Reishi Information

Reishi is a species of red mushroom that has been used in Chinese and Japanese medicine for over 4,000 years. This fungus is often alleged to hold miraculous healing properties and has become popular in stores carrying herbal remedies. Reishi is eaten as a food in Asia, and some studies indicate that it acts as an anti-clotting agent.

Health Claims

• Reishi is said to strengthen immunity and help prevent cancer. Advocates claim that reishi is also beneficial for people afflicted with multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, viral infection, altitude sickness, insomnia and numerous other ailments. Reishi is often marketed as a cure-all.

Health Facts

• Scientific tests have explored the chemical makeup of reishi, but there have been very few double-blind, placebo-controlled tests on humans. A small study, as reported by the Langone Medical Center at New York University, failed to find any evidence that reishi affected the human immune system either negatively or positively.

Drug Interactions

• Chemical studies have shown that reishi impairs blood clotting. People taking aspirin, warfarin or other blood thinners should consult with their doctors before taking reishi.