5 Best Reishi Mushroom Supplements (To Boost Your Immunity)

Best Reishi Mushroom Supplements
  • Written by: Donovan Carper
  • Registered Nurse W/ Masters Degree
    Certified Personal Trainer & Coach
  • Last Updated on August 3, 2023

Contents

If you are looking for a nutrient-rich mushroom that can help your mind and body function optimally, look no further than the Reishi mushroom.

And while the evidence is clear regarding its benefits, how can you be sure you are getting the best reishi mushroom supplement?

That’s what this article is all about.

To find out which reishi supplement is best, I spent more than 50 hours researching (I’m not exaggerating) to figure out which reishi mushroom supplement meets proper standards of quality, integrity, and purity (I actually just purchased the #1 option for myself). 

By reading below, you will learn:

  1. The 4 best reishi mushroom supplements money can buy (and why)
  2. The history of reishi mushrooms (I find the medicinal history of these mushrooms fascinating)
  3. What the research says about reishi mushrooms (and are they safe?)

**If you’re crazy busy, have 14 kids to take care of, or have some Netflix shows to catch up on (I’m not judging), and don’t feel like reading the in-depth review below, here is a quick overview of the best reishi supplements

 
  
 
Why We Love It
GMP Certified?
3rd Party Tested?
Certified Organic?
Location Grown
Price
Real Mushrooms Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder
Why We Love It : Best For Antioxidants & Cancer Fighting Properties
GMP Certified?
3rd Party Tested?
Certified Organic?
Location Grown : China
Price : 2nd Most Expensive
Om Reishi Organic Mushroom Superfood Powder
Why We Love It : Best Overall Quality
GMP Certified?
3rd Party Tested?
Certified Organic?
Location Grown : California (Great For Purity)
Price : 2nd Most Affordable
Swanson Premium Reishi Mushroom Tablets
Why We Love It : Most Affordable Option
GMP Certified?
3rd Party Tested?
Certified Organic?
Location Grown : USA
Price : Most Affordable
Four Sigmatic Reishi Elixir
Why We Love It : Best Way To Wind Down Before Bed
GMP Certified?
3rd Party Tested?
Certified Organic?
Location Grown : China
Price : Most Expensive

#1 Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement: Real Mushrooms Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder (Best Overall Quality)

Reishi Mushroom Supplement
Features
Our rating
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weight
product-image
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weight
Features
  • Third party lab analysis verified product integrity and purity
  • High beta-glucan content as verified by lab analysis
  • Certified organic
  • Contains pure reishi mushroom extract, no binders, fillers, or grain
Our Rating
Our #1 Rated
5 out of 5

If you’re looking for a phenomenal Reishi mushroom supplements, without question, this one from Real Mushrooms is the one I recommend. I take it myself, and absolutely love it.

Here’s why.

I use a website called Consumer Lab as a resource when purchasing supplements. Because supplements are unregulated, there are some challenges in knowing what you’re getting.

Thankfully, Consumer Lab independently researches and tests supplements and then ranks them. It’s a paid membership I’ve had for years, and it is well worth the money.

Why do I bring this up? Consumerlab.com has given Real Mushrooms the #1 spot for its review on the best reishi mushroom supplement in 2021. This excerpt is taken directly from Consumer Lab’s report:

Beta-glucans are proven to boost the immune system and anti-tumor (fight against cancer). Reishi mushrooms, in its pure form, are very high in beta-glucans, which is a big reason as to why reishi mushrooms are so good for our health.

And what did Consumer Lab conclude: Real Mushroom reishi are the highest in beta glucans of any other reishi supplement on the market– point, blank, period.

But that’s not all.

This one from Real Mushrooms also contains a high level of triterpenes, which includes ganoderic acid. Although the research is still in its infancy, the science is promising, showing it has antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.  

The consumerlab.com analysis showed that Real Mushrooms has a high level of ganoderic acid content, though not as high as the Om product (see our #2 option below!).

So are there any downsides to this one?

The only one I could point is to the price. It’s more expensive than other options on the list, but you get what you pay for. It’s the highest quality reishi supplement-and, in my opinion, well worth the money.

Product features:

  • 1000mg pure reishi mushroom extract per ½ teaspoon serving
  • $34.50 / 45 servings, or $0.76/ serving.  Cost drops to $29.71 ($0.66/ serving) if you subscribe for routine delivery (which is free in the U.S. with subscription)  

Real Mushrooms Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder enjoys high ratings, with a 5 out of 5-stars based on nearly 100 reviews on their website.

Real Mushroom Reishi Mushroom

Pros

  • Third party lab analysis verified product integrity and purity
  • High beta-glucan content as verified by lab analysis
  • cGMP certified
  • Certified organic
  • Contains pure reishi mushroom extract, no binders, fillers, or grain

Cons

  • Cost: price is more costly than some of the other options in this review (but well worth it)

Final thoughts: If you’re looking for an excellent Reishi mushroom supplement, without question, this gets the top spot. It’s as pure as it gets, free of grain and binders, and provides verified high levels of immune-stimulating beta-glucans and triterpenes. I take this one every morning to start the day and I recommend anyone who asks to do the same.


#2 Rated Reishi Mushroom Supplement:  Om Reishi Organic Mushroom Superfood Powder (Most Afforable Option)

Reishi Mushroom Supplement
Features
Our rating
REISHI ORGANIC MUSHROOM SUPERFOOD POWDER
product-image
REISHI ORGANIC MUSHROOM SUPERFOOD POWDER
Features
  • Produced in the U.S.A. in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  
  • 3rd party tested for purity, quality, and integrity
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified organic
  • Mild, pleasant flavor
  • Enter “mushroom20” at checkout to get 20% off
Our Rating
Our #2 Rated
4.6 out of 5

If you’re looking a great reishi mushroom supplement, this one from Om is the one you want. 

What makes Om Reishi Organic Mushroom Superfood Powder so high on our list?  

First of all, the mushrooms are grown and processed right in the Om plant located in California, U.S.A. 

Why does this matter?

Products sourced from the U.S. are regulated by the FDA. Generally, regulations in the U.S. and European nations are more stringent in terms of assuring purity, safety and quality as compared to the oversight of products sourced or produced in other parts of the world. 

Another unique feature of Om mushroom products is that the mushrooms are grown using oats as the growth medium. A potential risk factor when consuming mushrooms is the potential for accumulation of heavy metals from their growth medium.

Om eliminates that risk by growing their mushrooms in a completely non-toxic growth medium.  Even better, while wild reishi grows on wood, the oat-grown reishi product from Om includes both the reishi mycelium fibers ground in the oats along with the mushroom fruiting body.

Inclusion of the oat grain has been a source of criticism at times for the Om product. However, the growth medium contains reishi mycelium fibers. Mushroom mycelium fibers (essentially, the roots of the mushroom) has immune stimulating properties according to some research, in addition to the fruited mushroom body.  

The presence of the ground fermented oats offers another advantage–it gives the Om product a more mild, pleasant taste–compared to other reishi products which are more bitter. 

In an independent third-party analysis, consumerlabs.com confirmed both the purity and integrity of the Om reishi mushroom product–additionally, Om had the second highest amount of ganoderic acids.  

The only down side of this one from Om is that Om’s reishi mushroom powder contains a lower percentage of beta-glucans than several competitors. This is in part due to the inclusion of the ground fermented oats as noted above–compared to products containing purely the fruited reishi mushroom (and lacking the mycelium).

The product reviews are excellent, with a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 based on nearly 300 reviews!

REISHI ORGANIC MUSHROOM

I did some digging online and found a coupon code “mushroom20” that gives an additional 20% off at checkout. (I’ll update the article if the code no longer works).

Product features:

  • 1 serving = 2 grams powdered reishi mushroom + fermented oats with mycelium
  • Price ranges from $0.40 per daily serving (for 50 servings) to $0.29/ serving (for a 250 serving-sized container)
  • 20% savings plus free shipping when you subscribe for automatic reorders

Pros

  • Produced in the U.S.A. in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  
  • 3rd party tested for purity, quality, and integrity
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified organic
  • Mild, pleasant flavor
  • Meets the California Prop 65 Standards for purity, some of the most stringent standards in the world!
  • Get an additional 20% off when you enter “mushroom20” at checkout

Cons

  • Lower percentage of beta-glucans versus some products due to inclusion of fermented growth medium (oats)

Final thoughts:  If you are looking for an excellent reishi mushroom supplement, I can’t recommend this one from Om enough. It has a mild flavor, includes all parts of the mushroom (the fruit and mycelium), and is sourced from the United States. It meets high standards for product purity and freedom from heavy metals or contaminants.


#3 Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement: Quality & Value!!  Swanson Premium Reishi Mushroom Tablets (Most Affordable Option)

Reishi Mushroom Supplement
Features
Our rating
Swanson Reishi Mushroom 600 Milligrams 60 Capsules
product-image
Swanson Reishi Mushroom 600 Milligrams 60 Capsules
Features
  • Produced in the U.S.A. in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  
  • 3rd party tested verified purity, quality, and integrity, and freedom from heavy metals/ contaminants
  • Affordable: This one is the most affordable option in this review!
Our Rating
Our #3 Rated
4.5 out of 5
Swanson Reishi Mushroom

Swanson’s Premium Reishi Mushroom tablets offer a high quality reishi mushroom product for a shockingly low price! Rated as the top reishi mushroom option by the independent 3rd party supplement review company, consumerlab.com (that are AMAZING at reviewing supplements), product features include the following:

  • 1,3 Beta-D-glucan content:  beta-D-glucans are the chief beta-glucans from reishi and are linked to many of the researched, stimulating effects on the immune system. This product has the 2nd highest content of 1,3 beta-D-glucan out of all products tested by consumerlab.com, and at the lowest cost! (In other words, this is fantastic)
  • Ganoderic acid content: Found in the fruited body of reishi mushrooms, ganoderic acids are believed to be one of the primary components, in addition to beta-glucans, responsible for the purported health effects attributed to reishi mushrooms. This product had the highest amounts of ganoderic acids out of all products reviewed by consumerlab.com.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on amazon.com, I dove through the comments and saw quite a few people talk about improved blood pressure and immunity, among other effects. Criticisms typically note that users do not “feel” anything when taking the product.  

But I think it’s important to note, that you shouldn’t necessarily “feel” anything, when taking reishi mushrooms

A nice article by Naturealm notes that you do not take mushrooms to necessarily “feel” something anymore than you eat blueberries expecting to “feel” something.  

The health effects do not necessarily produce a feeling, even though they are working on a microscopic level to impact your health and wellbeing over time.

Swanson Reishi Mushroom

Product Features

  • 1,200mg reishi mushroom per 2-capsule serving
  • $4.99/ 30 servings or 60 capsules, approximately $0.17 per serving

Pros

  • Produced in the U.S.A. in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  
  • 3rd party tested verified purity, quality, and integrity, and freedom from heavy metals/ contaminants
  • Affordable: This one is the most affordable option in this review!
  • High levels of 1,3 beta-D-glucan and ganoderic acids as verified by third-party testing

Cons

  • Not organic

Final Thoughts: Quality, affordability, great reviews–this one has everything you could possibly want in a reishi supplement. If you’re looking for a quality reishi supplement at a great price–it’s tough to beat this one from Swanson.


#4 Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement: Four Sigmatic Reishi Elixir (Best Way To Wind Down Before Bed)

Reishi Mushroom Supplement
Features
Our rating
Four Sigmatic Reishi Elixir
product-image
Four Sigmatic Reishi Elixir
Features
  • Combined with therapeutic herbs, it is delicious
  • The perfect way to destress and help get a good night’s sleep
  • Certified organic
  • 3rd party tested, GMP certified, and Fair Trade Certified
Our Rating
Our #4 Rated
4 out of 5
Reishi Elixir

Is it hard for you to wind down before bed?  

Then you’ll absolutely love this one from Four Sigmatics.

Research has shown that reishi can help with sleep–and the Four Sigmatic Elixir Mix can be the perfect way to enjoy a delicious night time drink to help you wind down and get the good night’s sleep you need and deserve. 

Unlike the other 3 options on our list, this one includes some other excellent ingredients: tulsi, field mint, and rose hips.

While we touched on the benefits of reishi mushrooms above, the additional ingredients deserve a brief mention.    

Tulsi (Holy Basil): This little known herb from India is amazing! It has a pleasant mint flavor and has been used for nearly 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. 

A systematic review of 31 human research trials–several of which included double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials–have found tulsi effective for:

  • Improving blood sugar levels 
  • Reducing blood pressure
  • Improving cholesterol profiles
  • Improving stress tolerance
  • Improvements in physical task performance

Field mint: The mint family includes most of the herbs that are used in the world-famous Mediterranean diet. Growing up, my dad used to add it to tea he would make for me–and it was nothing short of fantastic. 

In addition to tasting great, though, it’s also quite healthy. Research has shown it:

  • Helps lower blood sugar
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Protects against nerve cell damage
  • Has antioxidant properties

Rose hips: These tiny berries have a subtle, but sweet, tangy flavor. 

Famed for their high vitamin C content, rose hips are also being researched for synergistic effects of various compounds including polyphenols, vitamins C, E, B and carotenoids. 

In simpler terms, this means that they:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Have anticancer effects
  • Help prevent diabetes

From a quality standpoint, this nighttime tea substitute has everything you’d want– it’s 3rd party tested and follows FDA guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). 

So how does it work?

  1. Mix it with hot water (or milk)
  2. Add maple syrup or honey
  3. Enjoy a delicious reishi drink before bed

And we’re not the only ones who love this one–it has over 500 reviews and a 4.7 rating.

Reishi Elixir

Product features:

  • $38 for a 20 serving box ($1.90 per serving), though this cost is reduced to $30.40 ($1.52 per serving) per box if you subscribe for regular delivery
  • Free shipping in the U.S. if you subscribe for routine delivery
  • Contains tulsi, rose hips, and field mint (they don’t disclose how much)

Pros

  • Combined with therapeutic herbs, it is delicious
  • The perfect way to destress and help get a good night’s sleep
  • Certified organic
  • 3rd party tested, GMP certified, and Fair Trade Certified
  • 20% discount if you subscribe for monthly delivery
  • Great reviews – 4.7 average rating and over 500 reviews

Cons

  • Cost is higher than other products in this review

Final thoughts:  If you are a hot tea drinker who would love a nice, hot (and healthy) reishi drink to wind down at the end of a hard day, this is the one you want. This elixir is great for relaxing and will help get better sleep. The only downside is the cost. It costs slightly more than our other options on the list.


How solid is the research on reishi mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms have a strong history of traditional use for a variety of ailments dating back thousands of years. Current human research appears promising in terms of immune system stimulation, activation, and support. Evidence supports improved quality of life in patients with cancer, though effects on survival rates and time in cancer patients remains unclear. 

Emerging research also shows promise for various effects such as improved cardiac health, anti-inflammatory effects, and support for healthy blood sugar levels.

Lab research and animal research shows promise for many of the traditional uses of reishi mushrooms, but more human research is needed before such information can be determined conclusive.

Reishi Mushroom History To Today

In ancient China, reishi mushrooms were so valuable, they were only affordable to the Chinese nobility. 

Unlike many other medicinal mushrooms consumed for both culinary and medicinal attributes, reishi mushrooms are consumed predominantly for their medicinal properties.

And while the research is still in the early phases (lacking large and long term randomized human clinical trials), current findings are nonetheless fascinating and promising–and I can’t recommend adding it to your daily diet enough. 

Traditional uses of reishi mushrooms include promotion of longevity, improving strength/ energy levels, improving memory/ cognitive properties, anti-aging effects, treatment of hypertension, liver disease, cancer, and conditions of fatigue in the nervous system (neurasthenia).  

However, while traditional usage is great, it needs to be backed by modern scientific research methodology. Fortunately, current research is uncovering the active chemical compounds of reishi mushrooms as well as the effects of these compounds.

What the research says about Reishi mushrooms

Researchers note the following anticancer attributes of reishi mushrooms:

  • Toxicity against cancer cells, reduces their viability
  • Neutralization of carcinogens
  • Interference with cancer cell replication and metastasis capabilities for breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells
  • Anticancer effects against 20 types of human and rodent cancers with induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis resulting in cancer cell line destruction 
  • Improved survival times with corresponding reduction in cancer cell and tumor numbers for mice with a variety of cancers
  • Inhibited angiogenesis (angiogenesis means blood vessel growth–induced by tumors to promote tumor growth)
  • Improved immune system health markers including improved CD4/CD8 ratios, improved natural killer cell and T-cell numbers, and boosted innate immune activity with elevations in IL-2, IL-6, and interferon-y in human randomized-controlled trials involving 134 patients with various late stage cancers, as well as 68 lung cancer patients

Other research-backed attributes of reishi mushrooms based on animal studies, small clinical trials, and pharmacologic studies include:

  • Antioxidant properties
  • Liver protection
  • Blood sugar lowering properties
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Anti-allergic properties
  • Antibacterial and anti-viral properties
  • Cardio protective effects by reducing cholesterol production and reducing platelet adhesion/ clotting

The good news is you do not have to be a noble to afford reishi mushrooms thanks to modern cultivation techniques! However, it’s important when choosing a reishi supplement that the supplement meets standards for product purity, quality, and integrity.  

Fortunately, every reishi mushroom on our list above are of great quality.

How safe are reishi mushroom supplements?

A meta-analysis of 5 randomized-controlled trials including 373 individuals total was performed by the esteemed Cochrane Library. The researchers noted that the reishi mushrooms were well tolerated with minimal safety and toxicity concerns. Side effects were rare, with one study reporting nausea and insomnia, and no study reporting serious concerns.  

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes there are two case reports in the literature of liver injury attributed to reishi mushrooms, with one of the cases resulting in a death. Given widespread global use of reishi mushrooms, these reports are rare but noteworthy for their severity.  

If you have an underlying medical condition or are taking medications, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider as interactions and side effects are possible. 

Research in humans is limited, and as such, long term effects are unknown at this time.  Interactions with anticoagulant medications (“blood-thinners”), blood pressure medications, and diabetic medications are possible.

Wrapping it up

Reishi mushrooms are a promising mushroom species and supplement for immune system support, anti-cancer effects, antioxidant properties, and potentially positive effects on cardiac health. The research is in its infancy regarding reishi mushrooms, but it shows promise.

The brands above offer affordable, high quality options if you are looking to add reishi mushrooms to your health and fitness regimen! 

If you are looking for a great reishi supplement, you’ll love our #1 option from Real Mushrooms.” 

If you are interested in learning about other types of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms are just one of the 7 amazing mushrooms we reviewed in our research-packed article: 7 Types Of Medicinal Mushrooms To Eat (Boost Your Immunity).

Got a hankering for more awesome mushroom content?

Still Unsure Which Option Is Best For You? Here’s The Recap, Based On Our Testing & Research

  1. Real Mushrooms Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder: Best for overall quality. It’s been shown to alleviate brain fog and depression, makes you feel more cheerful and upbeat, and boosts energy levels. Organic and third party tested.
  2. Om Reishi Organic Mushroom Superfood Powder: Best for affordability. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality supplement without any fillers or fluff. Make sure to enter “mushroom20” at checkout to get 20% off.
  3. Swanson Premium Reishi Mushroom Tablets: Best for being the 3rd best option. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality supplement without any fillers or fluff.

Donovan Carper

Donovan has training and experience in healthcare as a Master's prepared RN (MSN). He is trained in critically evaluating science-based research and implementing evidence-based practice interventions to improve health outcomes. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Health Coach with ACE and

Like what you read? We would love a share :)

  • Written by: Donovan Carper
  • Registered Nurse W/ Masters Degree
    Certified Personal Trainer & Coach
  • Last Updated on August 3, 2023

Check out our other great content