Lingzhi Side Effects

Sometimes called reishi or ganoderma, lingzhi is a type of mushroom native to Asia. Despite its use by herbalists to treat conditions such as altitude sickness, cancer, fatigue, hepatitis and hypertension, lingzhi poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Features

• In Asia, lingzhi mushrooms are commonly eaten as food with no adverse effects, which indicates that consuming small amounts—2 to 10 grams per day—is generally safe for most people, explains New York University's Langone Medical Center.

Types

• Using lingzhi as a supplement for long periods (months or years) may cause dry mouth, throat or nasal itching, stomach upset, nosebleed and bloody stools, reports the Physicians’ Desktop Reference.

Drug Interactions

• Lingzhi may decrease blood pressure levels, posing a risk when taken with high blood pressure drugs, reports RxList. When taken with blood thinners, lingzhi increases your risk of prolonged or uncontrollable bleeding after an injury or surgery.

Risks

• Some patients experience severe allergic reactions to lingzhi, resulting in hives, shortness of breath, chest pain and swelling of the face, extremities or throat, warns the Physicians’ Desktop Reference.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid using lingzhi if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or hypotension, it may not be safe for you to take lingzhi, cautions RxList.