Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 22 September 2026.
Reishi — known in Chinese as Lingzhi, the "spirit mushroom" — is one of the oldest mushroom supplements we know. More than 2,000 years ago it was already used in imperial circles as an adaptogenic remedy for balance, calm and resilience. At Plenthera you will find reishi as an organic mushroom extract in capsules from KiKi Health — on its own and in the Maitake & Reishi extract mix. Below you can also read which other forms are on the market and what to look for with reishi: standardisation on beta-glucans and triterpenes, the two constituents that largely determine quality.
Which reishi suits you?
Overview of the common forms of reishi on the market. At Plenthera we stock extract capsules — on their own and as a Maitake & Reishi mix.
| Form | Concentration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules (extract) — at Plenthera | High | Practical, precisely dosed |
| Combination formula (Maitake & Reishi) — at Plenthera | High | Two mushrooms in one capsule |
| Powder (fruiting body, not extracted) | Standard | In smoothies / coffee, wholefood |
| Extracted powder | High | Higher doses via powder |
| Tincture | High | Fast absorption, no capsules |
What is reishi?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogenic mushroom from the Ganodermataceae family. It is traditionally used for balance and calm. Reishi contains beta-glucans, triterpenes (ganoderic acids), polysaccharides and sterols.
In the Chinese herbal Shennong Bencao Jing — the oldest systematic collection of herbs, dating from around the beginning of the Common Era — Lingzhi (reishi) is ranked among the "superior" remedies: herbs that do not treat what is ill, but maintain the healthy state. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is associated with the Shen — the spiritual / mental dimension of a person — which is reflected in its nickname "spirit mushroom".
Botanically, reishi is a wood decomposer: it grows on decaying wood, especially oak and plum trees. In nature it is rare — it used to be estimated that only 2-3 in 10,000 trees bore reishi, which gave it imperial status. Today reishi is cultivated commercially on wood substrates, which has dramatically lowered the price and made worldwide availability possible.
Reishi belongs to the "adaptogens" — a term referring to plants and mushrooms said to help the body adapt to different forms of stress. Together with cordyceps, lion's mane, chaga and maitake, it is one of the classic adaptogenic mushrooms. Also see our lion's mane category and cordyceps category for the wider mushroom context.
What does science say about reishi?
Reishi is one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms — there are thousands of scientific publications on its composition, biochemical profiles and pharmacological properties, mainly from Chinese, Japanese and Korean journals and increasingly also Western ones.
Most research is preclinical (cell culture and animal models) and focuses on beta-glucans and triterpenes in relation to the immune system and oxidative stress. Clinical studies in humans are limited and methodologically varied. We therefore describe only the traditional context, the composition and the direction of research — no promises of effect.
What we can say: reishi is a food supplement, not a medicine. If you take medication (especially blood thinners and immunosuppressants), it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
Fruiting body vs mycelium — why it matters
With mushroom supplements, an important quality marker is which part of the mushroom the product is made from. The fruiting body (the visible mushroom above ground) is rich in beta-glucans and triterpenes — the constituents most research focuses on.
Mycelium (the underground "root network") is often grown commercially on grain substrates and has a different profile. Mycelium products can consist of up to 80% grain substrate by weight instead of the mushroom itself — something that is sometimes not made sufficiently clear in the label information.
The KiKi Health reishi extracts at Plenthera are made from the organic fruiting body. With any reishi product, look for standardisation on beta-glucans and triterpenes — measured quality rather than vague mushroom powder.
Reishi at Plenthera and other forms on the market
Reishi capsules (organic extract) — at Plenthera
KiKi Health Reishi — organic mushroom extract, 60 capsules. Concentrated extract from the fruiting body. For those who do not want to mix powder — practical and precisely dosed.
Maitake & Reishi Extract Mix — at Plenthera
KiKi Health Maitake & Reishi Extract Mix — organic, 60 capsules. Reishi combined with maitake in one capsule, for those who want two classic mushrooms in one product.
Other forms on the market
Reishi powder (ground or extracted, with the characteristic bitter taste of triterpenes), alcohol-based tinctures and wider mushroom blends with cordyceps, lion's mane or chaga are not currently stocked by us. You can build a broad mushroom profile yourself with our individual products.
How do you use reishi?
A simple basic approach for reishi:
- Decide on your goal: evening use (classic), a daily adaptogen or targeted powder/extract.
- Start with the recommended low dose (250-500 mg extract or 1 g powder).
- Build up gradually to 1000 mg extract or 3 g powder per day.
- Spread higher doses over two moments if you wish.
- It can be taken with or without a meal; consistency over weeks matters more than timing.
- Use for at least 4-6 weeks before assessing your experience.
- If you take medication (blood thinners, immunosuppressants): consult your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
Myths and misconceptions about reishi
Myth 1: "Reishi is a miracle mushroom that tackles everything."
Science is cautious about this — a "miracle effect" has not been scientifically demonstrated. What is reported traditionally and in research is not conclusive proof. Treat reishi as what it is: a food supplement with a traditional context, not a medicine.
Myth 2: "Reishi powder is always better than capsules."
Both have their advantages. Powder is closer to the wholefood form; capsules are more concentrated and precisely dosed. What matters most is the quality of the source (fruiting body, not mycelium on grain) and the standardisation.
Myth 3: "The more bitter the reishi, the stronger it is."
The bitter taste comes from triterpenes — a quality indicator. But "bitter = better" is a simplification. Standardisation on both beta-glucans and triterpenes is a better measure than taste alone.
Myth 4: "Reishi works immediately after the first dose."
Adaptogens generally work subtly and cumulatively. Do not expect a clear effect after the first capsule. Give it at least 4-6 weeks of consistent use for a fair assessment of your own experience.
Combining reishi with other supplements
Reishi is often combined with other adaptogenic mushrooms or supplements for a broad profile. Popular combinations:
- Lion's Mane: for those who want to combine the focus and calm themes — both adaptogens complement each other.
- Cordyceps: a day-and-night combo (cordyceps during the day, reishi for the evening).
- Chaga: for those who want to extend the antioxidant profile.
- Maitake: a complementary mushroom — at Plenthera also combined with reishi in one extract mix.
- L-theanine: a classic evening combination with reishi.
- Magnesium bisglycinate: magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system (authorised claim) — for those who want to build an evening routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is reishi?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogenic mushroom with 2,000+ years of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Contains beta-glucans, triterpenes and polysaccharides.
How does reishi work?
Reishi is traditionally used for balance and calm. Scientific research into beta-glucans and triterpenes is ongoing, mainly preclinical.
How much reishi per day?
Powder: 1-3 grams. Concentrated extract (8:1 / 10:1): 250-1000 mg per day. Follow the label of your product.
When should you take reishi?
Traditionally in the evening because of its calming character. Some also during the day. With or without a meal.
What is the difference between reishi and cordyceps?
Reishi has a traditionally calming / evening profile; cordyceps an energy / daytime profile. Both are adaptogenic mushrooms, but with different classic uses.
What is the difference between fruiting body and mycelium?
The fruiting body is the visible mushroom — rich in beta-glucans and triterpenes. Mycelium is the root network, often grown on grain with more substrate than mushroom.
Reishi for sleep — does it work?
Reishi is traditionally used for evening rest and calm. Many users experience a relaxing effect; the scientific evidence for this is limited.
Does reishi have side effects?
Reishi is generally well tolerated. Some report mild stomach complaints or skin rash when starting. If you take medication, always consult beforehand.
Can you use reishi long-term?
In the Chinese tradition reishi is used over very long periods. For modern supplementation, an alternating strategy (e.g. cycles of 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off) is common advice.
Is reishi vegan?
Reishi is a mushroom and therefore not of animal origin. With capsules, note: gelatine capsules are of animal origin; plant-based (HPMC) capsules are vegan-friendly.
Sources
- Wachtel-Galor S. et al., "Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom" — Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.).
- Bishop KS. et al., "From 2000 years of Ganoderma lucidum to recent developments in nutraceuticals", Phytochemistry (2015).
- Boh B. et al., "Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds", Biotechnol Annu Rev (2007).
- Shennong Bencao Jing — historical source on Lingzhi (classic Chinese herbal).
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Reishi is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.