Lingzhi coffee is a widely consumed health-boosting coffee beverage made with extract from the Reishi mushroom. This mushroom is often referred to by its Chinese name lingzhi, but is known officially as Ganoderma lucidum.
The medicinal mushroom has been used throughout Asia for millennia to promote vigor and slow down the aging process.
Lingzhi use was traditionally limited to the wealthy and noble because wild reishi is very rare. Today, Reishi coffee sold by brand names like DXN Lingzhi Black Coffee have become a popular way to gain the benefits of this mushroom.
Lingzhi is said to be the second best-selling herbal supplement in China and has attracted considerable scientific attention. Of particular interest to researchers is the mushroom’s purported ability to exhibit anticancer and cardioprotective effects.
Available studies have focused on lingzhi and its constituents. There has been no research on the therapeutic effects of lingzhi coffee and it is not clear whether all of the phytonutrients found in the mushroom are preserved in the coffee formulation.



- Traditional Chinese immune modulator
- Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
- Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits
Lingzhi Coffee Uses
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Extracts from lingzhi mushrooms have been observed to exhibit a number of therapeutic effects in animal and laboratory studies, but human trials are lacking.
Lingzhi has been observed to exhibit antiproliferative, antimetastatic, chemopreventive, cardioprotective, vasodilatory, antiviral, antioxidant and immunomodulating properties.
These properties may play a role in some of lingzhi coffee’s purported therapeutic effects, which include:
- Alleviating symptoms associated with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
- Inducing a mild sedative effect, which may help treat certain sleep pattern disorders;
- Reducing pain and alleviating other symptoms associated with stomach ulcers;
- Assisting in stress management;
- Lowering levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol;
- Elevating high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol;
- Decreasing serum triglyceride counts;
Although lingzhi is used for a number of indications, there is insufficient evidence to assign any therapeutic function to lingzhi supplementation. Consequently, although the mushroom is often taken as a dietary supplement, it is not used within conventional Western medical practice.
Scientific investigation into the lingzhi mushroom continues as consumer interest in natural remedies, including lingzhi coffee, grows.
Additional Benefits Linked to Lingzhi Mushrooms
Lingzhi is also said to:
- Protect and enhance liver and kidney function;
- Provide relief from herpes and shingles pain;
- Stimulate immune system function;
- Protect against viral infections, such as avian flu;
- Remedy the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other conditions marked by improper lung function;
- Provide natural antihypertensive properties to alleviate high blood pressure symptoms;
Preliminary Research into Lingzhi and Cancer
There is growing interest in the use of Lingzhi for its purported anti-cancer effects. Some naturopathic doctors who specialize in working with cancer patients recommend reishi supplements as an adjunct therapy.
However, there is insufficient clinical research to determine effectiveness in human patients. For this reason, the FDA has not yet made a determination about the appropriateness of Lingzhi mushrooms for cancer treatment.
That being said, there is some research showing benefits for fighting cancer. According to data generated from animal testing, lingzhi extract supplementation has been observed to:
- Increase natural killer T-cell attacks, leading to tumor cell death;
- Strengthen the structural integrity of individual tumor cells, making these cells less likely to metastasize;
- Exhibit immunomodulating actions, reserving immune system action until it is most needed;
- Exhibit antioxidant effects that help reduce the damage caused by free radicals;
- Decrease metalloproteinase synthesis and secretion, impeding angiogenesis (new circulatory vessel synthesis) during carcinogenesis (the onset of cancer);
Lingzhi mushroom coffee may also help increase tolerance to radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Further, it has been observed to reduce the amount of damage that is brought on by these treatments in some cases.
Make Your Own Lingzhi Coffee
Reishi coffee can be purchased online or in health food stores, but it can also be easily made at home. To make lingzhi coffee, simply add one tablespoon of lingzhi tincture to a cup of organic coffee.
Lingzhi extract has a bitter taste that goes well with coffee. Raw sugar, honey, ginger, cinnamon and other ingredients can be added to the recipe to appeal to each individual’s palate.
Lingzhi tinctures can be made at home via a double extraction process involving hot water decoction and alcohol tincturing.
The alcohol tincturing process requires at least eight weeks to be completed. Alternately, lingzhi tinctures can be purchased via a variety of online retailers or at health food stores.
Lingzhi Coffee Side Effects
Lingzhi mushrooms extracts are generally well tolerated. However, no standardized doses have been established. Additionally, there have been rare reports of toxicity associated with reishi powder supplementation.
Traditional use of lingzhi is not commonly associated with side effects. In Chinese herbal medicine, lingzhi is known as a “superior” herb, which indicates it has few known side effects.
This mushroom is commonly used in food dishes in China and in North America. It has been given GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status by the FDA in the United States. This status is only given to supplements and natural health food products that are determine to possess a low risk of adverse side effects.
Mild side effects may include digestive upset, dry mouth and skin irritation. There may also be side effects specific to lingzhi coffee relating to the caffeine content. Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or who are allergic to coffee beans should not use this product.
Reishi may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. To be sure that you are not at risk of any possible drug interactions or side effects, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting to drink lingzhi coffee.
There are certain drugs (antihypertensives, antidiabetics and immunosuppressants) that may not mix well with the medicinal effects of lingzhi mushroom extracts.
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Article last updated on: April 17th, 2018 by Nootriment