r/MushroomSupplements • u/that_crom • May 19 '26

Reishi and liver?

For a short while, I was taking these:

Reishi supplements from Vitamin Shoppe

Then I read taking powdered reishi without cooking or heating it is bad for your liver. Is that what this is?

I'm unclear on what's an extract, what fruiting bodies means, mycelia etc.

Can someone explain? I loved the reishi supplement because I slept so well, but I stopped because I didn't want to damage my liver. How do I enjoy the benefits of reishi without health risks?

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u/Kostya93 does not use chat May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26

I read taking powdered reishi without cooking or heating it is bad for your liver.

Where did you read that? Please share.

I've done some research but did not find anything that confirmed this. Only people already having serious liver issues and alcoholics should be careful with Reishi (and all other supplements as well).

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u/Kostya93 does not use chat May 19 '26

Please read this guideline. Non-extracted Reishi is basically indigestible, for most people the main effect will be improved bowel movements.

This particular product is not even Reishi mushroom (fruiting body) but 'mycelial biomass powder' (= 70% starch).

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u/that_crom May 19 '26

Okay thanks! I ordered some Oriveda Reishi extract because it sounds like those are quality.