When to Take Reishi (+ How Long Does It Take Reishi Mushroom to Work?) - Lucid™

When to Take Reishi (+ How Long Does It Take Reishi Mushroom to Work?)

Written by: Kat Austin

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Time to read 7 min

Reishi mushrooms are a well-known functional mushroom with many health benefits. If you're wondering when to take Reishi, it depends on your goals.


For relaxation and sleep support, evening doses are ideal, while morning doses may be better for immune boosting and overall wellness.


We'll dig further into the details, covering critical questions like "Is it safe to take Reishi everyday?" and "How long does it take for Reishi to work?"


Here's what you need to know about the best time to take Reishi and how to best use this miracle mushroom to your advantage:

Key Takeaways


  • The best time to take Reishi depends on your wellness goals and routine, with tea, tinctures, or capsules being popular options.

  • Reishi is commonly taken in the evening but can be used at different times of the day as needed.

  • Consult your doctor to determine the ideal timing, especially if taking other supplements or medications.


About Reishi & Its Benefits

Reishi’s benefits have been utilized for centuries through ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practices, and modern research has worked to identify the true extent of its benefits for ailments like poor sleep and cancer. It’s also well known in the beauty world for its hair and skin-supporting properties.


For now, research is limited, but some of the reason people may take Reishi include:

  • Managing blood pressure

  • Managing cholesterol

  • Improving heart health

  • Cleansing kidney and liver

  • Improving respiratory health

  • Immune boosting benefits

  • Fatigue

  • Improved sleep


Read " Cordyceps vs Reishi " to learn more about these powerful medicinal mushrooms .

When to Take Reishi

The best time to take reishi is different for every person, and some factors that may impact your decision of when to take reishi include:


  • The reason you intend to take reishi

  • What other supplements you take and when you take them

  • Your sleep-wake routine

  • What time of day is most convenient for regular doses


All things considered, here are the most popular times to take Reishi mushroom throughout the day:

In the Evening

Resihi is often used to help improve sleep , although the full extent of this health benefit is still being explored. If this is a benefit you hope to enjoy, you may consider taking Reishi in the evening after dinner, approximately an hour before bedtime.

Before Travelling

Reishi is often said to help boost immune functions, and many people use it as an immune system stimulant when they intend to travel or after they know they’ve been exposed to a virus or other illness. It may also be useful for helping to reset sleep cycles when traveling across different time zones.

When You're Sick

One of the primary reasons that people take Reishi as a daily wellness supplement is to boost their immune functions. Although Reishi is best taken daily, you may want to consider extra doses when you're feeling a bit under the weather.


We recommend trying Reishi for yourself for a few days to understand how it impacts you. You can always adjust your dosage routine as needed. After you determine when's the best time to take Reishi for yourself, you just need to take it at the same time daily for optimal benefits.

How Long Does It Take for Reishi to Work?

Reishi may take effect in about an hour, although substantial effects are usually only seen after 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing.


Like many other functional mushrooms, Reishi relies on a systemic effect in the body, so you need to make sure that you take it daily for optimal benefits. Allow up to 3 weeks to notice the full benefits of your daily Reishi dosing routine.

How Much Reishi Mushroom Can You Take?

The Reishi dosage used varies greatly from person to person and depends on a range of factors, like your weight, tolerance, and health conditions.


Reishi contains bioactive compounds so it’s best to stick to a consistent dosing routine. The amount you should take for optimal benefits also depends on the form of Reishi you use– a steeped tea is less potent than a concentrated extract, such as a capsule or tincture.


Studies base therapeutic doses on a range from 1.5 to 9 milligrams of concentrate per day, though most people use doses around 3-4 milligrams per day. This may be best taken in one daily doses, but it is possible to break your Reishi dosage into two daily doses if needed. Taking it with food can help avoid any stomach upset or other possible reishi side effects.


Read “Mushroom Supplement Side Effects” to learn more.

Is it Safe to Take Reishi Every Day?

Yes, it is safe to take Reishi every day. In fact, daily use is often recommended to experience its full range of benefits. Reishi mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, which help balance the body and support immune function. Regular, consistent use allows Reishi to build up in the system, offering long-term wellness support.


However, as with any supplement, it's important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed. If you have underlying health conditions or take medications, consult a healthcare provider before adding Reishi to your daily routine. There are concerts related to taking reishi while pregnant or breastfeeding, so talk to your OBGYN first.

Tips for the Best Time to Take Reishi


  • Consider taking Reishi in the evenings after dinner, but experiment with how long before bed you need to take it to reap it’s relaxing effects.

  • If you drink Reishi tea, you may not need to take it with food. For concentrated forms of Reishi, consider taking it with or after a meal to avoid any potential stomach upset.

  • If you take an encapsulated form of Reishi, take it with plenty of water to help avoid an upset stomach or heartburn.

  • Reishi powder is convenient since you can measure it in precise increments to meet almost any dosing need.

  • Talk to your doctor about your Reishi dose if you take other supplements or medications. You may be able to take Reishi alongside other medications, but you need to to space the doses appropriately.


We also recommend you keep track of when you take Reishi and how you feel at different intervals afterwards. For instance, how do you feel after thirty minutes, or an hour after dosing?


You can record things like whether you felt relaxed or focused, or the different effects you feel when taking different doses. Then, use the information you recorded to adjust your dosage routine to meet your needs.

If you want to take full advantage of the "functional" side of functional mushrooms, consider a mushroom super-blend like our Lucid Coffee, Chai, or Matcha powders. 


It harnesses the maximum benefits of these superfood mushrooms by pairing Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Tremella, and Lion's Mane, plus powerful nootropics, like BCAA's, L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC, and more to boost brain power and bring you back into focus. Ready to become lucid? 

 

When to Take Reishi Mushroom FAQ

Should you take Reishi in the morning or night?

Reishi is commonly taken in the evening due to its calming effects, but it can also be taken in the morning if it fits better with your wellness goals and routine.

How long does it take to feel the effects of Reishi?

The effects of Reishi mushroom can vary depending on the form and dosage. Typically, users may start to notice benefits within a few days to a few weeks of consistent use. However, individual responses can differ.

What to avoid when taking Reishi?

When taking Reishi, avoid combining it with blood-thinning medications or supplements, as Reishi can have anticoagulant effects. Also, consult with your healthcare provider if you have any existing medical conditions or are pregnant.

Does Reishi make you sleepy?

Reishi is known for promoting relaxation and may support better sleep, but it typically doesn’t cause immediate drowsiness.

When should you take Reishi?

Reishi can be taken at any time of day depending on your needs. For relaxation and improved sleep, evening or nighttime is ideal. For general wellness benefits, you can take it in the morning or as part of your daily routine.

What is the most effective way to take Reishi?

The most effective way to take Reishi depends on personal preference. Reishi is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas, and extracts. Choose a high-quality product and follow the recommended dosage for the best results.

What are the benefits of taking Reishi daily?

Taking Reishi daily may support overall health by enhancing immune function, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting relaxation. Regular use can contribute to long-term wellness benefits, including better stress management and enhanced vitality.

How do you feel after taking Reishi?

Many people report feeling calm and balanced after taking Reishi, with improved stress management and a sense of well-being.

What can you not take with Reishi?

Avoid combining Reishi with blood-thinning medications, certain immunosuppressants, or other herbs with similar effects. Always consult your doctor before mixing supplements.

Is Reishi hard on the liver?

Reishi is generally considered safe for the liver when taken in appropriate doses, but excessive use may strain the liver in rare cases. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Resources

  1. “Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353236/

  2. “Ganoderma lucidum promotes sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathway in mice” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211003/