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Reishi is one of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms in the world. In traditional Chinese culture, it has been associated with longevity, vitality, and inner balance for centuries. This is why it earned the nickname "mushroom of immortality". Today, Reishi appeals to everyone interested in natural products, functional nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.
In this guide, you will learn what Reishi is, its traditionally described effects, what modern science knows about it, how and when to use it, and how to choose between finely ground powder and concentrated extract.
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Reishi in brief
- Reishi (Lingzhi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, Chinese Ling Zhi) is an inedible wood-decaying fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for supporting vitality and inner balance.
- It contains bioactive compounds, especially beta-glucans and triterpenoids, which are currently the subject of scientific interest.
- It is used long-term and regularly. Reishi is not a stimulant; it has a more calming and harmonising effect, which is why many people include it in their evening routine.
- You can choose between powder from the whole fruiting body and a concentrated extract with a standardised content of active ingredients.
What is Reishi and how to recognise it
Reishi is a wood-decaying fungus, known in English as Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). In China, it is called Ling Zhi; the name Reishi comes from Japanese and has spread worldwide. In nature, it grows on tree trunks, stumps, and dead wood of deciduous trees, where it draws nutrients directly from the wood.
You can recognise it at first glance: it has a hard fruiting body with a reddish-brown to dark brown, strikingly glossy surface that looks as if it has been varnished. The English name is derived from this appearance.
However, do not compare it to common edible mushrooms. Reishi has a tough, almost woody texture and a distinctly bitter taste, making it unsuitable for cooking. Traditionally, long-boiled decoctions were prepared from it; today, you can consume it in the form of finely ground powder or concentrated Reishi extract in capsules.
INTERESTING FACT: Reishi is described in the oldest Chinese herbal classic, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, whose roots date back before our era. It grew so rarely that it was mainly reserved for imperial families and the highest social strata. Its motif appeared on paintings, clothing, and furniture as a symbol of a long and happy life.
Reishi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is one of the most revered mushrooms of all. Its nature is described as neutral to slightly warming, and it traditionally relates to the Heart, Liver, and Lung meridians.
The principle most often associated with Reishi is An Shen, literally "calming the Spirit". In the Chinese concept, Shen represents consciousness, emotions, and inner grounding, which are closely related to the Heart and the quality of Blood. This is why Taoist monks used Reishi before meditation. It helped them calm their minds and improve concentration. It is also associated with the concept of Wei Qi, protective energy that, according to TCM, flows just beneath the skin and forms a metaphorical shield against external influences.
Traditional Chinese Medicine thus perceives Reishi as a mushroom of gentle harmonisation, which connects vitality care with inner peace. It is no coincidence that it is therefore used during challenging periods, seasonal changes, or when people want to pay more attention to their bodies.
Why use Reishi? 5 reasons to include it in your routine
Reishi has earned its firm place among medicinal mushrooms not by chance. Its fame is due to its rich composition and centuries of experience in traditional Chinese medicine. Let's look at 5 reasons why it is worth including it in your daily routine.
1. Support for natural immunity
The most studied group of substances in Reishi are beta-glucans, specific polysaccharides, which form the cell walls of fungi. Reishi specifically contains beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-D-glucans, as well as other polysaccharides known as ganoderans A, B, and C. In total, over 200 types of polysaccharides have been described in the fruiting body. It is precisely these beta-glucans that are associated with supporting the body's natural immunity.
2. Normal function of the circulatory system
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi has a tropism for the Heart meridian, which is why it has long been associated with care for the heart and blood vessels in this tradition. Its composition also includes unsaturated fatty acids, which Reishi contains, especially oleic and linoleic acid.
3. Normal blood cholesterol levels
Reishi is associated with maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels, thanks to its composition. In addition to soluble polysaccharides, it also contains fibre and plant sterols, which are substances most often associated with healthy cholesterol care.
4. Mushroom of calm and inner balance
Reishi is not a stimulating mushroom that brings a rush of energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is associated with the An Shen effect, literally "calming the Shen spirit", which represents consciousness, emotions, and inner grounding. Taoist monks used Reishi before meditation to calm their minds and improve concentration. Therefore, it is ideal to take it in the afternoon or evening.
5. It is rich in beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and other substances
Reishi has attracted modern science primarily due to its composition. Over 50 triterpenoids have been described in the fruiting body, including ganoderic acids, which give the mushroom its typical bitter taste. In addition, Reishi contains essential and non-essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, and sterols, including ergosterol, which is provitamin D2. You will also find the specific protein Ling Zhi-8, which scientists described in 1989 and whose structure is similar to the heavy chain of human antibodies. It is precisely the combination of triterpenoids and beta-glucans that is behind today's interest in Reishi mushroom from the perspective of functional nutrition and longevity.
What Reishi variants do we offer and how to choose between them
Individual Reishi products differ mainly in their processing method and the content of selected naturally occurring substances. Reishi BIO contains finely ground fruiting body, while the Premium variants are based on a dual extract. When choosing, it therefore depends on whether you prefer a less processed form of the whole mushroom, a standardised extract, or a high proportion of triterpenoids.
Reishi BIO: finely ground fruiting body in organic quality
Reishi BIO contains finely ground powder from the fruiting bodies of Lingzhi mushroom. The fruiting bodies are ground after drying, without undergoing an extraction process. The product thus retains the natural complex of mushroom components, including polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, triterpenoids, fibre, enzymes, and trace elements.
Of all three variants, this is the least processed form of Reishi. It is suitable for customers who prefer whole fruiting body powder and do not require a standardised content of beta-glucans or triterpenoids.
Practical plant-based capsules facilitate consumption and mask the naturally bitter taste of Reishi. The recommended daily dose contains 600 mg of mushroom raw material.
Reishi Premium BIO: dual extract with at least 30% beta-glucans
Reishi Premium BIO contains a concentrated dual extract from Reishi fruiting bodies. Its production combines water and alcohol extraction. Water extraction focuses primarily on polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, while alcohol extraction also allows for the extraction of triterpenoids and other natural components of the mushroom.
The extract contains at least 30% beta-glucans and 3% triterpenoids. The recommended daily dose provides 270 mg of beta-glucans and 27 mg of triterpenoids. The composition also includes BIO Lavender essential oil Gold Essence.
This variant is suitable for customers who are looking for a concentrated extract with a standardised composition and want to know the exact amount of the main monitored substances in the daily dose.
Triterpen Reishi Premium: highest proportion of triterpenoids
Triterpen Reishi Premium is a dual extract focused primarily on a high content of triterpenoids, which are among the characteristic components of Reishi.
It contains at least 10% triterpenoids, at least 20% beta-glucans, and more than 30% polysaccharides. The recommended daily dose provides 90 mg of triterpenoids and 180 mg of beta-glucans. Compared to Reishi Premium BIO, it contains more than three times the amount of triterpenoids in the daily dose.
It is a suitable choice for customers who, when comparing Reishi extracts, monitor the specific content of triterpenoids in the daily dose and prefer the variant with their highest concentration.
Are you unsure about your choice or have specific questions? Do not hesitate to contact our free advisory, medical, and scientific board BEWIT, where our expert on traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal mushrooms, Petr Valenta, will be happy to help you with your selection. Together, we will find the product exactly for your individual needs.
Reishi and Cordyceps for energy and calm
In traditional Chinese medicine, functional mushrooms are very often combined, and the combination of Reishi with Cordyceps creates a perfect synergy. They act as two sides of the same coin – while stimulating Cordyceps is ideal for a morning routine, helping you kickstart your day and provide the necessary energy, Reishi on the other hand, has a calming effect and fits perfectly into an evening ritual for overall slowing down. Together, they form a balanced pair: in the morning, Cordyceps gets you up to speed, and in the evening, Reishi helps prepare your mind and body for quality rest.
More about how Cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms fit into today's fast-paced world, can be found in our previous article.
How and when to use Reishi
For Reishi Premium BIO, regularity is most important. Therefore, take the capsules every day – specifically 3 capsules on an empty stomach, preferably in the evening, when they will help you pleasantly slow down. Remember that Reishi is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it will not replace quality sleep or a varied diet. If you are taking blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or are awaiting surgery, discuss use with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dosage and consider that the product is not intended for children under 3 years of age, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.
TIP: We recommend taking medicinal mushrooms in a cycle of 5 days on and 2 days off. A short break prevents the body from getting used to the active ingredients, thus maintaining their full effect. Repeat the cycle.
What makes our Reishi different
- Cultivation in pure nature: Our Reishi is cultivated in a certified organic environment in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, under conditions that faithfully mimic its natural growth in the wild.
- 100% pure fruiting body without fillers: While common mushroom products often grow on grain and contain a lot of unnecessary starch, we process only pure mushroom. You get the maximum active ingredients without unnecessary bulk.
- Top-notch dual extraction: We use proven procedures according to strict GMP standards, from careful raw material preparation to final drying.
- Tested to the last detail: Each batch is rigorously tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology. We don't just talk about quality – you can verify everything yourself in the attached Certificate of Quality.
Discover the whole world of BEWIT medicinal mushrooms
Reishi is a great start, but it is by no means the only medicinal mushroom. Each mushroom has its own character and function. Some will stimulate you and give you energy, others will calm you down and help you find balance. You can combine them exactly according to what your body needs. Explore our entire offer and find the mushrooms that are right for you.
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What to remember from the article?
Reishi (Lingzhi mushroom) naturally calms and harmonises you, making it an ideal choice for evening relaxation. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has supported inner balance for over two thousand years, and modern nutrition values it mainly for its high content of beta-glucans and triterpenoids. For all-day harmony, you can also combine it with Cordyceps.
When choosing, it depends on your needs: Reishi BIO offers a pure fruiting body for an easy start, Reishi Premium BIO brings a stronger dual extract with a balanced ratio of active ingredients, and Triterpen Reishi Premium aims for maximum triterpenoids for those seeking a truly targeted effect.
Frequently asked questions about Reishi
What is the difference between powder and extract?
Powder (Reishi BIO) is finely ground whole mushroom in its most natural form. Extract (Reishi Premium BIO) is more concentrated and has a guaranteed, laboratory-verified content of active ingredients.
When is the best time to take Reishi?
Reishi is not stimulating, so it is best suited for late afternoon or evening. Take 3 capsules once a day on an empty stomach.
Can I combine Reishi with other mushrooms?
Absolutely. It works great with Cordyceps, for example – Cordyceps gives you a boost in the morning, and Reishi calms you down in the evening.
How long should I take it?
Reishi works on the basis of long-term regularity. It is not a one-off miracle, but a partner for daily care of body and mind.
Is Reishi suitable for vegans?
Yes. Both Reishi BIO and extracts are purely plant-based, and the capsules themselves are also vegan.
What is Reishi traditionally used for?
In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is among the mushrooms of calm and inner balance. It is associated with calming the Shen spirit and is more suited to the evening part of the day. Within European botanical "on hold" claims, Reishi is associated with supporting natural immunity, normal circulatory system function, and maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.
Why is Reishi called the mushroom of immortality?
It got its nickname from China, where for centuries it was associated with longevity and vitality and was so rare and prized that it was mainly reserved for imperial families.
