Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, often regarded as a “tonic” to boost overall health and immunity. It is traditionally believed to strengthen the body’s resistance to infections, including the common cold. This historical use is rooted in the mushroom’s reputation for enhancing “Qi” (vital energy) and supporting the lungs and immune defenses, which are seen as critical in preventing illness.

Modern scientific studies on reishi’s effects on cold prevention are limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that compounds in reishi—such as polysaccharides and triterpenes—can modulate immune function, potentially increasing the activity of immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. However, clinical evidence in humans specifically for cold prevention is lacking or of low quality. There are few well-designed randomized controlled trials directly evaluating reishi’s effectiveness in preventing the common cold. Most available evidence is indirect, focusing on general immune parameters rather than actual infection rates.

In summary, while reishi mushroom is traditionally used for boosting immunity and preventing colds, scientific validation is currently insufficient. The evidence base is mainly historical, with limited supportive mechanistic data but a lack of robust clinical trials confirming effectiveness for cold prevention.

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arabinogalactan
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bamboo
basil
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black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
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camu camu
capsaicinoids
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chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
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echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
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honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
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xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
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blackboard tree
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buckthorn
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yerba santa
chrysanthemum
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flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
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American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
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Alliin
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Amor seco
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Atractylone
Black Seed
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Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
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Black galingale
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Baccharoides anthelmintica
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black salt
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