Reishi is perhaps the most storied of all the functional mushrooms. Here's what it is, where it comes from, and how it's used – with some honest context along the way.
What is reishi?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a dark, kidney-shaped mushroom with a distinctive glossy, lacquered appearance. It grows on decaying wood and has been used for many centuries in East Asian traditions, where it's among the most recognised of all mushrooms. Because it's woody and bitter, it isn't typically eaten as food – instead it's prepared as a tea, or taken as a powder, capsule or extract.
An honest note on what we can say
Reishi does not currently hold any authorised health claims in Great Britain. However much you may read about it elsewhere, that means we can't tell you it does specific things for your health – and we'd rather be straight with you than repeat claims we can't stand behind. What we can do is tell you what it is and let you explore it for yourself.
How is it taken?
Reishi is most commonly taken as a powder stirred into a warm drink, or as capsules and concentrated extracts. Which you choose is a matter of preference and routine.
Should I take reishi?
That's an individual decision, and a good one to discuss with a healthcare professional rather than base on what you read online – especially if you take other medication, or you're pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a health condition. Your pharmacist can give advice tailored to you.
You can read more in our Discover blog piece, Reishi mushroom benefits explained.
Explore our reishi range, or browse all our functional mushrooms.