Health Encyclopedia

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

General Description

The reishi mushroom (known in China as Ling-Zhi or Ling-chih) is a fungus native to most temperate regions of eastern Asia. Wild reishi grows on decaying logs and the stumps of broad-leafed trees. Most reishi sold commercially is cultivated on wood chips. A slightly sweet, mild flavored mushroom, the reishi occurs in six different colors (black, red, green, white, yellow, and purple) which were traditionally used for different health purposes. The red variety is the one most commonly cultivated for commercial use.

Health Applications

• General tonic
• Immune system support
• Cardiovascular health
• Liver health

Chemical Composition

Reishi contains several terpene compounds including ganoderic acids A, B, C, and D, lucidenic acid B and gandodermanontriol. It also contains ergosterol, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and resins. The terpene and polysaccharide fractions have demonstrated antioxidant effects.

Dosage/Toxicity

Dosage recommendations for reishi vary with intended use. Common recommendations range from 1.5 to 9 grams per day. Reishi has very low toxicity and a very low occurrence of side effects. Minor reactions, such as loose stool, dry mouth, digestive disturbances, and skin rash have been reported in some individuals.

†Ratings based on results of the 2013 ConsumerLab.com Vitamin and Supplement Users Survey. More information at www.consumerlab.com/survey2013.

Swanson Health Products is absolutely committed to maintaining the highest quality products and the utmost integrity in business practices. Since 2001 Swanson Health Products has voluntarily participated in independent third-party Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audits, long before the FDA released their final regulations for the dietary supplement industry.

Notice: The products and information found on www.swansonvitamins.com are not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary. SwansonVitamins.com urges you to seek the advice of a qualified professional for any health concern lasting more than two weeks, and to share with your provider any information pertaining to your health and well-being, including the use of supplemental nutrition.

In regards to product descriptions, product labels, individual supplement facts and various other informational content found throughout our website and included pages, we try our best to provide current and accurate information. If typographical errors appear on or within our website, we sincerely apologize and appreciate all help in identifying such errors so as to correct them as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, Swanson Health Products cannot be held responsible for typographical errors and assumes no responsibility for said errors.

Coupons and Promo Codes found on other, third-party websites may or may not be valid. Many promo codes and coupons are posted to these sites without their corresponding expiration dates, while others are simply invalid. Swanson Health Products has no control over these third-party sites, and in no way can we guarantee or honor coupons or promo codes that are invalid or have expired. To avoid any confusion or potential frustration, please sign up for Swanson Emails to receive coupons and promo codes directly from us. Limit one promo code per order. Limit 3 coupons per order. Online prices and offers are valid for online purchases only and may be different from those available in catalogs. We reserve the right to limit quantities available for purchase. We reserve the right to charge additional shipping on overweight orders.

© 2013 Swanson Health Products