People praise Reishi mushrooms, also known as "the mushroom of immortality," for their ability to boost your immunity, fight fatigue, create a sense of calm, and more. This has given way to the development of numerous Reishi mushroom supplements in various forms, such as mushroom gummies, teas, coffees, tinctures, and tablets.
But like other supplements, Reishi mushrooms can potentially cause adverse side effects, too. While most of these will be mild and non-life threatening, such as a dry mouth or an upset stomach, others can be serious. Specifically, there are risks involved when Reishi interacts with certain medications and other supplements you might be taking.
Let’s look at how Reishi mushrooms work and how they might affect your regular medications and supplements so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to incorporate them into your routine.
Potential Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
People have been using Reishi — red-orange mushrooms with a shiny, fan-like appearance — for their potential health benefits for over 2,000 years. A longtime staple in traditional Chinese medicine, they eventually made their way into more contemporary treatment plans. Here, we’ll cover some of the reasons experts might still recommend their use today.
- To boost your immune system: This fungus brims with beta-glucans and polysaccharides known for their immunomodulatory capabilities. Regularly consuming these mushrooms may enhance your immune responses, potentially aiding those whose immune systems have been compromised by aging, stress, or illness.
- To fight cancer: Regarding cancer-related uses, what's fascinating is that Reishi mushrooms can harbor potential anti-cancer properties. By promoting natural killer cells, they may assist in warding off cancer cells and suppressing tumor growth.
- To improve your heart health: Reishi mushrooms can exhibit lipid-lowering properties, checking cholesterol levels and fostering heart health. By discouraging blood from clot formation, they may minimize the risk of heart diseases and strokes — life-threatening cardiac concerns.
- To help manage diabetes: For those contending with diabetes, Reishi mushrooms could be a welcome addition to their dietary regimen. These fungi may boost insulin production and help manage blood sugar levels, which is crucial for those with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.
- To bolster your cognitive health: Some studies suggest the intake of Reishi mushrooms could foster neurogenesis or the birth of new neurons. This could improve mental functions and even prove beneficial in treating neurodegenerative disorders.
- To support your general wellness: Beyond their specific health applications, Reishi mushrooms can enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, diminish fatigue, and foster a sense of overall well-being.
Side Effects & Precautions
Reishi mushroom stimulates the immune system but not without potential backlash. Some individuals experience digestive distress: upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. For others, the primary complaint is dry mouth, itchiness, or a rash. In isolated cases, significant liver damage has been linked to long-term use.
It’s important to remember that Reishi mushroom is not a free-for-all miracle cure. If you have mushroom allergies, are pregnant or nursing, or are scheduled for surgery, you should approach Reishi supplements with caution.
How Reishi Interacts With Medications
Like other types of functional mushrooms, Reishi offers a wealth of benefits. Still, it also has the potential to interact poorly with certain medications. Always discuss Reishi with your doctor before starting a new supplement.
- Diabetes medications: Reishi mushrooms have properties that may lower blood sugar. When paired with diabetes medications, the effect could be amplified, potentially leading to hypoglycemia or abnormally low blood sugar levels.
- Blood pressure medications: Reishi mushrooms may show down-regulating effects on blood pressure, presenting complications for individuals already taking medications to reduce their blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers. The cumulative impact could lead to an unusual drop in blood pressure.
- Anticoagulant drugs: Studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms may slow down blood clotting. This can pose concerns for individuals who are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, or individuals scheduled for surgery. When taken together, they may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
How Reishi Interacts With Other Herbs & Supplements
Combining Reishi with other supplements, such as herbs, could lead to unexpected results, further emphasizing why consulting a healthcare provider is always wise.
- Supplements that lower blood pressure: Fish oil, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-blockers are known for their ability to lower blood pressure. Mixing Reishi with one or more of these could lead to abnormally low blood pressure.
- Supplements that affect blood sugar: Ginseng, fenugreek, and bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels. Take care not to combine them with Reishi to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Supplements that slow blood clotting: Omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo, and garlic may thin your blood or slow down blood clotting. If you pair them with Reishi, your risk of bleeding or bruising may go up.
Beyond the supplements and herbs we’ve mentioned here, you should ask your healthcare provider about Reishi’s potential interactions with any over-the-counter drugs you may plan to take.
Forms of Reishi Mushroom Supplements
Reishi mushroom supplements come in various forms, with each one presenting unique advantage. Always consult with your doctor about what dosages they recommend you take before incorporating one of these supplements into your diet.
- Mushroom gummies: A convenient and tasty way to enjoy Reishi, gummies often include a mix of flavorings or even combine multiple functional mushrooms for even more potential health benefits.
- Capsules: This is one of the most popular forms because of its convenience. Capsules are easy to transport and store and deliver a consistent dosage each time.
- Powder: Reishi mushroom powder is a good option if you want flexibility in your dosage or want to add Reishi to different foods or drinks.
- Liquid extract: You can absorb Reishi quickly if you use a liquid extract. People often use this form in a higher concentration since it can deliver a larger dose in a smaller volume.
FAQs
What are Reishi mushrooms used for?
People have widely used Reishi mushrooms as a dietary supplement for enhancing the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, lessening fatigue, and even potentially aiding in cancer prevention. They also have potential benefits for heart health, diabetes management, and overall wellness.
What forms do Reishi mushroom supplements come in?
Reishi mushroom supplements come in the form of mushroom gummies, capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. The mushroom supplement you choose will depend on your preferences and the specific health conditions you want to address.
What is the standard dosage for Reishi mushroom supplements?
The dosage of Reishi mushroom supplements can vary based on the specific condition you’re using them for, the supplement’s form, and the brand’s recommendations. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your health needs.
Why should I consult a healthcare provider before taking Reishi mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms can interact with other medications and can have side effects. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and form based on your health history, current condition, and prescribed medications.
Are Reishi mushrooms the same thing as hallucinogens?
Reishi mushrooms are functional mushrooms rather than psychedelic mushrooms. As such, they do not contain any psilocybin or other psychoactive compounds that cause hallucinatory effects.
Image by: Tim Huang from Pixabay