Mushrooms aren’t just for topping your pizzas or including in tasty dishes, they’ve become increasingly more popular because of their potential health benefits. Reishi mushroom is one variation that comes to mind, which is the Japanese name (also known as Lingzhi in China) for this reddish-brown, fan-shaped mushroom that grows on tree stumps.
This health-promoting fungus can have positive effects on immune function, mental health, fatigue, cancer, and possibly more.
And if you’re in the market for a quality Reishi mushroom product to include in your health regime, well, you’re in luck. Here’s our full review of some of the best Reishi mushroom supplements you can get. Plus, we’ve provided some useful information so that way, there’s less to do on your end…
- Anthony’s Red Reishi Mushroom Powder – Buy here – Editor’s Choice
- Nature’s Way Reishi Capsules – Buy here
- Nusapure Reishi Mushroom Capsules – Buy here
- Terrasoul Superfoods Red Reishi Mushroom Powder – Buy here
- KOS Red Reishi Mushroom Capsules – Buy here
- Peak Performance Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder – Buy here
- Double Wood Supplements Reishi Mushroom Extract Capsules – Buy here
- Nutricost Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder – Buy here
- Solaray Reishi Mushroom Capsules – Buy here
- Om Mushroom Superfood Organic Reishi Powder – Buy here
- Swanson Reishi Mushroom Capsules – Buy here
- Host Defense Reishi Mushrooms Capsules – Buy here
Editor’s Choice – Anthony’s Red Reishi Mushroom Powder (9.5/10)
Anthony’s Red Reishi mushroom powder is an excellent product that is batch-tested for quality and is a multi-purpose product. The organic red Reishi mushroom powder is water extracted to a 4:1 concentration for optimal digestibility w/ a minimum 30% polysaccharide content (beta glucans).
We really like that the package provides a little about the history of the mushroom as well for those who aren’t familiar. Not to mention, the packaging also suggests the best uses for this powder. According to the print on the back, it’s best brewed as tea, although, you can use it in smoothies, soups, or any liquid that’ll help to hide the bitter taste.
There’s essentially no nutritional value of this powder other than the Reishi mushroom. It’s also gluten-free and packed in the USA. They do provide a serving size recommendation on the labeling.
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Pros
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Batch-tested
Cons
- Few complaints of stomach discomfort
Ingredients
- Organic Red Reishi Mushroom (ganoderma lucidum)
Who makes it
Anthony’s Goods is a popular company that makes organic and natural flour, meals, and food. Most of their products are Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and Certified Gluten-Free.
Nature’s Way Reishi Capsules (9.5/10)
We’re almost positive you’ve heard of Nature’s Way. But if you haven’t, they make top-notch products that work. This product contains 376mg of Reishi mushroom extract standardized to 10% polysaccharides (37mg) all in two vegetarian capsules. It’s an ideal dose to support immune function and other factors of health.
There’s no junk or necessary ingredients in this product plus it’s gluten-free and vegan.
Pros
- Nicely-dosed
- No artificial junk or preservatives
Cons
- Pricier than other products
Ingredients
- Reishi mushroom extract standardized to 10% polysaccharides (37mg)
Who makes it
Nature’s Way was founded in 1968 by Tom Murdock out of the necessity to improve his wife’s health. After little success with conventional options, he discovered the healing properties of plants and his wife’s health improved significantly allowing her to live for an additional 25 years.
The company has been going strong ever since and is a leader in nutritional supplements.
Nusapure Reishi Mushroom Capsules (8.5/10)
Nusapure is a small family business committed to providing the best quality and peace of mind. Their natural Reishi mushroom caps are assembled in the USA and with each serving, you get 3,600mg of Reishi mushroom powder in a veggie capsule.
The bottle claims that the product supports heart health, aging, immune health, and longevity.
Pros
- GMO certified
- Lab-tested
- Non-GMO
- fillers, binders and artificial ingredients
Cons
- Heart health support may not be a benefit of Reishi
- Few complaints of minor side effects
Ingredients
- Reishi mushroom 4:1 extract equivalent to 3,600mg powder
Who makes it
Nusapure was founded in 2015 to be one part of the solution to common health issues. The founder was diagnosed twice with cancer and he was inspired to create all-natural, our herbal products after a trip to Indonesia.
Terrasoul Superfoods Red Reishi Mushroom Powder (8/10)
Similar to our top pick (Anthony’s Red Reishi Powder), Terrasoul powder is organic and made from a 4:1 extract for optimal digestibility w/ a minimum of 20% polysaccharides. The ingredients are extracted from the “fruiting body” and not the mycelium, which is the root that is a weaker form of Reishi.
The company lab-tests their mushrooms to ensure optimal quality. It’s also a gluten-free and vegan product.
Like Anthony’s, it’s bitter so it’s recommended to mask this for the most enjoyable experience possible.
Pros
- Lab-tested mushrooms
- Free of toxins and fillers
- Non-GMO
- Organic
- Low-calorie (8 per serving)
Cons
- Few dissatisfied reviews regarding flavor
Ingredients
- Organic Red Reishi Mushroom (ganoderma lucidum)
Who makes it
Terrasoul is a Texas-based company founded by a husband and wife team Dennis and Amy Botts in 2013. Like many companies, their mission was to create healthy, nutritious products.
KOS Red Reishi Mushroom Capsules (8.5/10)
KOS makes some pretty good protein powder and we don’t expect their Reishi mushroom veggie capsules to be of any lesser quality. Each dose supplies you with 1,500mg of Reishi mushroom powder from pure Ganoderma Lucidum at a 10:1 extract. The product is made in the USA.
Not to mention, the brand has some of the coolest packaging in the industry which is never a bad thing.
Pros
- USDA organic
- GMP-certified
- Lab-tested
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Common concerns of efficacy
Ingredients
- Organic Reishi mushroom
Who makes it
The brand was inspired by the legendary Hippocrates, who was from the Greek Island of KOS. He was known as the “Father of Medicine” and the company really appreciates the simplicity and effective approach that he used.
Peak Performance Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder USA Grown (8.5/10)
A great product from a solid company, this Reishi mushroom powder is USA grown as displayed on the front of the bottle. It’s also USDA organic and naturally cultivated. It’s also packed with beneficial beta glucans, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. This is a vegan and gluten-free product as well.
Each serving will give you 1g (1,000mg) of the Reishi mushroom powder.
Pros
- USDA organic
- Made to GMP and NSF standards
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- No fillers, binders, or preservatives
- Supports charities
Cons
- Few concerns with taste and mixability
Ingredients
- Certified organic Reishi mushroom
Who makes it
Peak Performance supplements are designed for anyone from the athletes to the individual who just wants convenient, healthy nutrition.
Double Wood Supplements Reishi Mushroom Extract Capsules (8.5/10)
Double Woods Supplements Reishi Mushroom extract is another good example of a product made from both the fruiting body and the Mycelium. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as the fruiting body is in there and most users have been pleased with the product. It’s a great option for immune health, fatigue, and the label claims that it’s a powerful antioxidant as well.
A serving provides 1,000mg of a 4:1 extract.
The product is made in the USA in addition to being a vegan-friendly option.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Lab-tested
- GMP compliant
Cons
- May not act as powerfully as an antioxidant as claimed
Ingredients
- 4:1 extract fruiting body and mycelium
Who makes it
Double Woods Supplements is a vitamin and supplement store in Pennsylvania that offers a wide range of quality products.
Nutricost Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder (8/10)
Nutricost are known for getting straight to the point when it comes to delivering their top-notch products. You can expect an effective dose of ingredients without all the unnecessary extras. Their Reishi mushroom powder is 100% organic and contains 1g (1,000mg) per serving. The product is gluten-free and vegan.
The powder is unflavored and per the directions, you can mix it with water so taste shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Pros
- Organic
- Simple product without the extras
- GMP compliant
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO
Cons
- The taste may be an issue for some people especially mixed with water
Ingredients
- Reishi mushroom (100% organic)
Who makes it
Nutricost believes in making products that have “ONLY WHAT YOU NEED, NOTHING YOU DON’T,” which is the motto that drives them to continue to make quality products that work minus the junk.
Solaray Reishi Mushroom Capsules (7.75/10)
Solaray Reishi mushroom is a viable option although it may not be as potent as other products in our review. Each serving size will give you 600mg of Reishi mushroom powder. However, because mycelium, the root of the mushroom, is listed on the label, there may be some concern about the potency of the product.
Although, it does seem to still contain Ganoderma lucidium. But based on the company’s reputation, we’d say it’s still probably a decent product.
Pros
- Lab-tested
- Products made in their own facilities
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Many complaints about a lack of active ingredient
Ingredients
- Reishi mushroom (ganoderma lucidium) (mycelium/brown rice biomass)
- Vegetable cellulose (capsules)
Who makes it
Solaray’s mission as explained on its website is to make the most effective products available. “We believe that a healthy, nourished body leads to a brighter life.”
Om Mushroom Superfood Organic Reishi Powder (7.75/10)
Each dose of this 100% organic product gives you a potent 2,000mg of the Superfood Reishi powder. This is a unique product compared to the other options on our list with it’s slightly more extensive ingredient profile. It’s a good product for stress management and immune health.
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It’s also made in the U.S., gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
Pros
- Certified organic
- Versatile
Cons
- Several concerns regarding the ratio of mushroom to other ingredients
- Few complaints of stomach discomfort
Ingredients
- Certified organic mushroom (ganoderma lucidium), mycelial biomass, spores, and fruit body powder cultured on organic whole oats (Avena sativa)
Who makes it
Om is a leader in producing organic mushroom powders and they’re committed to providing the most top-notch options on the market.
Swanson Reishi Mushroom Capsules (7.75/10)
Next up is the Swanson brand Reishi mushroom caps which is a quality option made from the fruiting bodies of the plant which means you get a lot of the beneficial compounds. Each serving provides 1.2g and it’s hard to go wrong with this good value.
Pros
- GMP verified
- Lab-tested
Cons
- Few complaints about effectiveness for intended use
Ingredients
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidium) fruiting bodies
- Gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber), may contain magnesium stearate, silica
Who makes it
Swanson began in Fargo, North Dakota when the founder wanted to play golf without having knee pain. So he researched certain supplements and vitamins to help alleviate his issue and the rest was history.
Host Defense Reishi Mushrooms Capsules (7.5/10)
Host Defense Reishi caps are made with USA grown, activated freeze-dried mushroom mycelium. The mycelium is grown on brown rice which, according to the company, creates a host of beneficial substances such as enzymes, probiotics, beta glucans, and a full spectrum of immune-supporting substances. This may offer additional benefits.
Pros
- Freeze-dried mushroom mycelium contains beneficial compounds
- Certified organic
Cons
- Several concerns with potency due to mycelium
Ingredients
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum s.I.) mycelium 500mg polysaccharides
- Dried myceliated brown rice pullulan
Who makes it
Host Defense mushrooms actually places a focus on the mycelium which is the root of the mushroom. “The power of Host Defense comes from the discovery that the mycelium is the immune system of the mushroom“
How We Ranked
Here are a few criteria that we took into consideration when choosing these Reishi mushroom products.
Effectiveness
Reishi mushroom supplements typically only contain one ingredient which is, of course, the mushroom. Not all products are created equally though and user feedback is usually helpful in determining a good product from a not so good product.
Reishi mushroom products have been under some scrutiny regarding the actual amount of Reishi mushroom in the supplement. And sometimes, it’s not so clear as to whether a product really does contain as much as it may claim too.
Look for products that contain Ganoderma lucidum which is believed to be the best form. Some products may have a mix that includes mycelium too which may be just fine, however, you just have to look at a product overall.
We chose products that we believe contain a therapeutic amount of the ingredients based on several factors such as label information, user feedback, and even company reputation.
Use
There’s some variation between products depending on the ingredients used. However, we’d expect that a quality dose of Reishi mushroom in a reputable product will provide equal benefits between the different options available. Some may be more potent than others but you’ll have to decide which is best for your uses.
It’s also possible that Reishi mushroom products will not have any noticeable effects depending on what you’re using it for. Not every product or ingredient works the same for everyone.
Overall value
We consider a good value to be a combination of…
- Quality of ingredients
- Amount of servings for the price
- Company reputation/history
- User feedback
Who doesn’t like a quality product at a good price point? Different products will vary but this is also the case regarding what they offer. We think that company reputation and user feedback is always helpful for deciding whether a product is worthwhile.
Who Should Buy a Reishi Mushroom supplement
Reishi mushroom can be supplemented by healthy individuals for the health-promoting benefits. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, it’s best to consult with a physician before considering supplementing with a Reishi mushroom product.
Reishi isn’t a medication and should not be treated as such.
How Should I Pick A Good Reishi mushroom Product?
- Ingredients – All ingredients should contribute to the overall effectiveness of the product. Choosing a good product may not be as simple as one might believe though. We explained how mycelium is a weaker version of Reishi and while it’s not always bad to include it, you want to be careful of certain, lower quality that isn’t as concerned with quality and efficacy.
- Brand reputation – Many brands have been around for a while and have built a solid reputation. They disclose their ingredients, make known their manufacturing practices with certifications, and have a loyal fanbase. But this can also be said for newer companies with the same credentials and satisfied users.
- Value – A good value offers a respectable amount of the key ingredient/s with an appropriate number of servings for a price that reflects what the product offers.
- Key Ingredients content – Reishi mushroom should be of good quality from a reputable source with a good track record. Other ingredients used to improve protein quality should be safe and appropriate.
- Convenience factor – Reishi capsules are the most convenient form that you can get. Powder products may take a little more preparation but are still incredibly convenient. Are you more of an on-the-person? Or maybe you prefer the convenience of being able to just swallow a few capsules. Some people may prefer powders because they generally have fewer overall ingredients. The decision is yours.
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Before we get into the benefits it’s important to note where these benefits come from. Well, they’re believed to come from the “polysaccharides, dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, triterpenoids, peptides and proteins, alcohols and phenols, mineral elements (such as zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, and iron), vitamins, and amino acids“. (1)
Here are a few of the benefits that have the most evidence behind their potential efficacy.
Can have positive effects on mental health and fatigue
Mental health is a serious problem in our society and people are always looking for more natural alternatives to hopefully get some relief. While there are many things that we should do on a daily basis that will help to alleviate anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue, supplementation can be very beneficial.
One study of 48 breast cancer survivors undergoing endocrine therapy found Reishi mushroom to improve well-being and cancer-related fatigue in the treated group after 4 weeks. In addition, they reported less anxiety and depression. (2)
Improved immune system health
Reishi mushroom has proven to be a viable option for boosting immune system health. The mechanism/s by which it promotes these benefits likely has to do with its effects on white blood cells. The immune system contains a lot of white blood cells that protect the body from germs and infections. (3)
One study found that administering ganapoly (substance found in Reishi mushroom) to advanced-stage cancer patients three times daily resulted in enhanced immune responses. Therefore, improving the immune system’s to protect the body. (4)
Not to mention, another piece of scientific literature found that it can increase white blood cells in those with colorectal cancer. (5)
Some research also suggests that Reishi may be protective against the detrimental effects against long-term stress in healthy individuals. However, the evidence isn’t as conclusive as it is when talking about those who are ill. (6)
May help with cancer
Reishi mushroom may have favorable effects on cancer cells as is evident from several studies, and we previously mentioned its potentially therapeutic properties for colorectal cancer. (7)
Not only has it shown promise for preventing cancer, but some research shows that it may even be capable of killing cancer cells as well. Although more research is needed to know this for sure. (8, 9)
But even though there’s some decent evidence for its potential effects on cancers, it’s not a viable option for first-line treatment and more studies are needed to further investigate its effects.
Other possible benefits
For heart health and blood sugar, the evidence is a little less convincing when compared to the potential benefits of Reishi for the factors mentioned above.
Reishi may improve cholesterol but the majority of studies cannot justify it being used to improve this health factor. In addition, most research doesn’t support its use for improving blood sugar. (10, 11)
You’d be better off looking for other ways to improve these health factors. The results with Reishi have been very mixed leaning more on the side of it being an ineffective intervention.
Side Effects
Most users who do experience side effects with Reishi mushroom, generally complain of stomach discomfort, dry nose, mouth, and throat, and possibly allergic reactions.
There has also been some debate over the health concerns of Reishi mushroom. A few reports found liver issues when using powder form. So, this is definitely something to keep in mind when using powdered forms for longer durations. (12, 13)
But there’s more evidence that suggests it doesn’t have adverse effects for most users and in the majority of cases, especially when taken in recommended and safe doses. (14, 15)
Either way, it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms that may arise while using any supplements.
Recommended Dosages
According to research, an optimal dose of mushroom in supplement/powder form is roughly ten times less than when consuming the actual mushroom. However, depending on the form of Reishi used, the amounts can range from 1.5 to 9 grams per day. (16)
We recommend adhering to the instructions on each product label though because companies strategically dose the ingredients based on the form of Reishi mushroom. Although, some products may simply offer more of the ingredient than others.
FAQs
Does Reishi mushroom offer any health benefits?
There’s pretty good evidence for the beneficial effects of Reishi mushroom on the immune system in particular. It may also improve mental health, fatigue, cancer, heart health, and more.
Although, research is mixed when it comes to the potential of Reishi mushroom to improve certain health factors.
Can Reishi mushroom be dangerous?
While there have been a few reports related to liver health when taken in powder form, Reishi mushroom taken in safe and recommended doses is generally safe.
Side effects, if any, are usually related to stomach discomfort, dry nose, mouth and throat, and possible allergies.
Is Reishi mushroom good for weight loss?
There isn’t sufficient evidence or research for its weight loss potential. Plus, you’d be better off focusing on eating fewer calories, exercising more, sleeping better, and doing things that will reduce stress if you want to lose weight and be healthy.
Are Reishi mushroom supplements worth taking?
We’d say it’s definitely worth taking simply based on the convincing evidence for its immune system boosting properties. Fighting off infections is especially important these days.
Not to mention, it offers other health benefits as well.
Recap
If you’re looking to step up your health supplement game, this review of best Reishi mushroom supplements may be just what you’re looking for. Reishi mushroom has definitely proven its worth for improving several factors of health.
Use the information and research provided above to learn more about this mushroom and decide if it’s for you. There are plenty of great options that won’t break the bank while still offering a quality product.
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