Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Lyme Disease

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for enhancing vitality, supporting immune function, and promoting general health. Its use in the context of Lyme disease, however, is not rooted in direct historical tradition for treating this specific condition, as Lyme disease is a relatively modern diagnosis. Instead, reishi is traditionally used as an "adaptogen" and for its purported ability to strengthen the body's resistance to illnesses, which leads some herbalists and patients to consider it as a supportive therapy in chronic or immune-challenged conditions such as Lyme disease.

There is limited scientific research specifically examining reishi mushroom for the treatment or support of Lyme disease. Most available evidence centers on its general immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies. These properties are theorized to be potentially beneficial for individuals with Lyme disease, particularly for managing immune dysregulation or inflammation associated with chronic symptoms. However, clinical trials directly evaluating reishi for Lyme disease in humans are lacking. As such, while reishi may be used as part of broader integrative or supportive care approaches, this use is extrapolated from traditional practices and general immune support studies rather than from direct evidence of efficacy for Lyme disease. Thus, the evidence rating is low and the justification is primarily traditional.

More about reishi mushroom
More about Lyme Disease