Lingzhi Side Effects, Contraindications & Mushroom Warnings

Lingzhi side effects are generally short in duration and mild in severity. Side effects may include digestive upset, skin irritation and headache, among others.

However, the historic mushroom has been recently associated with rare cases of toxicity when used in powder form, suggesting supplementation should be closely monitored and cleared with a physician. [1]

Lingzhi (Ling Zhi) is the Chinese name for Ganoderma lucidum, which is also commonly referred to as the reishi mushroom. Lingzhi has a long history of medicinal and cultural importance throughout Asia.

The mushroom has been used for more than two thousand years for a variety of therapeutic purposes. Within Chinese traditional medicine practices the mushroom was attributed anti-aging properties and claimed to help calm and center the individual. In other regions of Asia, lingzhi was known as an immune stimulant.

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Lingzhi Mushroom Review

The Lingzhi mushroom was largely unknown in the West until it could be cultivated, a practice which began in the late twentieth century.

Before that time lingzhi use was isolated to the wealthy and powerful as wild reishi is extremely rare. The growth of lingzhi use has attracted scientific interest to the historic medical mushroom.

It is showing some promise in laboratory experimentation as an anticancer agent, a chemopreventive agent, a stimulator of cardiovascular efficiency, a tonic for the liver and kidneys, a pain reliever and a moderator of glucose synthesis and utilization.

Indigenous to eastern Asian countries like Japan and China, G. lucidum is now propagated and demanded worldwide as widespread clinical research continues to examine its range of therapeutic uses. However, with increased use there is also growing interest in the possible side effects lingzhi supplementation may bring.

Scientific investigation into the safety of reishi mushroom is in its infancy. This article only provides a brief overview of some possible benefits and side effects of lingzhi. It is extremely important to speak with your doctor before beginning lingzhi supplementation.

Lingzhi Side Effects

Reishi mushroom extracts are claimed to induce a detoxifying effect on the liver and kidneys. Advocates of reishi claim that some of the mild side effects that can be experienced are a result of this detoxification process. Mild side effects may include:

• Itching skin;
• Dry nose, throat and/or mouth;
• Rashes and other allergic reactions like sneezing;
• Blood in the stool;
• Bloody nose;

It is important to speak to your doctor before beginning to take lingzhi supplements or if you experience any side effects that may be an indication of another, more serious condition.

Benefits of Lingzhi Mushroom

Lingzhi has long been viewed as an anti-aging supplement that can help you live longer if you take it regularly. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was viewed as a plant of longevity that had miraculous effects.

The translation of its name into Vietnamese linh chi literally means “supernatural mushroom” and it has also been called the “immortal mushroom”

Although this mushroom has been investigated for its possible therapeutic effect, there is not enough data to make any definitive health claims or to establish any use guidelines. Additionally there are no FDA-approved uses for lingzhi.

However, due in part to the lack of side effects, lingzhi is still used for a wide variety of purposes, including:

• Acting against the formation and progression of various cancer cell lines;
• Supporting cardiovascular health;
• Enhancing glucose production and use, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels;
• Stimulating and strengthening the immune system;
• Acting as an antioxidant

Lingzhi Mushrooms and Cancer

Lingzhi is sometimes taken by cancer patients in the hopes of stimulating the immune system. The therapeutic uses of lingzhi in cancer treatment have been the subject of a number of studies. Constituents of lingzhi have been observed to act against the development of some cancer cell lines.

Lingzhi mushrooms contain beta-glucan polysaccharides, G. lucidum peptide and other phytonutrient constituents that have been observed to exhibit potent antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants can help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which has been increasingly connected to disease development and the physical effects of aging. Free radical damage can lead to cellular damage and mutation, which may play a role in the development of some cancers.

Research is in the preliminary stages and lingzhi has not been identified as a treatment for any cancer.

Do Lingzhi Mushrooms Promote Health?

Lingzhi mushrooms are sometimes used in the hopes of reducing side effects and risk factors associated with heart disease, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type II, leptin resistance, atherosclerosis and numerous other conditions/diseases.

In preliminary studies, G. lucidum has been observed to:

• Lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels;
• Raise levels of HDL cholesterol;
• Decrease triglyceride levels;
• Decrease the amount of oxygen required for heart function;
• Increase hemoglobin synthesis;
• Slow lipid peroxidation;
• Induce vasodilation, which may help improve circulation and the delivery of nutrients, hormones and more via the blood;

Although some studies have yielded positive results, the evidence surrounding lingzhi use for hypertension is contradictory.

Lingzhi Side Effects & Interactions

Ganoderma lucidum is a bracket polypore fungus that may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In particular, Lingzhi mushroom may interact with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications.

It is very important to discuss lingzhi mushroom use with your doctor before beginning supplementation.

Those with diabetes mellitus, liver disease and/or kidney disease should not use Lingzhi supplements due to the risk of possible side effects. Additionally, women who breastfeed or are pregnant should not use extracts from this mushroom.

Further, those with upcoming appointments for surgeries should not supplement with this product for at least two full weeks prior to prevent dangers related to blood clotting.

Safe Lingzhi Mushroom Extract Dosages

Common amounts of Lingzhi mushrooms used for making tea ranges from three to nine grams of lingzhi per five cups of water. This mixture is decocted for at least two hours at simmering (not boiling) temperatures.

The best amount for a given individual will depend on variables including current state of health, age, gender, diet, hydration levels, physical activity, health history and other factors. Be sure to speak with your doctor before consuming this mushroom to help ensure safe use and avoid possible Lingzhi side effects.

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