Last update May 21, 2026

Reishi

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

A fungus found worldwide that grows saprophytically on tree bark. Used in traditional Chinese medicine as a fortifier and stimulant of the immune system. Contains polysaccharides (glucans), triterpenoids (ganoderic acid) and ergosterols. There is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer (Jin 2016, MedlinePlus 2015), or in cardiovascular disease (Klupp 2015, MedlinePlus 2015), or in any other condition, such as hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, immune deficiency, fatigue, insomnia, etc. (MedlinePlus 2015)

Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Excessive use or high concentrations for more than one month may be toxic to the liver. (MedlinePlus 2015, Gill 2008, Wanmuang 2007).

Given its lack of toxicity at the right doses, moderate use would be compatible with breastfeeding. 

Do not confuse with mushrooms that look similar but are highly poisonous. (Kim 2016)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Reishi is also known as


Reishi in other languages or writings:

Group

Reishi belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Reishi in its composition:

References

  1. Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Abstract
  2. Kim HN, Do HH, Seo JS, Kim HY. Two cases of incidental Podostroma cornu-damae poisoning. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2016 Abstract
  3. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Abstract
  4. MedlinePlus. Hongo Reishi. MedlinePlus Suplementos. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  5. MedlinePlus. Reishi Mushroom. MedlinePlus Supplements. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Gill SK, Rieder MJ. Toxicity of a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lucidum, in children with cancer. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Abstract
  7. Wanmuang H, Leopairut J, Kositchaiwat C, Wananukul W, Bunyaratvej S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007 Abstract

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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Instituto de Salud Infantil, Grecia-Institute of Child´s Health in Greece

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