Emma Wilson
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that has been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for centuries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and potentially decreasing the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer. However, there is mixed evidence regarding the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms, and they may cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, and stomach upset. While generally well-tolerated, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements to ensure safety and determine the appropriate dosage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place in traditional medicine | Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. |
| Scientific name | Ganoderma lucidum |
| Alternative names | Lingzhi, Mannentake, Mushroom of Immortality, Ling Chih, Ling Zhi, Hongo Reishi, and more. |
| Form | Reishi mushrooms can be consumed fresh, as powdered spore powder, or as an extract. |
| Dosage | Dosage depends on the form of the mushroom. Fresh mushrooms are usually the highest dose, while powdered mushrooms have a lower dosage. Reishi mushrooms have most often been used in doses of 1400-5400 mg by mouth daily, in divided doses. |
| Benefits | Reishi mushrooms are reported to have a wide variety of potential benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, lessening fatigue, and improving cholesterol, blood sugar, and antioxidant levels. They are also used as an immunostimulant by patients with AIDS and cancer. |
| Side effects | Reishi mushrooms can cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash. They may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with certain medications. They may also be unsafe for people with low blood pressure or those taking certain medications. |
| Precautions | Reishi mushrooms should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. They should also be stopped at least two weeks before surgery to prevent increased bleeding risk. |
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What You'll Learn
Reishi mushrooms and cancer treatment
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and reducing fatigue and depression.
In terms of cancer treatment, reishi mushrooms have been studied for their potential to strengthen the immune system and their possible anti-tumour effects. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that the active ingredients in reishi mushrooms, triterpenoids and polysaccharides, may have anti-cancer properties. For example, a study in Japan involving patients with benign colorectal tumours found that those who received an extract of the mushroom G. lucidum mycelia (MAK) experienced a decrease in the number and size of tumours, while those who did not receive MAK treatment did not show the same results.
Additionally, a 2016 review indicated that reishi mushrooms could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It was found that reishi mushrooms may increase the activity of white blood cells and improve quality of life. However, it is important to note that the review also stated that more high-quality trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms in cancer treatment.
While reishi mushrooms have shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies, clinical evidence of their efficacy in cancer treatment is still limited. Some cancer patients have reported improvements in symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression after taking reishi mushroom products. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using reishi mushrooms as they can also cause digestive side effects and may be unsafe for certain individuals, including those taking specific medications.
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Reishi mushrooms and blood pressure
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years to treat infections and more recently, pulmonary diseases and cancer.
Reishi mushrooms are considered an adaptogen, a compound that may help the body manage stress and boost the immune system. They are also said to improve sleep and lessen fatigue.
Reishi mushrooms may also help lower blood pressure. A study on male hypertensive rats found that after seven weeks of Reishi therapy, blood pressure was reduced to a level comparable to that of losartan. However, this effect may be negative for those who already have low blood pressure or are taking therapy to raise their blood pressure. Reishi mushrooms may also interact with blood pressure medications, causing blood pressure to go too low. Therefore, it is important to monitor your blood pressure closely if you are taking Reishi mushrooms and are also on blood pressure medication.
Overall, Reishi mushrooms are probably safe for most people. However, it is recommended that you speak to a healthcare professional before taking Reishi mushroom supplements, especially if you are taking any medications.
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Reishi mushrooms and blood sugar
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern medicine for a long time and are considered safe for most people. There are several potential health benefits associated with reishi mushrooms, including improved immune system function, reduced fatigue, and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Reishi mushrooms may help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells), which are white blood cells that play a crucial role in immunity by fighting against infections and cancer. Test-tube studies have also shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells and alter inflammation pathways.
Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms may help lower blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that taking reishi mushrooms alongside diabetes medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor blood sugar closely if taking reishi mushrooms with diabetes medications. Additionally, reishi mushrooms might lower blood pressure, so taking them with medications that lower blood pressure could cause blood pressure to go too low.
While reishi mushrooms have been shown to have potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness. There is also a lack of consensus on the optimal dosage, as it can vary depending on the form of reishi mushroom used and individual factors such as age and health conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements to ensure safety and determine the appropriate dosage.
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Reishi mushrooms and surgery
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows at the base of deciduous trees in hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including infections, pulmonary diseases, and cancer.
While reishi mushrooms are touted to have several health benefits, there is limited research to support these claims. Some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have toxic effects and cause health issues. Additionally, the optimal dosage of reishi mushrooms has not been established, and the quality and active ingredients in supplements can vary widely, making it challenging to determine a standard dose.
When considering the use of reishi mushrooms, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and risks. One of the most significant concerns is the increased risk of bleeding, especially for individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. This effect may also interfere with surgery, as high doses of reishi mushrooms can elevate the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. As a result, it is recommended to discontinue the use of reishi mushrooms at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Furthermore, reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure, which could be detrimental for individuals with already low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure-lowering medications. Reishi mushrooms may also interact with diabetes medications and affect blood sugar levels. Additionally, there is insufficient research on the safety of reishi mushrooms for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is generally advised to avoid their consumption during these periods.
While reishi mushrooms have been traditionally used in Eastern medicine, modern research is still ongoing to fully understand their potential benefits and risks. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements to ensure their safety and determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.
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Reishi mushrooms and pregnancy
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used extensively in Eastern medicine and are known for their myriad health benefits.
Pregnant women are understandably cautious about what they consume during pregnancy. While some sources suggest that reishi mushrooms are generally safe for consumption during pregnancy, others advise against it due to a lack of sufficient research on their safety during this critical period.
Reishi mushrooms are believed to have several benefits for pregnant women, including stress reduction, enhanced sleep quality, improved cholesterol, and boosted immunity. The beta-glucan present in these mushrooms is a type of soluble fiber that boosts the immune system, improves cholesterol levels, and increases milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, herbalist Ron Teegaurden has observed that mothers who include reishi mushrooms in their diet give birth to babies who are calm and peaceful, with these traits often continuing into childhood.
However, there are potential risks associated with consuming reishi mushrooms during pregnancy. These mushrooms may affect blood clotting, cause allergic reactions, or interact with certain medications. They might also lower blood pressure, which could be unsafe for those already taking medication to manage their blood pressure.
Due to these uncertainties and potential risks, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution and consult their healthcare providers before consuming reishi mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Reishi mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and improving cholesterol. They are also thought to have anti-cancer properties, such as shrinking tumours and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Reishi mushrooms are considered safe for most people, and there is no evidence of toxic effects in their long medicinal history. However, they may cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash. They may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid reishi mushrooms due to insufficient research on their safety.
There is no agreed-upon dosage for reishi mushroom supplementation. Recommended doses vary between 1.5 to 9 grams per day, usually taken in divided doses. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage based on individual needs and conditions.
Reishi mushrooms can be consumed fresh, or they are sold as a nutritional powder, dietary supplement, or tea. They are also available in the form of extracts, which are typically dried and have a lower dosage compared to the mushroom itself.
Yes, reishi mushrooms may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and blood pressure medications. They may also affect people taking immunosuppressant medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. It is essential to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking reishi mushrooms to ensure safe and appropriate use.
