what is reishi

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a type of fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. It has been used for hundreds of years in Asian countries for the treatment of infections, and more recently, it has been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. Reishi mushroom has been approved as an adjunct to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30 years and has an extensive clinical history of safe use as single agents or combined with chemotherapy. Some of the potential health benefits of reishi mushroom include boosting the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and lessening fatigue. It has also been used for health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, respiratory diseases, viral infections, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and support during chemotherapy. However, optimal doses of reishi mushroom have not been set for any condition, and quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely, making it very hard to set a standard dose. Reishi mushroom is available in various forms, including liquid, capsule, and powder, and it is usually dried or taken as an extract when taken for health reasons. While reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe when used for up to one year, powdered whole reishi mushroom is possibly safe when used for up to 16 weeks. However, it can cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using reishi mushroom as there isnt enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use.