What does reishi mean?
Reishi is the common name for a bracket-forming mushroom with a hard, glossy, reddish-brown cap, traditionally identified as Ganoderma lucidum. In culinary and commercial contexts, the name can also cover other species in the genus Ganoderma. The mushroom has a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine and is commonly called the “mushroom of immortality,” a name reflecting its reputation rather than a guarantee of health benefits. Today it appears in dietary products as dried slices, powder, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. Its tough, woody texture means fresh specimens are seldom eaten as ordinary vegetables and are often dried or prepared as extracts. Reishi is also known as lingzhi and, in some older English-language literature, mannentake. Because products may contain different Ganoderma species and different parts of the fungus, descriptions of their composition and uses can vary considerably.
nounA large, reddish-brown bracket mushroom belonging to the genus Ganoderma, especially the species traditionally identified as Ganoderma lucidum. It is valued in some traditional East Asian medicines and is also sold in forms such as powder, capsules, teas, and extracts.
- The edible basidiomycete mushroom traditionally known as Ganoderma lucidum.
- A preparation or supplement made from this mushroom or from other species of Ganoderma.
"She added reishi powder to her morning tea while researching its traditional uses."
"Fresh reishi mushrooms are often dried because their firm texture does not soften considerably during cooking."
"The label listed reishi extract among the ingredients of the dietary supplement."
When individual specimens are intended, “reishi mushrooms” may be used instead for greater clarity.
"The cultivator displayed several reishis growing from the side of a log."
Known as the “mushroom of immortality” in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi has a polished cap and a history of use spanning more than two millennia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reishi come from?
The English word reishi was borrowed from Japanese reishi, which is also written 霊芝 and is associated with the Chinese medicinal mushroom lingzhi, 靈芝. The Japanese expression combines words meaning “spiritual” or “divine” with “mushroom.” The fungus has appeared in Chinese medical literature for centuries and was later introduced into Japanese materia medica under the same name.
How reishi is actually used
In commercial products, “reishi” may refer to several Ganoderma species and to concentrates made from fruiting bodies, mycelium, or spores. “Lingzhi” is a common alternative name. Claims about its medicinal effects vary, and the word itself does not establish clinical effectiveness.