🍄 What You Should Know About Reishi Mushroom Side Effects
the citadel breakdown
Understanding Reishi Mushroom’s Effects on the Body
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as Lingzhi, is often called the “mushroom of immortality” for good reason. But like anything with powerful bioactivity, it’s worth understanding both the upsides and the cautions—especially if you’re taking it regularly.
The compounds that make reishi so beneficial—beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides—also explain why some people might experience side effects. These effects are usually mild but can be surprising if you’re new to functional mushrooms.
Common short-term side effects can include:
Mild digestive upset (nausea, bloating)
Dry mouth or throat
Slight dizziness or fatigue
Temporary skin rashes (in those with sensitivities)
Most of these symptoms indicate your body is adjusting to reishi’s immune-modulating effects. Staying hydrated and starting with a lower dose can help.
Reishi Mushroom and Liver Toxicity: Should You Worry?
Here's the deal: the studies that raised red flags about liver toxicity involved poorly prepared or contaminated reishi products, or raw powdered versions taken in very high doses. Alcohol-based extractions with questionable sourcing are often to blame.
Mushify’s Immune Pump uses a dual extraction method with glycerin and water, not alcohol, and is made from fruiting bodies only—no mycelium, no fillers, and certainly no toxins. That matters.
So, unless you have a known liver condition or are on hepatically-metabolised medications, reishi is generally considered safe in recommended dosages. As always, check with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
How Long Does It Take for Reishi Mushroom to Work?
Reishi isn’t a quick-fix supplement—it’s a long-game player. But some people feel a difference in 30 to 60 minutes—not in energy, but in subtle shifts like reduced tension or easier breathing. That’s your nervous system catching its breath.
Long-term effects (think stronger immunity, better sleep, and reduced inflammation) usually emerge after 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. That’s when reishi’s adaptogenic properties start rewiring your resilience.
Think of it like strength training for your immune system. Daily use = deeper benefits.
Ganoderma Lingzhi Benefits Worth Knowing
This ancient mushroom has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, and modern research backs up what our ancestors already knew:
Supports immune balance by modulating cytokine activity
Helps reduce inflammation systemically
Promotes liver function and detoxification
Improves sleep quality via calming effects on the nervous system
May support cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol profiles
These aren’t overhyped claims—they’re grounded in growing research and centuries of clinical use.
Why We Use Mushify Immune Pump
At Citadel Health Store, we don’t stock just any mushroom extract. Mushify stood out for its transparency, potency, and purity.
Here’s what made it a no-brainer:
30:1 dual extraction ratio (meaning you're getting 120g of raw mushroom in each daily serve)
Uses fruiting bodies only—no grain fillers or lab-grown mycelium
Alcohol-free and made with glycerin and distilled water
Enhanced with green tea and grapefruit extract for absorption and antioxidant support
Independently tested, Australian-made, and formulated with purpose
It’s exactly the kind of supplement we’d take ourselves—and do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any serious side effects from taking reishi mushrooms?
For most healthy adults, reishi is safe when used as directed. Mild side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, or dizziness, particularly when starting out.
Q: Can reishi mushroom harm your liver?
Liver concerns typically arise from low-quality, alcohol-extracted products. Mushify’s Immune Pump uses a clean, alcohol-free extraction method from high-grade fruiting bodies, making it a safer choice.
Q: How quickly does reishi mushroom start working?
Some people notice effects like relaxation or improved focus within 30–60 minutes. Deeper immune support and stress resilience typically build over 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Q: Who should avoid reishi supplements?
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, or have autoimmune conditions, it's best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting.