1. Where is Reishi found in nature?
The Reishi mushroom is found in nature on plum trees in Japan. However, it is extremely rare in the wild and is now cultivated commercially in Japan, China, and the United States.
2. Is Reishi good for all age groups?
Yes. Reishi is a health food supplement that is good for all age groups, including children and pregnant women. However, once again it is recommended to consult a qualified health physician when taking dietary supplements.
3. Is there any drug interaction?
No. The mushroom is a food not a drug.
4. Are there any side-effects?
No. According to classical literature, Reishi is classified as a superior herb. Superior herbs are said to be non-toxic and can be consumed in large quantities and for a long period without any side effects. After 2,000 years, there are still no side effects reported in available literature and clinical studies. However, sensitive individuals may experience some detoxification symptoms such as mild digestive upset, dizziness, sore bones, and skin rashes during the initial period of intake. This is the excretion of accumulated toxic matters from modern day foods and vigorous activities of the body metabolism. These are all normal signs of recovery and an indication that the medicinal effect of Red Reishi is functioning well.
Furthermore, in American Herbal Pharmacopoeia®'s published monograph on Reishi mushrooms, Reishi is classified as "Class 1: Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately (McGuffin and others 1997). No side effects were reported in the available clinical literature. Clinicians have reported occasional mild digestive upset and skin rashes in sensitive individuals. These side effects are usually of short duration."
5. Can I take Reishi with my other medications?
Yes. Reishi is a natural health supplement and there are no reported contradictions in over 2,000 years of study. However, all immune-modulating substances such as Reishi should be taken with care for patients undergoing organ transplants and using immunosuppressive drugs. It is always a good idea to consult a qualified health physician before consuming any dietary supplements. Further information about theoretical drug interactions with Reishi can be found at the following website:
Pharmasave - Library: Reishi Mushroom.
6. How soon can one see the results of taking Reishi?
Result varies from individual to individual. Normally, one can notice the beneficial effects from taking Reishi after about 10 days to two weeks. One can experience a significant difference with their overall well-being after taking Reishi continuously for two months.
7. What are the directions to take Reishi?
Reishi is best taken in the morning with an empty stomach. Drinking more water will also help enhance the effects of Reishi by helping the body get rid of poisonous waste. It is also recommended to take Vitamin C with Reishi as this will assist the body in absorbing the active ingredients in Reishi. Studies have shown that Vitamin C helps break down the complex polysaccarides into smaller manageable pieces for the body to absorb.
8. What are the different types of cultivation for red Reishi?
The three most common method of cultivation include wood pulp, wooden box, and natural wood log cultivation. Wood pulp cultivation involves placing wood pulp in a glass bottle with Reishi fungi added. After 3 months, this usually will yield small mushrooms of relatively poor quality. Wood box cultivation involves grafting the fungi into a wooden log which is then placed in a wooden box. Reishi of medium-size and moderate quality are generally produced through this method after 6 months. The natural wood log method is the most complex form of cultivation and produces large red Reishi with superior quality. The process involved first culturing high quality Reishi fungi strain in test tubes for about 85 days. Germinating fungi are then placed into drilled holes of selected high grade logs between 26 to 30 years old. The logs are then placed in a greenhouse and buried under nutrient-rich soil for 5 months. During this growing period, the Reishi fungi absorb almost all of the nutrients from the soil. Growing conditions require continual monitoring to ensure a high quality Reishi harvest.