I had my first cup of reishi mushroom tea just yesterday. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect—earthy flavor, a calming effect, maybe even a little clarity? This morning, I brewed another cup, still learning, still wondering what this intriguing fungus might offer.
As someone just stepping into the world of herbalism, I’m not here to pretend I’m an expert. I’m here as a curious beginner, sipping slowly and asking questions. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as the “mushroom of immortality,” has a long-standing reputation in traditional herbal systems—but how does it fit into modern herbal practice? And what are the actual pros and cons of drinking it regularly?
Let’s explore what I’ve learned so far.
What Is Reishi Mushroom?
Before this week, I’d heard of reishi in passing. Usually mentioned in the same breath as immunity or longevity. But once I started looking into it, I realized reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a pretty legendary status in the world of herbalism.
Reishi has been used for thousands of years, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it’s known as Lingzhi, meaning “spiritual potency.” Ancient herbalists considered it a symbol of divine longevity, and it was once reserved for emperors and the elite. Today, it’s often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” which is both intriguing and a little intimidating if you’re just getting started.
Botanically, reishi is a woody, shelf-like mushroom that grows on hardwood trees, often in dark, humid forests. It’s not something you’d toss into a stir-fry like shiitake or button mushrooms—it’s tough, bitter, and not really a culinary mushroom. But what it lacks in taste, it seems to make up for in herbal potential.
Modern herbalists continue to use reishi for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress, and for its immunomodulating abilities, meaning it can help regulate immune system activity. That makes it appealing for people (like me) who are looking for long-term support, not just a quick energy boost.
So far, reishi feels less like a trendy superfood and more like a wise elder in the plant world. Quiet, strong, and slow to reveal its gifts.
Why I Chose to Try Reishi Tea
I’ve been slowly building up my herbal knowledge. I personally love mushrooms in a salad or fried stuffed with cheese, but honestly, reishi mushrooms were not that kind of mushroom which was a little intimidating. I kept hearing about reishi and how it supports the immune system, helps with stress, and might even improve sleep, but where do I even start when it comes to herbalism?
Well, I started with tea, 1) because tea is something I can understand and easily make, and 2) because I had some readily available. The best reason in my opinion on my current budget.
So yesterday, I made my first cup of reishi tea. It was dark, earthy, and slightly bitter, but not in a bad way. I’m not the best at describing flavors or even noticing for that matter. I just don’t have a refined palate, so flavors in wines and other spices in food are lost on me. But this had a distinct and noticeable flavor. Almost like it was serious about its work. I had another cup this morning before my coffee. I don’t expect magic overnight, but I’m curious to see how it makes me feel in a week, a month, or a season. I’ll keep you posted on what I experience with a follow-up later on.
The Potential Benefits of Reishi
Before I even took my first sip of reishi tea, I spent some time reading about what it’s supposed to do. The list of benefits is long—almost too long if I’m being honest. It felt a little overwhelming, like, how can one mushroom do all that? But as I dug deeper, I realized that reishi has earned its reputation slowly, over centuries, and across cultures. That gave me more trust in what it might offer.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far about the potential benefits of reishi mushroom, especially in the context of herbalism:
🌿 1. Immune Support
Reishi is often called an immunomodulator, which means it can modify the immune system so that it works more effectively. That’s ideal for me who just want to feel a bit more resilient, especially during stressful seasons or when everyone around me seems to be getting sick.
🌿 2. Stress and Mood Support
This is the big one for me. Reishi is considered an adaptogen—an herb or mushroom that helps the body adapt to stress. I’m curious to see if I feel more grounded or less reactive over time. Some herbalists say reishi has a kind of “calming intelligence,” which I love. It’s not sedating like chamomile, but more of a slow, steady presence in your system.
🌿 3. Sleep Quality
I’ve seen people describe reishi as something that supports deep rest, not necessarily by knocking you out but by easing the things that keep you awake (like tension and mental clutter). I’m not a terrible sleeper, but I’m also not a great one, so this is another area I’m tracking closely as I drink it consistently.
🌿 4. Liver Health and Detox
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi helps support liver function and acts as a gentle detoxifier. I’m still learning about how herbalists view liver health in connection to overall wellness, but it’s fascinating to think that calming the nervous system and supporting the liver could go hand in hand.
🌿 5. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Reishi contains compounds like triterpenes and polysaccharides that are being studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. While I’m not tracking inflammation levels at home or anything like that, I am paying attention to how I feel in my body. Do I wake up less achy? Is my digestion smoother? That kind of thing.
Possible Drawbacks or Considerations
As much as I’m enjoying learning about reishi and trying it out for myself, I’ve learned that even the most revered herbs and mushrooms come with their caveats. I’ve made it a point to approach herbalism with curiosity and caution—especially because what works for one person might not work for another.
Here are some things I’ve come across or wondered about as I’ve started using reishi:
🍄 1. Taste Can Be a Barrier
As I said before, I don’t have the most refined palate so this is not a big one for me. A little cinnamon and I’m good to go. But if you’re used to floral or sweet herbal teas, this one takes some getting used to.
🍄 2. Slow to Act
Reishi isn’t something you feel immediately. Unlike a cup of coffee or even chamomile tea, the effects are subtle and cumulative. It’s a tonic herb—meant to be taken regularly over time. That can be frustrating when you’re hoping for quick relief from stress or sleep issues, but I’m learning to embrace the slow magic.
🍄 3. Potential Interactions
This is where being cautious matters. Reishi has mild blood-thinning properties and can interact with medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants. I’m not on any medications for those issues, but I always check trusted herbal sources and talk to a healthcare professional if I’m unsure. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe for everyone.
🍄 4. Not for Everyone
Some people report digestive upset or dry mouth from reishi. I’ve experienced a little dry mouth, but I’m not sure reishi is the reason and I’m paying attention. There’s also some caution for people with low blood pressure or certain autoimmune conditions. As a beginner, I’ve found it helpful to start with small amounts and keep a journal of how I feel after drinking it.
🍄 5. Cost and Sourcing
I’ve read that quality matters with reishi, and good quality extracts or dried slices can be expensive. I’ve learned to look for products that specify Ganoderma lucidum (the Latin name), ideally grown organically or sustainably harvested. Not all supplements are created equal, so I would recommend to stick with reputable brands and avoid anything that seems too cheap to be true.
Forms of Reishi and How to Take It
As someone just getting started with reishi, I was surprised at how many ways there are to take it. I had this vague idea of “reishi tea” in my head, but once I started researching, I realized how many different preparations exist—each with their own pros and quirks. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far.
🍵 1. Tea (My Starting Point)
This is where I began: reishi tea. I had reishi tea bags that said something about being a liver detox on the box and tried it. I’ve heard it’s best to try sliced reishi. which requires 45 minutes or so of simmering on the stove and it is a much stronger flavor. Not really my cup of tea but to each their own. I like sipping it slowly, in the morning at the moment, and I’ve started playing with add-ins like cinnamon to soften the flavor. For me, it’s less about taste and more about ritual. I’m going to start drinking it in the evenings to see how that works for me today.
💊 2. Capsules
Capsules are one of the most straightforward ways to get reishi into your routine. No prep, no fuss—just a daily supplement. I haven’t tried these yet, but they’re tempting for days when I’m too busy (or lazy) to make tea. They’re also a good way to get consistent dosages.
Note: It’s important to buy from reputable brands. Since supplements aren’t as tightly regulated, I’ve learned to double-check ingredient lists and look for third-party testing.
🌿 3. Powders
Reishi powder is often sold as a bulk supplement. You can add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or even coffee (I’ve seen it in some “mushroom mocha” recipes). I haven’t quite worked up the courage to use it this way—it’s still on my list to experiment with. The powder retains that same earthy bitterness I hear, but I imagine it could be masked in a sweet or creamy base.
💧 4. Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the most concentrated forms—usually an alcohol-based extract. You can add drops to water or tea or take it directly under the tongue. A few herbalist friends recommended tinctures for convenience and potency, and they’re definitely on my to-try list.
What I like about tinctures is that they feel like the middle ground between tradition and practicality.
🍫 5. Blends & Elixirs
This is probably the most fun category. Reishi shows up in wellness lattes, mushroom hot chocolate mixes, adaptogen blends, and even in gummies. I haven’t tried these yet, but I love the idea of sneaking herbal support into cozy rituals or treats. These are definitely beginner-friendly and a great way to ease into reishi if the straight-up tea isn’t your thing.
Final Thoughts From a Curious Beginner
It’s only been three days since I started drinking reishi tea, but it already feels like something I want to keep exploring. I don’t know yet if I’ll notice big changes in my energy, sleep, or immune health, but what I do know is that I’m beginning to feel more connected to my body and to this process of learning from plants.
As a beginner herbalist, I still have so many questions:
How long does it take for reishi to “work”?
What’s the best way to know if it’s right for me?
Is daily use better than occasional support?
And I’m okay with not having all the answers yet. In a world that rushes toward results, herbalism invites us to slow down, observe, and build relationships with plants, with our bodies, with the seasons.
Reishi, in particular, feels like an herb that rewards patience. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it’s steady. Supportive. Wise.
If you’re new to reishi, like me, start small. Brew a pot of tea. Try a tincture or capsule. Read a little. Listen to your body. This mushroom has a long and fascinating history in traditional medicine, and it’s been humbling to step into that lineage, even just a little.
I may not be an expert, but I am a curious student. Let’s see where this journey goes.
🛒 Shop This Post
Here are a few beginner-friendly reishi products I’ve been exploring or have added to my herbal wishlist. These options make it easier to try reishi in different forms—whether you prefer sipping tea or taking a quick capsule. I haven’t tried them yet so if you get some please let me know what you think. If you have other suggestions I’d love to hear aout those as well!
1. Organic Reishi Mushroom Tea Bags
Gentle, earthy, and easy to brew. Perfect for my slow morning rituals.
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2. Reishi Mushroom Tincture
This concentrated liquid extract fits right into a daily wellness routine. I like how convenient it is for travel or busy days.
👉 Buy Now
3. Reishi Mushroom Capsules (Vegan & Organic)
For those who don’t love the taste of reishi but still want the benefits. Great for consistent, easy dosing.
👉 Buy Now
4. Dried Reishi (for DIY Decoctions)
If you like to get hands-on, these are wonderful for making strong reishi decoctions at home.
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🧾 Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you.