targeted protocol, 2-3 g of extract in two servings: before noon and in the evening before sleep.
Full stomach or fasting
Reishi in extract form can be taken regardless of meals. The most popular ritual is an evening cacao or warm plant milk with a teaspoon of powder, 1-2 hours before sleep. Drops sublingually under the tongue for 30-60 seconds, then swallow.
The 5/2 rhythm
Five days on, two days off (usually the weekend). Why? They help keep the Dectin-1 and TLR4 receptors responsive to β-glucans and the GABA-A receptors responsive to the potentiating mechanism. Without breaks, after 4-6 weeks of intensive use you may notice a drop in the perceived effects on sleep quality.
Length of the protocol
Prevention, everyday support (sleep, stress): 8-12 weeks, then a 2-4 week break and another cycle.
Targeted protocol under a therapist’s care (HPA axis, recovery): 12-16 weeks, then individually during a TCM consultation.
Seasonal support (clock change, spring-autumn): 4-8 weeks, a break and another cycle at the next change.
What to observe
Week 1-2: subtle effects, easier falling asleep, lighter evening thoughts. In some people more vivid dreams (a REM-phasing effect).
Week 3-6: steadier sleep, fewer awakenings at 1:00-3:00 (the liver hour in TCM), better tolerance of stress during the day.
Week 8-12: a cumulative effect. Greater resistance to seasonal infections, a steadier general condition, in some cases improved skin and gut condition.
Individual variability is large. What in one person shows up as better sleep onset may in another be steadier daytime energy or less heart palpitation under stress. Reishi works in depth, not on the surface.
What to combine reishi with: synergy protocols
Reishi + Lion’s Mane: sleep and concentration
Lion’s Mane in the morning (supports NGF and BDNF production, daytime concentration), Reishi in the evening (calms Shen, regulates the HPA axis). Together they form a full circadian rhythm. Duration: 8-12 weeks.
Pair with:Lion’s Mane
Reishi + Cordyceps: the HPA axis from two sides
Cordyceps in the morning (tonifies Kidney Yang, supports ATP), Reishi in the evening (Liver Yin, calms). A classic protocol for people with an overloaded HPA axis, „burnout", chronic fatigue. Cordyceps 0.5-1 g in the morning on an empty stomach, Reishi 1 g in the evening. Duration: 12 weeks.
Pair with:Cordyceps
Reishi + Chaga: a shield day and night
Chaga in the morning (tonifying, strengthens Wei Qi), Reishi in the evening (calming, supports Yin). Together they form round-the-clock immune support without waking you at night. Chaga 1 g in the morning, Reishi 1 g in the evening. Duration: 8-12 weeks.
Pair with:Chaga
Reishi + Tremella: Yin and regeneration
Tremella supports Lung Yin and binds water in the skin, Reishi supports Liver Yin and calms Shen. A protocol often chosen around menopause, for dryness of the mucous membranes, stress-related skin problems. Reishi 1 g in the evening, Tremella 1 g in the evening with dinner. Duration: 12 weeks.
Pair with:Tremella
Reishi + Coriolus: seasonal immunity
Coriolus contains the polysaccharide peptides PSK and PSP. Together with Reishi β-glucans they form broad support for immune function with an additional regulating effect on sleep. A classic protocol for people who get more infections in autumn and at the same time a worsening of sleep quality. Coriolus 1 g before noon, Reishi 1 g in the evening. Duration: 8 weeks, seasonally.
Pair with:Coriolus
Reishi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Reishi is one of the oldest mushrooms in the TCM arsenal. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing from around 2000 years ago classed it among the highest grade of herbs „shang yao", which support longevity and can be taken long-term without risk.
In clinic practice the two most discussed effects of Reishi are calming Shen (in insomnia of stress origin, anxiety, heart palpitations) and regulation of the liver hour. Reishi is traditionally recommended for people who wake at 1:00-3:00 at night, which in the TCM organ clock corresponds to the liver and is interpreted as a sign of overload.
This is a frame of cultural observation, not a medical diagnosis. Concepts such as Qi, Shen or meridian do not correspond one to one with Western anatomy or physiology.
| Taste (味, Wèi) | bitter (苦, kǔ), slightly sweet (甘, gān) |
| Nature (性, Xìng) | neutral (平, píng) |
| Meridians (歸經, Guījīng) | Heart (心), Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Spleen (脾) |
| Action | tonifies Heart Qi, calms Shen, supports Liver Yin, tonifies the Lungs, strengthens the Spleen |
Contraindications and interactions
Absolute contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, insufficient clinical safety data.
Active immunosuppressive medicines (after organ transplants, in autoimmune diseases during a flare). Reishi modifies immune signalling by activating macrophages and dendritic cells.
Children under 18. The supplement is not intended for this age group.
Requires consultation with the treating doctor
Anticoagulant medicines (warfarin, acenocoumarol, apixaban, rivaroxaban, acetylsalicylic acid in antiplatelet doses). This is one of the most important warnings for Reishi. The mushroom has a described effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation and may intensify the effect of the medicines, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Hypotension. In some studies Reishi lowered blood pressure. People with a tendency to low pressure should start with a smaller serving.
Diabetes and hypoglycaemic medicines. A described potential to lower blood glucose; monitoring of glucose levels is needed.
Active autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto in a flare, RA, lupus, multiple sclerosis). β-glucans activate immune receptors and the individual reaction may be unpredictable.
Before planned surgery, stop Reishi at least 14 days before the procedure (antiplatelet effect).
Possible side effects and safe serving
In sensitive people the following may occur: dryness of the mouth or throat (a classic effect described in TCM, usually resolving after a week), mild stomach discomfort (when taken on an empty stomach, take with a light meal), a cleansing reaction in the first 5-7 days (daytime fatigue, more vivid dreams, reduce the serving by half), allergic reactions (rarely, in case of itching and rash stop immediately).
The literature does not set a clear maximum daily dose of Reishi for humans. Clinical practice and studies (including the 8-week Tang 2005 RCT with a serving of 5400 mg a day) indicate that up to 3 g of extract a day is well tolerated by healthy people. Above this serving therapist care is needed. Do not exceed 4 g a day without a specific recommendation.
Evidence verdict
Honest about what is known
We also show what is not proven. This is a dietary supplement, not a medicine.
3
Strong evidence
confirmed composition
3
Preliminary
in vitro and animal studies
2
Not proven
no human studies
Reviewed by
Mateusz Rosa · Doctor of Acupuncture (WFAS)
Version 2.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, international TCM therapist (8 years of therapeutic practice, Doctor of Acupuncture, Level A certificate issued by WFAS, an NGO in official relations with WHO, 2018; author of the books „Przebudzenie Zdrowia" and „Suplementacja grzybów Funkcjonalnych").
Based on 8 verified sources
See sources ↓Strength of evidence: an honest qualification of claims
| Claim | Type of evidence | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| A Reishi extract shortens sleep latency and lengthens the NREM phase (GABAergic mechanism) | animal models (Cui 2012, Chu 2007), many independent works | MOCNY |
| Reishi β-glucans activate Dectin-1 and TLR4 (immunomodulation) | in vitro, many independent studies (Brown & Gordon 2003) | MOCNY |
| Ganoderic acids modulate NF-κB and inhibit histamine release from mast cells | in vitro, summarised in the Wachtel-Galor 2011 monograph | MOCNY |
| Reishi (Ganopoly) reduces subjective fatigue in patients with neurasthenia | RCT n=132, 8 wks (Tang 2005), needs replication | WSTĘPNY |
| Hepatoprotective effect of ganoderic acids | animal models + small crossover RCTs in healthy volunteers | WSTĘPNY |
| Reishi supports regulation of evening cortisol in humans | mechanism described in animal models, no large human RCTs | WSTĘPNY |
| „Cures" insomnia, depression or Alzheimer’s | none, claim unsupported and prohibited by regulation | BRAK |
| „Prolongs life" or a measured anti-aging effect in humans | traditional TCM framing, no longevity RCTs in humans | BRAK |
MOCNY = solid evidence · WSTĘPNY = moderate or preliminary · BRAK = unsupported or prohibited by regulation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Reishi the same as Lingzhi?
- Yes. Ganoderma lucidum = Reishi (Japanese) = Lingzhi 灵芝 (Chinese) = lakownica żółtawa (Polish). One species, many cultural names. Chinese tradition distinguishes six colours of Reishi, of which red is the most widely used in therapy, and all Aloha Fungi extracts come from it.
- What is the difference between Reishi PRIME and LONGEVITY?
- PRIME is an 80% extract complex (water and alcohol fractions for different groups of bioactive compounds) plus 20% powder. Maximum potency, for protocols of sleep and HPA-axis regulation in the Transformation phase of OOTI. LONGEVITY is a 50% 10:1 extract plus 50% powdered fruiting body. A gentler version for everyday evening support in the Integration phase.
- After how long will I feel the effect?
- The first subtle effects (lighter evening thoughts, easier falling asleep) usually 2-4 weeks. The full cumulative effect after 8-12 weeks of regular use in the 5/2 rhythm. Reishi is a regulating mushroom, it works in depth, not on the surface. If you expect immediate sedation like after high-dose melatonin, Reishi is not for you.
- Can Reishi be combined with Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps or Chaga?
- Yes. The most popular protocols: Reishi + Lion’s Mane (sleep and concentration), Reishi + Cordyceps (the HPA axis from two sides), Reishi + Chaga (a shield day and night), Reishi + Tremella (Yin and regeneration), Reishi + Coriolus (seasonal immunity). Individual matching during a TCM consultation.
- What are the main contraindications?
- Absolute: pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunosuppressive medicines, children under 18. Requires consultation with a doctor: anticoagulant medicines (warfarin, NOAC, aspirin), the most important warning for Reishi, hypotension, diabetes, active autoimmune diseases, before planned surgery (stop at least 14 days before). The full list is in the section above.
- Reishi in the morning or the evening?
- In the evening, 1-2 hours before sleep. Reishi is traditionally an evening mushroom; it acts regulatively, not sedatively, it will not „hit" you with sleep at once, but it supports the whole evening rhythm. In the morning we use it rarely, only in people with high evening cortisol and a shifted circadian rhythm.
- Can Reishi be combined with melatonin or coffee?
- No clinically significant interactions with melatonin are described, but the mechanisms differ (Reishi: the HPA axis and GABA; melatonin: MT1/MT2 receptors). In our practice Reishi more often replaces than complements melatonin, because it acts regulatively. With coffee there are no interactions, you can drink Reishi in the evening and coffee in the morning.
- Is Reishi addictive?
- No. The mechanism (β-glucans, triterpenes, GABAergic support) does not involve dopaminergic pathways or addiction receptors. You can stop without a rebound effect.
- Does Reishi help with allergies?
- In in vitro studies ganoderic acids inhibit histamine release from mast cells. This is a described mechanism, but there are no large RCTs in patients with seasonal allergies. In our practice Reishi is sometimes part of longer regulating protocols in seasonal allergy, most often in a stack with Cordyceps or Chaga.
- Why a fruiting-body extract and not mycelium?
- The fruiting body (a hard, lacquered growth visible on the tree trunk) contains ganoderic acids (triterpenes) and a fuller β-glucan profile. Mycelium grown on grain contains 70-85% grain substrate and minimal triterpenes; you are then buying mostly starch, not the pure mushroom. Standardisation of β-glucans is possible only from fruiting-body raw material.
Scientific bibliography
- Tang W et al. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. J Med Food 8(1):53-58. PMID: 15857210.
- Cui XY et al. (2012). Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 139(3):796-800. PMID: 22207209.
- Chu QP et al. (2007). Extract of Ganoderma lucidum potentiates pentobarbital-induced sleep via a GABAergic mechanism. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 86(4):693-698. PMID: 17383716.
- Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, Benzie IFF (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press. NCBI: NBK92757.
- Brown GD, Gordon S (2003). Dectin-1: a signalling non-TLR pattern-recognition receptor. Nature 422(6928):119-120.
- Sanodiya BS et al. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum: A potent pharmacological macrofungus. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 10(8):717-742. PMID: 19939212.
- Bhardwaj N, Katyal P, Sharma AK (2014). Suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses by pharmacologically potent fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 8(2):104-117.
- Jin X et al. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 4(4):CD007731. PMID: 27045603. (The Cochrane review indicates insufficient evidence for a standalone anticancer effect.)
The educational content on this page does not replace medical advice. A dietary supplement is not a medicine and should not replace a varied diet or medical consultation. Before starting supplementation, especially with chronic conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking medication, consult a doctor. Aloha Fungi does not claim therapeutic efficacy for any product; the mechanisms described are based on the current state of the literature. All products are dietary supplements notified to the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS).