Key takeaways
- Reishi has been used for over 2,000 years.
- It contains triterpenes and beta-glucans.
- Studied for calm, sleep and immunity.
- Popular for menopause support.
- May affect clotting and blood pressure.
Few mushrooms are as revered as reishi. Here is what women should know.
Reishi at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ganoderma lucidum |
| Other names | Lingzhi, mushroom of immortality |
| Key compounds | Triterpenes, beta-glucans |
| Traditional use | Calm, longevity, vitality |
| Modern research | Stress, sleep, fatigue, immune health |
Why women love reishi
Calm
Traditionally used to "calm the spirit", it is popular for stress balance.
Sleep
Studied for sleep quality, which often suffers in menopause.
Resilience
Its beta-glucans have been studied for immune health.
How to use reishi
Reishi is very bitter, so it is usually taken as an extract in capsules, powders or teas. Menovelle includes reishi in a blend with 9 other functional mushrooms, taken as 2 capsules each morning.
Safety: reishi may slow blood clotting and lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Avoid with bleeding disorders, stop two weeks before surgery, and check with your doctor if you take blood thinners, blood pressure or diabetes medicines. Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Wachtel-Galor S. et al. – "Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi or reishi)," Herbal Medicine, 2nd edition, 2011.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – "About herbs: reishi mushroom."
- Tang W. et al. – "A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia," Journal of Medicinal Food, 2005.
Common questions
What is reishi used for?
Traditionally for calm and longevity; research has looked at stress, sleep and immunity.
Is reishi good for menopause?
It is of interest for supporting calm and restful sleep.
Who should avoid reishi?
People with bleeding disorders, before surgery, or on blood thinners without medical advice.