Reishi Tea Benefits: Uses, Side Effects and How to Make It

Reishi tea is made from Ganoderma lucidum, a mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and sometimes called the "mushroom of immortality." Here's what it is, what current research suggests about its effects, and how to brew it at home.

What Is Reishi Tea?

Reishi mushrooms grow across East Asia and have long been used in traditional medicine to support the immune system and promote a sense of calm. The tea is made by simmering dried reishi mushroom pieces in water for an extended time to draw out their compounds, mainly triterpenes and polysaccharides, along with various antioxidants.

Reishi tea is now sold in health food stores and online, usually as dried mushroom slices or a powdered extract.

Possible Health Benefits

Most research on reishi comes from small human trials, animal studies, or lab work on cells, so it points to promising directions rather than proven effects. Early research suggests reishi may:

• Support immune function. Some small studies suggest reishi extracts can affect immune cell activity, though results vary and more research is needed; people on immunosuppressant medication should check with their doctor before using it.
• Help with stress and sleep. Reishi has traditionally been used as an adaptogen, and some limited studies suggest it may support relaxation and sleep quality.
• Offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Compounds in reishi have shown anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies.

Reishi has also been studied for possible effects on heart health, liver function and cognitive decline, but this research is preliminary — mostly in animals or cells — and isn't strong enough to support specific health claims. Reishi tea should not be used to treat or prevent any disease, including cancer, liver disease or heart conditions.

Side Effects and Precautions

Reishi is generally well tolerated, but some people report an upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth or a skin rash. Long-term or high-dose use — mostly with concentrated powders or extracts rather than a brewed tea — has been linked to acute liver injury in case reports, so it's not a good fit for anyone with existing liver disease.

Reishi can also increase the risk of bleeding, including in people on blood thinners such as warfarin, so talk to your doctor before drinking it regularly if you take blood-thinning medication, are scheduled for surgery, take immunosuppressants, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Make Reishi Tea

1. Start with good-quality dried reishi mushroom slices, whole and free of mold or discoloration.
2. Break the pieces up slightly to help release their compounds.
3. Use about 1–2 grams of dried mushroom per 1–2 cups of water.
4. Bring the water to a boil, add the mushroom pieces, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1–2 hours (longer for a stronger tea).
5. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and drink hot, or refrigerate for later.

FAQ

Does reishi tea have caffeine?

No. Reishi tea is caffeine-free, so it's a reasonable option in the evening.

How does reishi tea taste?

It has a strong, bitter, earthy flavor. Many people add honey or blend it with a milder herbal tea to soften the taste.

Is reishi tea safe to drink every day?

Most healthy adults tolerate moderate daily use, but talk to your doctor first if you have liver disease, take blood thinners, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Bottom Line

Reishi tea has a long history in traditional medicine and some early scientific support for immune and stress-related benefits, but the research is still limited. Enjoy it as a caffeine-free evening ritual rather than a medical treatment, and check with a doctor before using it regularly if you have a health condition or take medication.

For other calming, caffeine-free options, see our guides on stress tea, teas that help you sleep, and chaga tea's benefits.