Ganoderma lucidum, otherwise known as reishi or lingzhi mushroom, is a type of fungus used in herbal coffee. The University of Michigan notes that Ganoderma, like many other funguses, can be found growing on the decaying stumps of dead trees. Its medicinal use dates back to over two millennia, and it has held an important place in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its widely accepted use in medicine, notes Healthline, Ganoderma has yet to be proven as a completely safe drug. In fact, many adverse side effects are linked with Ganoderma use.
General Side Effects
Healthline.com reports that Ganoderma is considered safe if used over a period of less than 16 months. However, the University of Michigan warns that some rare negative effects are sometimes noticed in as little as three to six months. Some of the common side effects are nosebleed, upset stomach, vomiting and dry mouth and throat. Vomiting and skin rash are noted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to be common as well.
Blood Thinning
The University of Pittsburg indicates that Ganoderma can limit the ability of blood to clot. This is an important for people who may be taking blood thinning medication, as the combining effects of Ganoderma can cause blood to thin even more. Simple over-the-counter blood thinners such as aspirin can also have negative combination effects when used with Ganoderma.
Liver Hepatitis
Doctors at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, noted that Ganoderma was been linked to liver deficiencies. In 2005, two patients were treated for fulminant hepatitis, or acute liver failure, after taking Ganoderma. The role of Ganoderma toxicity in acute liver failure is unclear, but the doctors recommend that its use be closely monitored by anybody taking Ganoderma in the future.
Member Comments