Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a large, shiny-looking mushroom native to China and Japan that has long been used in Eastern medicine as an adaptogen, touted for long-term health and longevity. Today it is widely cultivated and sold in pills, extracts, teas and more.

Reishi tea may help strengthen immunity, prevent cancer and inflammation, increase energy, improve cognitive function and decrease stress levels. There is evidence suggesting antiviral and antibacterial properties as well; more studies need to be completed before any definitive claims can be made for these properties.

Laboratory studies indicate that Reishi can slow tumor growth and kill cancer cells while stimulating natural killer cells (NKCs). However, only limited double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies have been done on Reishi; although results vary greatly between studies; some even indicate immunomodulatory effects rather than strong immune-boosting ones.

Fungus has long been known for its sedative and hypnotic qualities, helping you sleep more soundly. It contains compounds which regulate your blood sugar levels while encouraging a healthy sleep cycle – improving both quality and quantity of restful restful slumber.

Reishi supplements could potentially lower your blood sugar too quickly, which could be dangerous if you have diabetes or take medications that affect blood sugar such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or pentoxifylline (Trental). Reishi should also be avoided in pregnant or nursing mothers as its use could trigger bleeding problems and affect labor outcomes.