One of the best mushrooms for brain health—and general physical health—Reishi has recently been gaining a lot of attention. As with any other food or supplement, it is crucial to know how much reishi mushroom to take to experience the desired effects.
In this blog post, we will explore the recommended dosages for reishi mushrooms and offer tips on incorporating them into your routine. Taking a deeper look at the reishi mushroom extract dosage for various health conditions, we aim to ensure you enjoy maximum Reishi health benefits and minimal side effects.
Keep reading to learn more!
Reishi Mushroom Benefits: Why Do People Want To Know The Recommended Reishi Mushroom Dosage?
Reishi mushroom, scientifically known as Ganoderma Lucidum, is a medical fungus with healing abilities. Native to the hot and humid climate of Asia, this mushroom is a vital superfood mushroom.
Rightly called the king of mushrooms, Reishi is an adaptogenic fungus valued for its immune-enhancing, sleep-promoting, and cancer-fighting properties.
For example, when investigating the benefits of Reishi on sleep, researchers conducted a research study in 2021(1). The scientists concluded that Ganoderma Lucidum promotes sleep through gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathways.
In another research study from 2018(2), Reishi helped with blood pressure management after seven days of supplementation. In the study, the reishi mushroom extract therapy reduced the blood pressure in the experimental animals at a level comparable to that of losartan. Losartan is a pharmaceutical drug often used to treat high blood pressure. The Ganoderma Lucidum extract produced better results than the pharmaceutical drug.
In a 2015(3) research study, researchers used mice to study the impact of Reishi mushroom extract on diabetes. The research study determined that reishi extract has potential health benefits for diabetes.
Read More: See how Reishi treats diabetes.
Some of the effects of reishi mushrooms included increasing the antibody detection of insulin in diabetic mice—this resulted in better-balanced blood sugar levels.
To enjoy the benefits of Reishi mushrooms mentioned above—and others—you need to use Reishi correctly. But how do you use this functional mushroom? Read on!
How To Consume Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi mushrooms can be consumed whole in their fresh form.
However, the fresh Reishi mushroom taste may not appeal to some users. It is a deliciously bitter fungus due to the presence of triterpenes. Reishi mushroom flavor is reminiscent of dark bitter chocolate.
So then, what is another way to take Reishi? The answer is mushroom supplements.
Reishi supplements offer you the easiest way to enjoy the fantastic health benefits of functional mushrooms. Reishi mushroom supplements are available in powders, capsules, extracts, and tinctures. The Ganoderma Lucidum supplement powder is made by drying and grinding the mushroom.
Read More: What is the best time to take Reishi mushroom?
Now you might wonder how to use Reishi mushroom powder. The powdered mushroom is versatile and can be placed inside capsules, making it easier to take as a daily supplement.
You can also mix reishi powder in juice, smoothies, milk, and other beverages. You can put the mushroom powder in a mug of hot water. Allow the powder to simmer for 5 minutes; add your favorite tea, honey, or milk, and enjoy as tea.
The traditional way of consuming the mushroom is fully grown fresh forms. Research shows that the mushrooms were dried and cut into slices in Chinese medicine. They were boiled in hot water and used in soups and tea as traditional medications.
This traditional way inspires the modern-day extraction of the mushroom. The mushroom is boiled at a high temperature, extracting the active ingredients as tinctures.
But how much reishi powder per day? Read on if you are wondering how much reishi mushroom you should take.
When To Take Reishi Mushroom?
Before we show you the reishi mushroom powder dosage, we will help you understand when you should consume the mushroom.
According to research, there is no best time to take mushroom supplements. Some say the mushroom is the most effective if you take it on an empty stomach first in the morning.
Read More: Should you take Lion's mane mushrooms with or without food?
Taking the powder mixed with a glass of water or pairing the powder with food rich in vitamin C helps with proper absorption. You can also pair the mushroom with a cup of tea or coffee.
Traditional eastern medicine recommends taking Reishi mushrooms in the evening around bedtime—this is especially ideal for sleep.
The terpenoid compound in the mushroom has a sedative action that promotes better quality sleep. It helps the body ease into a relaxed state. It calms the body and the hyperactive mind leading to a restful bedtime state.
Read More: Should you take Lion's mane mushroom before bed?
Hence, the best time to take Reishi is a personal choice and how your body responds to the mushroom.
An evening dose will suit you if the mushroom helps you sleep better. But if the mushroom enables you to get through a stressful day, pair it with your morning cup of tea or coffee. Let your body guide you into getting the maximum out of the mushroom.
How Much Reishi Mushroom Should I Take?
Reishi mushroom dosage recommendation varies based on the form used. For example, the reishi mushroom tincture dosage will differ from the fresh mushrooms' dosage.
The dose ranges from 25 to 100 gms when you consume a fresh Reishi mushroom. This dose depends on the size of the mushroom.
Reishi powder dosage is generally ten times lower than the fresh mushroom dosage. So 50 grams of fresh Reishi mushroom is equivalent to 5 grams of the supplement extract.
The quantity for consumption is lower with supplements, as they are more concentrated. Hence, small amounts are required to achieve the same benefit as fresh mushrooms. Dried mushrooms' oral dose is 1.5-9g/day.
The Reishi mushroom powder dosage is 1-2g/day, and the tincture dose is 1ml/day. A daily dose of 2g of the mushroom powder containing 20% beta-glucans provides 400mg of the polysaccharides present in Reishi.
How much Reishi per day also highly depends upon the underlying condition for which it is being taken. For example, the reishi mushroom cancer dosage will be very different from that of someone using a reishi product to improve immunity or lower high blood pressure.
In the following section, we have a disease-specific breakdown of Reishi mushroom dosage:
1. Dose In Cardiovascular Disease
The reishi dosage for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors is 1.4g to 3g a day for 12 to 16 weeks. The study(4), however, did not find any statistical improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), total cholesterol, LDL, or Body Mass Index (BMI).
2. Reishi Mushroom Cancer Treatment Dosage
There are limited reports of controlled human intervention trials using Reishi as an anti-cancer agent. However, one cancer treatment study showed that a 12-week Reishi capsule supplementation at dosages of 1800 mg caused cellular immunological enhancements in cancer patients.
These are the results of two randomized control trials that used the mushroom component Ganopoly on 34 patients with advanced cancer. Scientific evidence from this study suggests that reishi mushrooms may be effective in cancer treatment at a dosage of 1,800 mg per day.
Water-extracted Reishi mushroom supplements decreased(5) the size of cancer cells in colorectal cancers when taken in a dose of 1.5g/day for 12 months.
The methanolic extract of the triterpene has a direct lethal effect(6) on cancer cells at a dosage of 450 microgram/ml. The water extract of the fruiting body has an inhibitory effect on cancer cells in dosages of 509 micrograms/ml.
This study was conducted on animal models. With these results, the future of Reishi as an anti-cancer agent seems promising.
3. Dose In Hepatoprotection
10, 30, and 100 mg/kg body weight of 4.41% water extract of Ganoderma Lucidum have a potent hepatoprotective action on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in animal models(7).
4. Antioxidant Dosage Of Reishi Mushroom
The triterpenes and polysaccharides of the mushroom have shown excellent antioxidant activity(8). If your goal is to benefit from the mushroom antioxidants, a 0.6 mg/mL dose should be ideal.
5. Dose In Diabetes
1800 mg of Ganopoly-containing Reishi mushroom supplement, given thrice daily, reduces postprandial glucose levels. The continued reishi use should help you balance out your blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that the effects of Reishi on blood sugar levels may take some time to show—therefore, you may need to take the recommended dosage for a while before you can start seeing improvements.
Read More: See how Chaga mushroom treats diabetes.
6. Dosage In Gastro-Protection
A recommended dose of 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg of body weight of the polysaccharide fraction of Reishi conferred protection against an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in mouse models.
This once-daily(9) dose of the mushroom, when given for 14 consecutive days, causes a significant acceleration of ulcer healing by up to 56%.
7. Dose In Asthma
Researchers gave a herbal supplement containing 62.5% of Reishi mushroom twice daily for one week. The doses included 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 1800 mg. Allergic subjects well tolerated this dose and it was effective in fighting Asthma.
Read More: See how Reishi fights allergies like Asthma.
8. Dose For Lowering Lipid Levels
Reishi offers weight loss benefits, helping users avoid obesity. A 4-week supplementation of 1.44g of Reishi mushroom capsules (equivalent to 13.2g of fresh mushroom per day)exhibited a slight decline(10) in lipid levels. This dosage may be ideal for facilitating weight loss.
9. Reshi Mushroom Dose In Osteoarthritis
One of the uses of reishi mushrooms is in the management of Osteoarthritis. 4500mg of Reishi mushroom, taken three times per day, displayed optimum Osteoarthritis results.
10. Reishi Mushrooms Dose In Migraine
The MARA Institute of Technology(11), Malaysia, recommends a thrice-daily dose of 1500mg of the mushroom for migraine headaches.
11. Reishi Mushroom Extract Dosage In Hypertension
Asian researchers have investigated Reishi mushroom dosage for hypertension. The dosing schedule included one capsule of 500mg of the mushroom, taken three times per day for five days, followed by two capsules thrice daily for seven days.
The dose was again increased to three capsules daily for 30 days. This dosing regimen showed normalization of blood pressure. A maintenance dose of 2500mg twice daily was recommended after that.
Today, according to the research study, you will get blood pressure benefits from Reishi if you take a total of 5000 mg of reishi powder daily.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights high blood pressure.
12. Ganoderma Lucidum Dosage For Anxiety
There is no specific Reishi dosage for anxiety. However, when taking Reishi for anxiety in powdered forms, the ideal dose sits between 1.5 g and 9 grams per day.
Does Reishi Mushroom Get You High?
Research shows that Reishi contains hallucinogenic properties called psilocybin and psilocin. These are psychedelic compounds that target the serotonin receptors in the brain.
This, however, does not necessarily mean the mushroom will get you high. The only way the mushroom can get you high is to consume too much of it.
Consuming too much Reishi mushroom will also increase your risk of suffering from other significant side effects. In the following section, we will look at some of these side effects.
Red Reishi Side Effects
Although red Reishi rarely causes side effects, consuming too much of the mushroom can increase your risk of suffering from drawbacks. These drawbacks include dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, upset stomach, and rash.
However, unless you have gone too far beyond the recommended amount, these adverse effects will be minimal and should pass within a short period. If you have significant side effects, talk to a doctor immediately.
It is worth noting that some people should avoid reishi mushrooms until a doctor evaluates them and the medicinal properties are deemed fit for them. These people include:
People Taking Diabetic Medications
Rigorous scientific research has shown that one of Reishi's benefits is helping lower blood sugar levels. However, most diabetic people are usually already using diabetic medications—therefore, you could be using insulin or diabetic pills.
Adding Reishi mushrooms to your diet could create a situation where your blood sugar levels drop so much that you become hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia increases your risk of suffering from unconsciousness, and if it is not treated early enough, it can put you in a coma. In extreme cases, hypoglycemia can cause death.
People Who Are Allergic To Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi can trigger allergic reactions. If the compounds in the mushroom may cause an allergic reaction, it is better to stay away from it.
People Already Taking Blood Thinners
Some of the compounds in reishi mushrooms may inhibit platelet aggregation, slowing blood clotting. If you are also taking other medications that have a similar effect, this can easily lead to a bleeding disorder.
To avoid dealing with bleeding disorders while using Reishi, you may want to know whether you are already taking blood thinners. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, your doctor may advise a blood thinner:
- Heart illness
- Atrioventricular blockade
- Blood vascular diseases like DVT or PE
- Replacement of the heart valve
- Inherited cardiac conditions
- When there is a risk of blood clots following surgery
Read More: Is Reishi suitable for pregnant women?
FAQs About Reishi Mushroom Dosage
How Long Does It Take For Reishi Mushroom To Work?
Reishi mushroom takes an average of three weeks to show its effects. You can start by doubling the daily dose for the first few weeks, after which you can return to the standard dosage. This helps Reishi to settle in the body.
Key Takeaways
Reishi mushroom has been highly regarded in traditional medicine and has numerous uses. Millions of people worldwide have now added this functional mushroom to their wellness routine, using it to benefit from vitamins and treat several health problems.
With its origin in Chinese medicine and textbooks, this mushroom of immortality promotes health and longevity, lowers the risk of heart disease, fights off cancer cells, and boosts the immune system.
In this article, we have addressed how to take reishi mushroom powder and how much to take. Limited human data is available on the precise dosing of the mushroom. Reishi mushroom dosage also varies according to the disease and form of the mushroom.
However, the consensus is that consuming 1-2 grams of Reishi mushroom daily has health-promoting benefits. You may need a heavier dose of the mushroom to treat more severe health conditions.
Have you tried reishi mushrooms yet? What's your dosage routine like? We want to hear all about it in the comments!
References
- Ganoderma lucidum promotes sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathway in mice, (1)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92913-6
- Hypotensive and neurometabolic effects of intragastric Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) administration in hypertensive ISIAH rat strain, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29519314/
- Anti-diabetic effects of Ganoderma lucidum, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25790910/
- Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25686270/
- A water-soluble extract from culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia suppresses the development of colorectal adenomas, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20518254/
- Anticancer Effects of Ganoderma lucidum: A Review of Scientific Evidence, (6)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16351502/
- Radical scavenger and antihepatotoxic activity of Ganoderma formosanum, Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma neo-japonicum, (7)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7564419/
- Antioxidant Properties of Several Medicinal Mushrooms, (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12358482/
- Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Fractions Accelerate Healing of Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcers in Rats, (9)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15671683/
- Ganoderma lucidum ('Lingzhi'), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study, (10)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14756912/
- Universiti Teknologi MARA Official Website (11)https://www.uitm.edu.my/index.php/en/
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