The term "gut microbiome" refers to the bacteria, yeast, and fungi that live in the digestive tract. The microbiome varies by person and is vital for digestive and overall health.

9. Lower Blood Pressure and Improve Heart Health

Triterpenes found in reishi mushrooms may have blood pressure–lowering properties.16 They also offer additional benefits, such as with blood clotting and lowering cholesterol. This is likely because triterpenes may help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and arteries and improve overall blood circulation.

In some cases, high blood pressure and high cholesterol might be caused by hormonal imbalances caused by stress or thyroid disease.17 The compounds in reishi mushrooms may help restore hormone levels and reduce cardiovascular problems.16 

10. Improve Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels can be detrimental to health. Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms may have antidiabetic properties and can reduce blood glucose levels, which rise with diabetes when the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin or use it properly.

One 2015 Phytochemistry review found that reishi mushrooms could reduce both blood sugar and insulin (which regulates blood sugar) in mice.18 Researchers also found that certain compounds in the mushrooms could modify enzymes related to blood sugar control and improve the way in which the body uses insulin to move sugar into the bloodstream and tissues to be converted into energy.

Side Effects 

Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to manage various conditions, and very few side effects have been reported.19 Mild digestive upset and skin rashes may occur, but these typically go away over time or may only affect people with impaired immune systems.  

Additional side effects may include:20

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Dry or itchy throat
• Headache
• Nosebleeds 

Some people should not consume reishi mushrooms, including:20 

• Anyone with a bleeding or clotting disorder or who has recently undergone surgery
• People on certain medications, including blood pressure medicines, chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants 
• Pregnant and lactating people since not enough research is available to determine safety or long-term effects in these groups

Reasons to Skip Supplements

Reishi mushrooms are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. When taken in the correct doses, they are generally safe for up to a year.21 However, the powdered and supplement forms may be more potent or even contaminated.

In rare cases, incorrect dosing can increase the risk of toxicity, so it is essential to use caution and purchase supplements and powders from reputable companies to get the best product possible.

To avoid potential health risks, always follow the recommended doses on supplement labels. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about dosing.

To get the most out of reishi mushrooms and avoid safety risks, consider using dried or fresh versions. You can use them to make tea or add them to a favorite soup or sauce.

Reishi Extract Forms

Reishi mushrooms are large mushrooms with a woody texture.1 They are available over the counter (OTC) as herbal supplements in tablet, capsule, extract, and powder form. 

Reishi mushrooms are also available as teas. The supplements and teas are made from cultivated mushrooms. 

Lion's Mane vs. Reishi Mushrooms 

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white fungus with long, shaggy spines that can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a supplement. It has various brain health benefits, including promoting mental agility, focus, and overall cognitive performance.22 It has also been found to calm the mind and body so that they can respond to stress healthily. 

Like the reishi mushroom, lion's mane can be a helpful option for managing nervous system and brain health. However, reishi mushrooms have effects beyond the brain and nervous system. Deciding which mushroom type to use will depend on your own needs and goals.

Where to Source Whole, Dried Mushrooms

You can buy reishi mushrooms from different retailers. These include:

• Farmers markets: You might be able to find fresh and dried reishi mushrooms at local farmers markets.
• Health food stores: Health food stores carry reishi mushrooms in different forms, including dried, powdered, and supplement forms. These stores will specialize in organic and natural products so they can be a reliable source of reishi mushrooms.
• Online retailers: You can find dried reishi mushrooms, teas, and supplements from various online retailers.

Summary  

Reishi mushrooms are powerful medicinal mushrooms with a long list of potential health benefits. Benefits include boosting immune system function, improving heart health, managing fatigue, promoting brain health, keeping blood sugar levels managed, and more. 

While reishi mushrooms are edible, they are mainly found as supplements in capsule, powder, and extract forms. They can also be dried and used to make tea. 

Reishi mushrooms are generally safe to use but come with side effects. They may not be safe for some people, including those who are pregnant or lactating and those taking blood thinners. You should always follow the dosage recommendations on the product's labeling and only purchase supplements from reputable companies.