Ganodermataceae
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
A woody medicinal mushroom revered as a shen tonic — calming the spirit, deepening sleep and modulating immune function over the long term.
- Also known as
- Lingzhi, Mushroom of immortality
- Parts used
- Fruiting body
- Taste
- Bitter, Slightly sweet
- Energetics
- Neutral · Drying
- Sourcing
- Cultivated
Actions
Traditional use
Listed as a superior herb in the Shennong Bencao Jing (c. 200 CE) — safe for long-term use to 'lighten the body and prolong life'.
Taoist practitioners used it to calm the shen (spirit) and support meditative practice.
Research
Immune modulation as adjunct in cancer care
ClinicalA Cochrane review found reishi may enhance tumor response and immune markers alongside conventional treatment, but trials were low quality.
Jin X et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD007731.
Improves sleep in animal models
PreclinicalExtracts increase non-REM sleep in rodents, possibly via TNF-α-related pathways.
Key constituents
- β-glucans (polysaccharides)
- Water-soluble; engage innate immune receptors such as Dectin-1.
- Ganoderic acids (triterpenes)
- Alcohol-soluble; bitter, antihistamine and hepatoprotective activity.
Sourcing notes
Prefer log-grown fruiting bodies over mycelium-on-grain products, which can be mostly starch.
Our sourcing standards →