Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has a longstanding history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, where it has been used to promote recovery and strengthen the body after illness—a period described as convalescence. The mushroom is commonly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” and is believed to restore vitality, enhance immune function, and improve overall well-being. Historical texts and herbal compendiums, such as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica), document its use as a tonic for those recovering from chronic diseases or physical exhaustion.
Modern scientific research on Reishi’s ability to specifically support convalescence is limited. While some studies indicate potential immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and adaptogenic properties, most clinical trials focus on immune health, cancer support, and general wellness rather than recovery from illness per se. The evidence for its use in convalescence remains largely anecdotal and based on traditional practice, with few rigorous clinical studies directly addressing its efficacy in this context. Thus, its use for convalescence is primarily justified by tradition, with limited scientific validation available at present.
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 Reishi
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colitis
Congestive Heart Failure
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurosis
Parkinson's Disease
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Ulcers