Reishi & Ganoderma Side Effects

The reishi mushroom, sometimes referred to by its scientific name, ganoderma, is a fungus commonly grown in Japan and China. Called the "herb of spiritual potency" by the Chinese, the reishi mushroom is sometimes used in alternative medicine to treat conditions such as fatigue, arthritis, viruses, diabetes and cancer.

Significance

• The reishi mushroom's long term effects have not been fully studied so there is not much known about the implications of taking ganoderma for long periods of time. There are only a few known side effects of taking the mushroom, and most are relatively mild.

Digestive Problems

• Reishi has been reported to cause minor digestive problems in some individuals, including upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation.

Platelet Inhibition

• Drugs.com reports that in one series of experiments ganoderma led to platelet inhibition, which occurs when the platelet cells within the blood decrease in effectiveness. Since platelet cells assist in blood clotting, platelet inhibition can prove dangerous if a person receives a wound that bleeds. However, it should be noted that subsequent studies of reishi did not show any impact on platelet inhibition.

Other Side Effects

• Other side effects of reishi include nose bleeds, skin irritation, dizziness, dry mouth and bone pain.

Considerations

• A physician should be consulted before using reishi to treat any condition.