Reishi Mushroom (Lingzhi)

What is it? 

Reishi mushroom also known as lingzhi in traditional Chinese medicine has existed for thousands of years. It is cultivated and sold as food or as supplement in liquid,capsule or powder form.

Benefits

There are ongoing research conducted to prove that reishi mushroom improves the immune system , reduce stress improves sleep and fatigue.

Currently there are only few studies to prove these other possible benefits which include low blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improves asthma, helps in patients with cardiac and liver and kidney diseases, helps in flu, improves immune system in those immuno-compromised like HIV or Cancer patients. More randomized controlled research studies need to be conducted to see if it really has such benefits.

Possible side effects 

At normal dosing it is safe for most people. Pregnant and lactating woman should not take reishi mushroom as there is no study on its safety in this group of patients.

Side effects are not common but those who experience it may have dizziness, headache, rash& itch due to allergy, stomach upset, bloatedness and headache.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Anti-hypertension medications: as reishi mushroom also lowers blood pressure when combine with anti-hypertensive close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.

Anti-platelet/ anti-coagulant: Reishi mushroom when taken with these drugs which prevent blood clotting , will attenuate its effects and increases risk of bleeding.

Dosage 

Please follow the instructions on product label and if in doubt consult your doctor first. Do not take overdose.