While reishi mushroom supplements have grown immensely in popularity in the Western world, they have a long history of use. Known as ling zhi in Chinese, reishi is one of the most celebrated medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—and for good reason. Often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” it has been used for over two thousand years to promote vitality, calm the mind, and support long-term health. With a rich history and a growing presence in modern wellness circles, reishi continues to bridge the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary science.
A Storied History
Ling zhi has deep roots in Chinese culture. It first appeared in the “Shennong Ben Cao Jing”—a classic herbal text dating back to the Han Dynasty (around 200 CE)—where it was described as a “superior herb,” meaning it could be taken long-term to improve health without harmful side effects. For centuries, it was considered so rare and valuable that it was mostly reserved for emperors and nobility. Its image appears in ancient Chinese paintings, sculptures, and even imperial robes, and it symbolized longevity and spiritual strength.
In Daoist philosophy, reishi wasn’t just medicine; it was seen as a sacred plant that could connect the physical and spiritual worlds. In fact, ling zhi may be translated as “holy or sacred herb,” and it has traditionally been used by Daoist monks to improve their meditative practices and support good health. Some even believed it could help one achieve immortality, which is how it earned its mystical nickname.
TCM’s Approach to Reishi Mushrooms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ling zhi is known for its calming, nourishing qualities. It’s believed to support the TCM versions of the Heart, Liver, and Lungs, while also calming the Shen, or spirit—a term TCM uses to describe mental and emotional balance. That’s why it’s commonly used for symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and restlessness.
It is also classified as a Qi and Blood tonic, meaning it can address “deficiency” symptom such as fatigue, weakness, forgetfulness, and long-standing or chronic health issues. In fact, compounds in reishi mushrooms have been found to do just that. Reishi’s slightly bitter taste comes from its triterpenes, compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, heart-strengthening, and liver-supportive properties.
In TCM, the TCM Lungs are considered part of the gateway of defense against external pathogens—bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that can attack the body. Reishi mushrooms have been used traditionally to treat coughing and wheezing and deal with excess lung phlegm. Indeed, reishi’s sweet flavour undertone comes from polysaccharides that help balance the immune system. That means that it can both kick up the defensive activity of the immune system to help deal with colds, flus, and even cancerous cells, as well as calm the immune system, if the immune system is overreacting, such as can occur with allergies.
Traditionally, reishi has been brewed as a tea, ground into powder, or taken as part of a larger herbal formula tailored to an individual’s needs.
Reishi Today
Fast forward to today, and reishi has made its way from ancient Chinese apothecaries to health food stores and wellness routines around the world. Modern research has been exploring its potential benefits—particularly its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-tumour effects.
It is most commonly marketed now as a product that’s helpful in dealing with stress, calming the nervous system, and supporting restorative sleep, and you may see it combined with other mushrooms or herbs or found on its own.
Nowadays, you’ll find reishi in capsules, teas, tinctures, coffee blends, chocolate and other foods, and even skincare products. What you’ll want to ensure is that the formats you choose include the beneficial compounds in quantities that make a difference. That means making sure you get the fruiting body, and not just the mycelium (root-like structure), as only the fruiting body contains the triterpenes. It also means checking that the mushrooms were grown in the appropriate medium for long enough for the mushroom to grow to maturity, without the use of harmful chemicals, and then extracted and concentrated so that you get enough of those beneficial compounds.
Ling zhi is still widely used by TCM professionals, and while it’s usually combined with other herbs, it is one of the rare herbs that TCMs will sometimes recommend taking on its own because it holds a special status.
A Living Legacy
What makes reishi so special is that it truly embodies the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine: supporting balance, nourishing the whole person, and working with the body over time. It can both address current symptoms and health challenges, as well as be taken long-term preventatively. Reishi offers a connection to centuries of wisdom and a gentle nudge toward better health, one day at a time.
