Reishi mushroom: what it is, how it's used, and what the evidence says
What are the benefits of reishi mushroom?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody mushroom used in traditional Chinese and Japanese practice for around 2,000 years, where it was prized as a calming, evening mushroom. Modern research is early-stage and mostly small or lab-based, and there are no authorised UK health claims for Reishi itself. Most people take it in the evening as part of a wind-down ritual, usually as an extract in capsules or drinks. Grass & Co. uses Reishi in Liquid RELAX (1,000mg per can) and in DREAM capsules, alongside ingredients with approved claims such as magnesium.
Reishi at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Ganoderma lucidum |
| Traditional use | Evening, calming, longevity tonic in Chinese and Japanese practice |
| Key compounds | Beta-glucans (polysaccharides) and triterpenes |
| Taste | Very bitter — why most people take it as an extract, capsule or in a drink |
| UK health claims | None authorised for Reishi itself |
| When people take it | Usually evening |
Ways to take Reishi
| Format | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules | Stated dose, no taste | Check fruiting body vs mycelium |
| Powder / extract | Stirring into hot drinks | Bitterness; dose often vague |
| Sparkling drink (Liquid RELAX) | An evening ritual in a can, 1,000mg Reishi | Costs more per serving than capsules |
| Tea / slices | Traditional preparation | Hard to know the dose |
The trade-offs
Reishi extract (capsules or drinks)
- Long traditional use
- Easy to build into an evening routine
- Human evidence is limited
- No authorised UK health claims
Raw Reishi slices / tea
- Traditional and inexpensive
- Very bitter
- Unknown dose
Reishi is best understood as a traditional evening mushroom with interesting but early research. If you want it, choose a product that states the dose and the part of the mushroom used, and pair it with ingredients that carry real claims.
If you want a single-ingredient, high-dose Reishi extract, a specialist Reishi brand is the better pick — our products blend Reishi with other ingredients rather than isolating it. And if you want proven effects, the honest answer is that Reishi's human evidence isn't there yet.
Mentioned in this piece
Questions people ask
- What is reishi mushroom good for?
- Traditionally it was used as a calming, evening mushroom. Modern research is early-stage and there are no authorised UK health claims for Reishi itself.
- When should I take reishi?
- Most people take it in the evening, as part of a wind-down routine.
- Does reishi have side effects?
- Most people tolerate it well, but it may not suit everyone. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication (especially blood thinners or blood-pressure medication) or awaiting surgery, check with a doctor first.
- Which Grass & Co. products contain reishi?
- Liquid RELAX (1,000mg Reishi per can) and DREAM capsules.
More comparisons
- The can aisleFunctional drinks compared: Grass & Co., TRIP, Neutonic and Water Junkie
- The label questionFruiting body vs mycelium
- The format questionCapsules vs powder vs drinks
Grass & Co. products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the stated dose. Most products are for adults; CBD is for adults only.