Are there any age restrictions for taking reishi mushrooms?

The Komen Foundation notes that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also point out that taking powdered reishi mushrooms for more than 1 month can be toxic to the liver. Does it live up to its reputation? Can taking Reishi mushroom supplements really promote internal balance and turn the immune system into an unstoppable powerhouse? The trunk has reliably produced magnificent specimens of lion's mane mushrooms for some years, and the roots produce reishi. Despite the popularity of reishi mushrooms in Eastern medicine, there are few human studies on the effects of this mushroom.

Unlike some foods or supplements, the dosage of reishi mushroom can vary considerably depending on the type used (1). Many people believe that reishi mushrooms provide some health benefits, mainly improving the immune system and treating cancer. Obtaining Reishi mushroom from uncertain sources involves the risk of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins, which can cause harmful health effects. Because Reishi mushrooms grow outwards and not upwards, they are known as support mushrooms or shelf mushrooms (although when cultivated, they can definitely be made to grow “upwards”).

While the reishi mushroom may hold promise for people with certain diseases or ailments, it's not clear if it would benefit people who are otherwise healthy. Some people claim that reishi mushrooms can boost the immune system, fight cancer, and alleviate the symptoms of many other health conditions. While most of the benefits of reishi mushroom for the immune system have been seen in sick people, some tests have shown that it can also help healthy people. Therefore, people whose doctors have scheduled surgery and people with bleeding disorders should not take reishi mushrooms.

People who already have low blood pressure or who are taking blood pressure medications may want to avoid reishi mushrooms. The two people who participated in the case studies had previously consumed the reishi mushroom without problems, but experienced adverse effects after changing it to a powdered form. People should carefully consider the dangerous side effects mentioned above before trying reishi mushroom supplements.