Reishi Mushroom

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which looks like a toasted brown, warped pancake in the wilds, is a mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to boost the immune system and to fight off certain viruses, such as influenza, including Avian and Swine flu.

Reishi is known to help with conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, insomnia, and heart and liver disease. But does it work against the Herpes Simplex Virus? Yes, but only when you use it in a specific way. 

The parts of the mushroom used for viral defense are the parts growing above ground and the filaments that connect the mushroom groups. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi mushroom and astragalus (an herb root) are often used together for immune protection. This combination works very well for those with Herpes Simplex Keratitis (a herpes infection of the eye that can cause blindness).

Studies show reishi may inhibit the spread of cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). It may also help reduce the pain associated with Postherpetic Neuralgia, which is pain experienced once healing has occurred after a severe bout of genital herpes or Shingles.

Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms, such as cordyceps, lion's mane, and turkey tail, can be purchased in powder form and as tea. However, placing mushroom powder in a healthy shake or drinking the tea won't be potent enough to prevent a herpes breakout. Also, taking reishi powder for over one month can be toxic to the liver.

During bouts of illness, reishi is best used as a dual-extracted tincture (2 dropperfuls up to 3 x daily against HSV-1 and HSV-2 while lesions are painful). You can also use Reishi against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and HIV. A dual-extracted tincture is one that is made with water and alcohol. You can make your own or take it as directed on your product's label. I include a recipe for creating a dual-extracted tincture in The Herbal Remedies Recipe Guide. You can safely take reishi extract (tincture) for up to one year. Still, do your research to be sure it's safe for you to take. 

Possible Side Effects

When reishi is used daily for over three months, it can cause dry nasal passages, mouth, and throat. Other side effects of reishi include itchiness, rash, dizziness, headache, and an upset stomach.

• Do not use reishi if you have low blood pressure (or are on medications to increase it) or have diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.

• Reishi can delay blood clotting, so anyone taking Aspirin, Warfarin (Coumadin), or other medications or supplements that alter blood clotting may be at risk. Don't take reishi with willow bark or other aspirin-like herbs. Stop taking reishi immediately if you develop a bloody nose or have bloody stools.

• Avoid reishi if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Not giving reishi to children under 12 is just good advice.

Because of the reishi mushroom's potential for side effects, it's not one of my favorite remedy suggestions for putting HSV in remission. However, it may be beneficial when used briefly during illness and alongside other remedies to boost health.