Reishi is one of the most widely used functional mushrooms due to its benefits for the immune system, stress, and overall well-being. However, when combined with medication, it is essential to be aware of the precautions involved in taking reishi with drugs , as this mushroom can influence the absorption of certain medications or enhance some of their effects.
To avoid unnecessary risks, it is key to understand how the body interacts with reishi, what medications may be affected, and how to take it safely.
Why reishi can affect how some medications work
Reishi contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides , triterpenes, and beta-glucans that have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
According to the NCBI scientific review on Ganoderma lucidum , these compounds can act on liver enzymes , coagulation processes, and the immune response. This means that, although it is a naturally occurring mushroom, It is not neutral and can modify how the body processes certain medications.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center indicates that reishi may influence blood clotting , blood pressure , liver metabolism , and the immune response . These effects can be positive when used in healthy individuals , but may cause interactions in those taking:
- Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
- Antihypertensives.
- Immunosuppressant drugs.
- Specific antibiotics.
- Medication for the nervous system.
- Anti-inflammatories for long-term use.
For this reason, even though it is natural, its interaction can be real and should be taken seriously , especially if the medication already modifies any of those systems.
How to take reishi alongside medications and antibiotics
Taking reishi while undergoing medical treatment is possible in many cases, but it requires careful planning, separation, and supervision. The key is not to eliminate it completely , but to integrate it in a way that doesn't interfere with the medication's effects , and always consult with a specialist who can approve the use of this supplement.
Below are some general recommendations that may be helpful.
Always take it separately from medication
Experts recommend leaving a 2–4 hour gap between taking reishi and any oral medication, especially if it affects the liver or immune system. This prevents them from competing for absorption or metabolism.
Avoid reishi if you are taking anticoagulants
Reishi may prolong bleeding times. If you are taking heparin, warfarin, or aspirin, it is best to avoid reishi until you consult your doctor.
With antibiotics: yes, but pause if irritation occurs.
Reishi does not usually interfere with common antibiotics, but since both are metabolized in the liver , it's best to:
- Take it separately.
- Avoid high doses.
- Stop if you experience digestive discomfort.
Reishi along with medication for anxiety or sleep
Reishi can have a mild relaxing effect. If you are already taking anti-anxiety medication, sedatives, or melatonin, combine it with low doses to avoid excessive drowsiness.
If you want to learn how to choose high-quality extracts and avoid adulterated products, you can consult our complete guide on medicinal mushroom supplements .
How to safely pause reishi supplementation
Taking strategic breaks can be an excellent way to protect your body, especially if you are under medical treatment. The general guidelines are:
Breaks every 8–12 weeks
Reishi is not intended for continuous consumption year-round. A break of 1 to 2 weeks allows the body to restore its systems to a balanced state.
Mandatory pause if you start a new medication
If your doctor prescribes a new medication:
- Stop using reishi.
- Observe how your body reacts.
- Reintroduce it later at low doses after consulting with your doctor.
In these cases, the priority is always the medication and it must be approved by your specialist doctor.
Gradually decrease the dose
There's no need to stop abruptly. Reduce to half the dose first for 3–4 days before pausing completely. What benefits will you still get if you take it safely?
When used responsibly, reishi can be a great complement to overall health. Among its most studied benefits are:
- Immune system support.
- Reduction of physiological stress.
- Better rest and recovery.
- More stable emotional balance.
- Gentle regulation of internal inflammation.
Many of these effects are amplified when a good organic reishi extract is combined with habits that promote well-being, such as a diet rich in micronutrients or relaxation techniques.
It is important to choose the right reishi extract , taking into account the origin of the mushroom, the cultivated part, and the concentration.
Reishi is a powerful ally when used judiciously, but it's also a biological agent that can interact with medications. It's important to be aware of the precautions involved in taking reishi with medications. It allows you to use it intelligently, separating it from the treatment, avoiding its use in specific cases such as anticoagulants, and respecting rest breaks.
There's no need to give up on reishi: simply integrate it for what it is—a functional extract with real effects on the body. If you know when to take it, when to pause, and how to combine it with other supplements, it can become a valuable support for your well-being without compromising your safety, especially if you're under medical or pharmacological supervision.
