Reishi

Reishi suggested uses are to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) and high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia), to treat postherpetic neuralgia, and for supportive treatment during cancer chemotherapy.

The active ingredients in reishi, called ganoderic acids, appear to combat high blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels; they may also discourage platelet aggregation.

Reishi also contains antiangiogenic and other antimetastatic substances.

Reishi is available under the following different brand and other names: Ganoderma lucidum and ling chih.

• Dried mushroom: 1.5-9 g/day orally
• Powder: 1-1.5 g/day orally
• Tincture: 1 mL/day orally

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• Dried mushroom: 1.5-9 g/day orally
• Powder: 1-1.5 g/day orally
• Tincture: 1 mL/day orally

Side effects of Reishi include:

• Dry mouth, throat, and nose
• Itchy mouth, throat, and nose
• Stomach upset
• Nosebleed
• Bloody stools
• Rash (from reishi wine)
• Allergies (from breathing reishi spores)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Reishi has moderate interactions with at least 73 different drugs.
• Reishi has mild interactions with at least 78 different drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains reishi. Do not take Ganoderma lucidum or ling chih if you are allergic to reishi or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Concurrency with other anticoagulant medications

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Reishi?"

Long-Term Effects

• Continuous use for 3-6 months may cause dizziness, dry mouth, nose bleeds, and upset stomach
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Reishi?"

Cautions

• Continuous use for 3-6 months may cause dizziness, dry mouth, nose bleeds, and upset stomach
• Commercial preparations may vary in strength, check manufacturer's label

Pregnancy and Lactation

Check with your physician before using reishi during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.