Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) (2024)

Description

Meet Ganoderma lucidum, more famously known as Reishi or Lingzhi—a true marvel in the mushroom world! 🌍🍄 With its large, dark, glossy appearance, this striking fungus has been revered for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine, earning it the nickname the “mushroom of immortality.” 🌿👑

While not celebrated for its flavor, Reishi is renowned for its medicinal potential—believed to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and promote better sleep 🛌💤. Though scientific research is ongoing, its legacy in health and wellness continues to grow. 🌱💪

Reishi mushrooms are incredibly versatile, coming in the form of powders, capsules, extracts, and even teas ☕. You might even find them in fun treats like chocolates, candies, and coffee blends, making it easy to incorporate these health benefits into your day-to-day life! 🍫🥤

Growing Reishi requires a precise environment: warm temperatures, high humidity, and just the right amount of light ☀️🌿. It thrives on substrates like sawdust, wood logs, or grain, proving just how adaptable this mushroom can be.

But remember, moderation is key! Though generally safe, Reishi may interact with medications or cause side effects, so always consult a healthcare professional before diving in. 🩺⚠️

🌟 Fun fact: The name Ganoderma comes from the Greek words "ganos" (brightness) and "derma" (skin), referencing its shiny surface, while lucidum means “shining” in Latin. In Japanese, it's called “Reishi,” meaning “sacred mushroom,” and in Chinese, “Lingzhi,” which translates to “herb of spiritual potency.” 🌸🕉️

In Chinese mythology, Reishi is depicted alongside gods and immortals, symbolizing eternal life, prosperity, and divine power. It often features in ancient artworks and imperial treasures, representing health and spiritual strength. 🎨👑

Modern research focuses on Reishi's bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans. These compounds are linked to antioxidant activity, help with inflammation, and may even have anti-cancer properties, fueling its popularity in today’s wellness circles 🔬💡.

Unlike typical edible mushrooms, Reishi has a woody texture and a bitter flavor, making it unsuitable for fresh consumption. Instead, it’s dried and boiled to create medicinal teas or processed into supplements. 🍵💊

For mushroom foragers, finding wild Reishi is a true treasure! 🌲🍁 It grows at the base of hardwood trees like maple, oak, and hemlock, appearing late summer to early fall with its fan-shaped, reddish-brown fruiting bodies lined with white edges. 🌳🌾

Once reserved for emperors, Reishi has become more accessible thanks to modern cultivation, allowing people all over the world to enjoy its healing potential. 🌍✨ Despite its popularity in science, Reishi still holds onto its mystical aura, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge research. 🍄💫

Common names: Reishi, Lingzi, German (Glänzender Lackporling), Netherlands (Gesteelde lakzwam), Spain (El hongo reishi).

Mushroom Identification

🍄 Fruiting Body: In its youth, the Ganoderma lucidum starts small, between 0.39 to 1.18 inches (1 to 3 cm) in diameter, and grows up to 1.97 inches (5 cm) high. Its color ranges from a whitish-yellow matte surface to a shiny brown-red base. As it matures, it looks like a cap sitting on a stem.

🎩 Cap: The cap grows larger, spanning 1.18 to 7.87 inches (3 to 20 cm) in diameter, with a thickness of 0.39 to 1.57 inches (1 to 4 cm). The cap has a rounded, fan-shaped, or kidney-shaped look. Its surface has a varnished look, typically red-brown or dark brown with radial grooves and wrinkles. The edges are sharp and can appear wavy with hints of whitish, yellow, or reddish tones.

🎯 Pore Surface: Underneath, the mushroom has a tubular hymenophore, which starts whitish or cream and turns brownish over time. The pores are small (0.15–0.25 mm), and there are about 4–5 per mm. When dry or touched, the pore surface can darken.

🦵 Stem: The stem can reach between 1.18 to 5.91 inches (3 to 15 cm) in height, and its diameter ranges from 0.39 to 1.18 inches (1 to 3 cm). It's often lateral, occasionally central, with an uneven surface that's chestnut or dark brown with a purple-brown shine.

🥩 Flesh: Inside, the flesh starts spongy and firm but becomes dense and hard with age. Its color changes from whitish to brownish or even wood-colored as it matures.

🌾 Spores: The spores are 7.5-13 by 5.5-7.5 μm, ovoid in shape with a warty surface and yellow-brown color.

🎨 Spore Print: Expect a brown spore print when left to drop on a surface.

🌳 Habitat: Look for these magical mushrooms from late summer to early autumn growing on stumps or hardwood trunks (like oak and maple). They thrive in moist, shady spots across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Look-Alikes

Ganoderma tsugae

The species is commonly found on hemlock trees in the Northeastern United States, but can sometimes be found on birch or maple near hemlock. It is freshest from May to July and is also called hemlock varnish shelf.
Ganoderma applanatum

The reishi species is hard and woody, ranging from 2 to 30 inches in width. It is dull in color and lacks shine. It's difficult to cut and is often sawed into strips for drying. This species can grow on various types of trees, both hard and soft wood, and is an opportunist.
Ganoderma curtisii

Distributed from Massachusetts to Nebraska, this species has an especially dramatic ochre colored cap, that dulls as the mushroom ages. It has a matte rather than lacquered finish on its cap. Found on hardwood logs, usually oak or maple, but occasionally other hardwoods as well.
Ganoderma sessile

A red shiny species that grows 3 to 16 inches across. The flesh is very soft and bendable, and unlike other species, if damaged the outer growth margin will produce a sap-like resin. Found on hardwood, usually oak or maple, but occasionally other hardwoods as well.
Ganoderma oregonense

This species is native to the pacific northwest where it grows on conifers. The fruiting body is very large and can be up to a meter across.

Benefits

💪 Body. Reishi mushrooms helps support liver function and provides antioxidant protection to combat cell damage. Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, it may help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Reishi might also assist in managing diabetes, improve respiratory health, and support digestive health. Additionally, it may help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, with some research suggesting potential anti-cancer effects.

👩🏻 Skin benefits. Reishi mushrooms hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin from aging, making them ideal for sensitive, dry, or inflamed skin. Reishi extracts, rich in beta-glucans, enhance skin moisture, reduce redness, and improve skin resilience by calming inflammation and protecting against free radicals.

To use reishi for skin, incorporate products like toners, serums, or masks that contain reishi extract. You can also consume reishi as teas, tinctures, or supplements for internal support, complementing topical skincare.

🪬 Spiritual benefits. Reishi, often called the "Mushroom of Spiritual Potency," is renowned for its ability to nourish the spirit and support meditation. In Daoist tradition, Reishi is a "Shen tonic," which means it helps cultivate a calm, balanced state of mind, allowing one's true personality and spirit to shine. Its adaptogenic properties, supported by modern science, help relax the nervous system, reduce mental stress, and promote a meditative state. Incorporating Reishi into your meditation practice, such as by drinking Reishi tea beforehand, can enhance focus, relaxation, and spiritual connection.

While these benefits are promising, more research is needed to fully understand reishi's effects and safety. Always check with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine or making significant changes to your health regimen.

Uses

🍚 Powder and Extract. Reishi is a versatile supplement used in various ways to support health and wellness. It’s commonly added to teas, coffees, smoothies, and juices for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people take it in capsule form for convenience, while others incorporate it into cooking, such as in soups or baked goods, though its bitter taste may need balancing. Additionally, reishi powder is used in DIY skincare products like face masks and lotions for its soothing and anti-aging benefits, and it's often included in dietary supplements to enhance immunity, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

☕ Tea. Reishi can be taken traditionally as a organic tea by boiling its roots in water, or as a supplement. The typical daily dosage ranges from 1 to 3 grams. Consult your doctor for the right dose for you.

Show tea recipe

Ingredients

3 to 5 grams of dried reishi mushrooms
Water

Instructions

Use 3 to 5 grams of dried reishi mushrooms per 4 to 5 cups of water, depending on how much tea you want.
Bring the water to a boil in a stainless steel or ceramic pot (avoid aluminum).
Add the mushroom pieces, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 2 hours.
Remove from heat, strain the liquid, and let it cool slightly before drinking.
You can reuse the strained mushrooms for another batch until the tea is no longer bitter or colored.

🧴 Reishi Tincture and Oil. Also known as "Song Shan Ling Zhi" in traditional medicine, is derived from Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae. This tincture is valued for its potential to support stress management, improve sleep, reduce fatigue, and enhance immune function. Rich in triterpenes, reishi is also studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

🍷 Reishi Infused Wine. To make reishi-infused red wine, start by placing dried reishi mushroom slices, ashwagandha, rose hips, and a bit of honey into a pint or quart-sized jar. Fill the jar with red wine, cap it tightly, and shake well. Allow the mixture to infuse for 3-5 weeks, shaking the jar daily to ensure even blending. After the infusion period, strain the wine through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. The resulting herbal red wine can be enjoyed on its own, perfect for cozy winter evenings.

🧼 Soap. Typically made by double extraction, reishi mushroom tea was used as the water base in this vegan soap.

☕ Reishi coffee. To make reishi coffee, simply stir ½ teaspoon of reishi mushroom powder into your brewed coffee until it’s fully dissolved. You can adjust the flavor with sweetener and milk or cream to taste, if desired. Enjoy your coffee with the added benefits of reishi mushrooms.

☕ Cappuccino. To make a reishi Cappuccino, combine 250 ml of reishi tea, 15 ml of cacao powder, 125 ml of almond or coconut milk, 10 ml of coconut oil or ghee, and 15 ml of honey to taste in a high-speed venting blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Enjoy your creamy, nutrient-rich cappuccino!

☕ Reishi Hot Chocolate Recipe

Side Effects

Avoid taking reishi if:

You are on blood thinners like warfarin, as it may increase bleeding risk.
You are undergoing chemotherapy, as it may reduce the effectiveness of some drugs.
You are on immunosuppressants, as it can stimulate the immune system.
You are taking certain liver-processed drugs (P450 2E1, 1A2, 3A), as it might affect drug levels.
You are 🤰🏻 pregnant or breastfeeding due to limited safety research.

There have been reports of liver toxicity, chronic diarrhea, and even a treatment error where reishi was mistaken for a parasite. Always consult your healthcare provider before using reishi, especially during pregnancy.

Pet Safety

Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe for 🐱 cats and 🐶 dogs when used in appropriate amounts. They are often included in supplements for pets due to their potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, supporting liver function, and reducing inflammation. However, there are a few important considerations:

Dosage: The correct dosage is crucial. Too much reishi could cause digestive upset or other side effects. It's best to follow the dosage guidelines provided by a veterinarian or the product manufacturer.
Quality: Ensure the reishi product is high-quality and free from contaminants. Supplements for pets should be specifically formulated for animals.
Consultation: Always consult your veterinarian before giving reishi to your pet, especially if your cat or dog is on medication, pregnant, or has an existing health condition.

While generally safe, each pet's reaction can vary, so professional guidance is important.

Growing

🌡️ Climate and Environment:

Temperature: Ganoderma lucidum thrives in warm conditions, with optimal temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) during the vegetative growth phase. For fruiting, maintain a temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Humidity: High humidity is essential, particularly during the fruiting stage. Aim for 80-90% humidity during this phase.
Light: Reishi mushrooms require indirect light during the fruiting stage. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the substrate.

🪵 Substrate Preparation:

Materials: Common substrates include hardwood sawdust, grain, and wood logs. Hardwood logs, such as oak, are particularly favored.
Sterilization: Ensure the substrate is sterilized to eliminate any contaminants. This can be done by autoclaving or steam sterilization.

💉 Inoculation:

Spawn: Use high-quality Ganoderma lucidum spawn to inoculate the substrate. Grain spawn is commonly used for sawdust or wood log substrates.
Inoculation Method: Drill holes in logs or spread the spawn evenly over the sawdust substrate. Seal the holes with wax or cover the substrate to maintain moisture.

✨ Incubation:

Temperature: Keep the incubation area at around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
See Also
Reishi Mushroom: The Ultimate Guide To Ganoderma Lucidum - FreshCap Mushrooms
Darkness: Incubate the inoculated substrate in a dark, warm, and humid environment for several weeks to allow the mycelium to colonize fully.

🍄 Fruiting:

Temperature and Humidity: Lower the temperature to 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and maintain high humidity (80-90%) to initiate fruiting.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to provide fresh air, which is necessary for the development of the fruiting bodies.
Light: Provide indirect light for a few hours a day during fruiting.

👨 Harvesting:

Timing: Reishi mushrooms are typically ready to harvest when the edges of the cap turn white and the mushroom reaches its full size.
Method: Cut the mushrooms at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the base intact for potential regrowth.

🌫️ Post-Harvest:

Drying: Dry the harvested mushrooms in a dehydrator or by air-drying in a well-ventilated area. Dried reishi can be stored for long periods and used to make tea, powders, or extracts.
Storage: Store dried mushrooms in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to preserve their potency.

By following these steps, you can successfully cultivate Ganoderma lucidum and produce high-quality reishi mushrooms. Proper attention to environmental conditions and substrate preparation is key to achieving optimal growth and potent medicinal properties.

Versus Table

Benefits	Reishi	Turkey Tail	Chaga	Cordyceps
Immune Support	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Anti-Cancer Effects	❌	✔️	❌	❌
Stress Relief	✔️	❌	❌	✔️
Improved Sleep	✔️	❌	❌	❌
Cognitive Function	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️
Gut Health	❌	✔️	❌	❌
Antioxidant Properties	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Anti-Inflammatory	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Energy & Vitality	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Liver Health	✔️	❌	❌	✔️
Heart Health	✔️	❌	❌	✔️
Skin Health	✔️	❌	✔️	❌
Blood Sugar	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️
Prebiotic Support	❌	✔️	❌	❌
Synergistic Use	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️

FAQ

Are reishi mushrooms psychoactive?

Reishi mushrooms are not psychoactive and do not make you high. Unlike certain other mushrooms, such as psilocybin mushrooms, which are considered a drug due to their psychoactive effects, reishi mushrooms do not alter perception, mood, or consciousness. They are legal to use and can be found in many health food stores as supplements in various forms, including powders, capsules, and teas.

What does reishi taste like?

Reishi mushrooms have a strong, bitter, and earthy taste. The bitterness is often described as quite intense, which is why reishi is rarely consumed fresh or on its own. Some people compare the taste to that of very strong herbal tea or even wood, making it more palatable when combined with sweeteners or in recipes where the flavor can be diluted.

When is reishi too old to harvest?

Reishi mushrooms are typically harvested when they are mature but still vibrant in color and texture. If a reishi mushroom is too old to harvest, you'll notice several signs:

Color Fades: The mushroom's vibrant red or orange color will start to fade, often turning dull or brownish.
Texture Changes: Fresh reishi has a firm, slightly glossy surface. As it ages, the mushroom becomes dry, brittle, and may crack or flake.
Powdery Spores: An old reishi may start to release a significant amount of spores, which can coat the surface with a brownish powder. While some spore production is normal, an excessive amount indicates the mushroom is past its prime.
Loss of Gloss: The mushroom's surface will lose its characteristic sheen, becoming matte and rough.
Reduced Potency: Over time, the medicinal compounds in reishi may degrade, reducing its effectiveness.

It's best to harvest reishi mushrooms when they are fully developed but still have their characteristic vibrant color, firm texture, and glossy surface.

Can reishi cause depression?

Reishi mushrooms are generally not known to cause depression. In fact, they are often used for their potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Reishi contains compounds like triterpenes and polysaccharides, which are believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress.

However, individual reactions to supplements can vary. While it's rare, some people might experience side effects from reishi, such as digestive upset, dizziness, or changes in mood. There isn't strong evidence to suggest that reishi directly causes depression, but if someone notices mood changes after taking it, they should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

If you're concerned about how reishi might affect your mental health, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Can reishi cause acne?

Reishi mushrooms are not typically associated with causing acne. In fact, they are often promoted for their potential skin benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which might help improve skin conditions rather than worsen them.

Why does reishi make me tired?

Reishi mushrooms are often used for their calming and stress-reducing properties, which might explain why they can make you feel tired or more relaxed. Here are a few reasons why reishi might be causing this effect:

Adaptogenic Effects: Reishi is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes balance. This calming effect can sometimes lead to feelings of drowsiness, especially if you're already feeling fatigued or stressed.
Sedative Properties: Some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms contain compounds that have mild sedative effects. These compounds may help improve sleep quality and induce a state of relaxation, which might make you feel tired, particularly if you take reishi later in the day.
Regulating the Nervous System: Reishi may influence the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for "rest and digest" functions. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, reishi could naturally make you feel more inclined to rest or sleep.
Body’s Response: If your body is under stress or if you've been lacking rest, reishi might be encouraging your body to slow down and recuperate, leading to a feeling of tiredness.

If reishi consistently makes you feel overly tired, you might consider adjusting the dosage, taking it at a different time of day, or consulting a healthcare provider to ensure it's the right supplement for your needs.

Will ganoderma kill trees?

Yes, Ganoderma fungi, including species like Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) and Ganoderma applanatum (artist's conk), can indeed kill trees. These fungi are wood-decaying organisms that primarily attack the roots and lower trunk of trees, leading to a condition known as "Ganoderma root rot" or "butt rot."

Can you take reishi long term?

Taking reishi mushroom extract for up to a year might be safe, but taking the powdered form of reishi for more than a month could damage the liver.

Can you eat raw reishi mushroom?

Eating raw reishi mushrooms is generally not recommended. Reishi mushrooms have a very tough, woody texture and a bitter taste that can make them unpleasant to consume raw. More importantly, raw reishi mushrooms are not easily digestible and may not provide the full range of potential health benefits.

Why Cooking or Processing is Preferred:

Digestibility: The tough, fibrous texture of raw reishi can be hard on the digestive system and difficult to break down, which may limit the absorption of its beneficial compounds.
Taste: The raw mushroom has a very bitter flavor that can be off-putting and hard to incorporate into a balanced diet.
Bioavailability: Cooking or processing reishi mushrooms helps to break down their tough cell walls, making the active compounds, such as polysaccharides and triterpenes, more bioavailable and easier for your body to absorb.

Common Ways to Prepare Reishi:

Tea: Boiling reishi slices in water to make a tea is a common method. This helps to extract its beneficial compounds into the liquid.
Powdered Form: Reishi is often dried and ground into a powder, which can be added to smoothies, soups, or other dishes.
Extracts: Reishi is available in various extract forms, including tinctures and capsules, which provide concentrated doses of its active compounds.

If you’re interested in incorporating reishi into your diet or wellness routine, using it in one of these processed forms is typically more effective and palatable.

Why is reishi so expensive?

Reishi mushrooms can be quite expensive for several reasons:

Cultivation Challenges: Reishi mushrooms are difficult to grow and require specific conditions to thrive. They grow slowly and are sensitive to changes in their environment, making large-scale cultivation a challenge.
Long Growth Cycle: Reishi mushrooms take several months to a year to mature, and the cultivation process requires careful monitoring and maintenance. This lengthy growth cycle adds to the cost of production.
Harvesting and Processing: Harvesting reishi mushrooms involves careful handling to ensure the quality of the final product. After harvesting, the mushrooms must be dried and sometimes processed into powders or extracts, which adds additional labor and processing costs.
High Demand and Limited Supply: The popularity of reishi for its potential health benefits contributes to high demand. When combined with the challenges of cultivation and processing, this demand can drive up prices.
Quality and Purity: High-quality reishi products often undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are free from contaminants and contain potent levels of active compounds. This quality assurance can contribute to higher costs.
Sustainability: Ethical and sustainable practices in cultivation and harvesting can also increase costs. Organic or sustainably harvested reishi mushrooms often come with a premium price.

These factors combine to make reishi mushrooms more expensive compared to other dietary supplements or mushrooms.

Will reishi keep me awake?

Reishi mushrooms are generally not known to keep you awake. In fact, they are often used for their calming and stress-reducing properties, which can promote relaxation and support better sleep.

Reishi before or after meal?

The timing of reishi mushroom consumption relative to meals can depend on individual preferences and how your body responds to it. Here are some general guidelines:

Before a Meal:

Absorption: Taking reishi before a meal may help improve absorption, especially if it's in a powdered or liquid form. On an empty stomach, your body might absorb the nutrients more efficiently.
Digestive Comfort: Some people find that taking reishi on an empty stomach can be more comfortable and less likely to cause digestive issues. However, this can vary from person to person.

After a Meal:

Digestive Ease: If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to digestive discomfort, taking reishi after a meal might help mitigate any potential irritation.
Reduced Impact on Appetite: Consuming reishi after eating might help if you’re concerned about it affecting your appetite or causing nausea.

Personal Preference:

Try Both: You may want to experiment with taking reishi at different times to see which works best for you. Pay attention to how it affects your digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.

General Advice:

Follow Instructions: Always follow the dosage and timing recommendations provided on the product label or by your healthcare provider.
Consistency: Regardless of when you take it, try to be consistent with the timing to better gauge how reishi affects you.

If you have specific health conditions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional can help you determine the best time to take reishi for your individual needs.

Synonyms

Boletus rugosus Jacq., 1774
Boletus castaneus Weber, 1787
Boletus crustatus J.J. Planer, 1788
Boletus dimidiatus Thunb., 1784
Boletus flabelliformis Leyss., 1761
Boletus laccatus Timm, 1788
Boletus lucidus Curtis, 1781
Boletus obliquatus Bull., 1781
Boletus verniceus Brot., 1804
Boletus vernicosus Bergeret, 1783
Fomes lucidus (Curtis) Cooke, 1885
Ganoderma nitens Lázaro Ibiza, 1916
Ganoderma ostreatum Lázaro Ibiza, 1916
Grifola lucida (Curtis) Gray, 1821
Phaeoporus lucidus (Curtis) J. Schröt., 1888
Placodes lucidus (Curtis) Quél., 1886
Polyporus lucidus (Curtis) Fr., 1821

Video

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Eric Steinert (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Photo 2 - Author: Nina Filippova (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Nina Filippova (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 4 - Author: Dimitǎr Boevski (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 5 - Author: Ilya Filippov (CC BY-SA 4.0)