How Much Reishi Should I Take?

The power, versatility and calming benefits of the reishi mushroom have been known about for centuries, most commonly used in Eastern medicine. The mushrooms grow in hot, sticky, humid areas of Asia, and although highly potent to consume the mushroom itself - modern day explorations into the health potential of this plant-medicine have allowed for dried extract forms to be easily digestible and portable. The mushroom itself is typically tough and woody in taste and texture, so by converting it into a powder, elixir, capsule or tincture, this also allows the user to enjoy the sensations of consuming the mushroom.

Reishi has been known to help the overall functioning of the immune system, improve the quality of sleep, reduce cortisol levels in the bloodstream and lessen feelings of tiredness and lethargy. This powerful antioxidant mushroom has also been used to treat more serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure related issues and even cancer. There is a large body of scientific research supporting these claims, and many more studies are taking place to investigate the chemical properties of reishi, and how it could potentially be used to treat patients in the future.

So you’re interested in trying reishi for yourself, and you want to know,‘how much reishi should I take?’ This article will explore the question in more detail. 

How Much Reishi Powder Should I Take: Can You Take Reishi Everyday? 

As mentioned, reishi consumed in Powder Mix or Elixir Stick form is more easily digestible for the body than eating the mushroom itself. How much you should take will also depend on your personal tolerance to new substances, your overall health, your weight and your age. It will also largely depend on what you are taking reishi for, exactly.

If you’re new, we recommend starting off with one scoop of mix or one elixir stick per day, or even every other day - and see if you notice a difference over a two week period. If your body is sensitive, this might be enough for you to start noticing the benefits. You can always increase to one-two scoops per day over time, to see an intensified result.

Naturally, your answer to, ‘how much reishi should I take?’ will also depend on whether you are taking it for health condition purposes vs. immunity boosting, stress-soothing purposes. For example, one scoop, or one elixir stick per day is enough to reap the healing benefits if you are interested in reishi for general better functioning.

However, a heavier dosage will be necessary if you are experimenting with reishi to treat more serious health conditions and illnesses: such as any of the previous ones mentioned, migraines,osteoarthritis or blood-pressure abnormalities (to name a few). As an example, for migraines, research at the MARA Institute of Technology in Malaysia found that 1500mg doses three times per day were most effective (2004 clinical trial). For osteoarthritis, 4500mg three times per day displayed best results.

We advise you to check in with your doctor if you are experiencing more severe symptoms of any one of these conditions. They will be able to discuss building reishi into a treatment plan for you, and they should also be able to inform you of any side effects you might want to be aware of. In short, a medical specialist will know the answer to ‘how much reishi should I take’, if you are interested in using its medicinal properties to treat a medical need.

When is the Best Time to Take Reishi?

In short, the best time to take reishi is in the early evening, around dinner time. We recommend between 5 - 8pm. This gives the compounds in the mushroom an opportunity to react with your body in time before sleeping, bringing you to a restful, bedtime, horizontal state. 

However, if you are taking reishi to help you deal with an overstimulated nervous system, for travel, before entering a busy, stressful or populated area - taking it in the morning, or a few hours before you need it, would be advised. Your body’s sensitivity will detect if the reishi mushroom powder has a more calming effect on you, or a more invigorating one, so we also recommend listening to your intuition, on what feels right for you. This will take a couple of trials when sampling reishi for the first time.

How Much Reishi Should I take: Best Way to Take Reishi Mushroom Powder?

The best way to take reishi mushroom powder is really down to personal choice. In traditional Eastern medicine, reishi is often taken at night, before bed, in a soothing tea form. However you might prefer to add your Reishi Mushroom Powder Mix to a smoothie, or even a soup.

We recommend using your powder or elixir to make tea, by placing your chosen dosage of reishi into a mug, and adding hot water. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes, perhaps adding a teabag, or herbal tea of choice. You can add nut milk, honey or whatever else you might want to include to make consuming your reishi an enjoyable, sensory experience.