Evidence supporting the use of: Ganoderma
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ganoderma (commonly known as reishi mushroom or Lingzhi) has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for centuries, particularly to support overall vitality, recovery, and longevity. In the context of convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or medical treatment—Ganoderma is believed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes, strengthen the immune system, and improve energy levels. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) texts frequently mention Ganoderma as a tonic herb for people recovering from chronic diseases or general weakness.
While there is a strong tradition supporting its use, scientific validation for Ganoderma’s specific efficacy in convalescence is still limited. Some modern studies have demonstrated that Ganoderma contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which may modulate immune function and exhibit antioxidant properties. These effects could theoretically benefit those recovering from illness by supporting immune resilience and reducing oxidative stress. However, most clinical studies focus on its immunomodulatory effects in cancer patients or its role in managing fatigue, rather than directly measuring outcomes in convalescent populations.
Therefore, the primary justification for its use in convalescence remains traditional, with a moderate evidence rating due to some supportive, but not definitive, scientific findings. More robust, targeted research is needed to confirm Ganoderma’s role in facilitating recovery after illness.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by ganoderma
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)