Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Reishi mushrooms?
Reishi is the Japanese name for the botanical family of mushrooms named Ganoderma lucidum, or Ling Zhi (Ling Xi) in Chinese. Reishi mushrooms are mentioned in Chinese herbal texts that date back to 400 B.C. as one of the most important components of ancient alchemy. The most prized varieties originated in China and Japan, where the cultivation technology first developed.
Q: Why should I take Reishi mushrooms?
Literature from ancient to modern times is filled with studies about various uses and applications of Reishi mushrooms. Unfortunately, U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations prohibit us from publishing information that makes any claim as to Reishi mushroom’s use in the treatment, prevention, or cure of any disease or other health condition. Even though our First Amendment Rights prevent us from providing you with this important information, you still have the right to surf the net where you will find a wealth of information.
Q: I’ve heard that Reishi mushrooms have been used in treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, or as an alternative treatment of lupus?
A: The claims of effectiveness of any natural food product mushrooms in the treatment of any disease is forbidden. There have been no postherpetic neuralgia or lupus clinical studies in the United States. Studies of the effectiveness of Reishi in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and lupus have been undertaken by doctors and researchers in countries more culturally acceptable to alternative treatments of diseases with natural substances. There are indications the red Reishi mushroom reduces inflammation and is comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) presently prescribed to treat postherpetic neuralgia and lupus.
While we make no claims to the treatment of any medical condition, we invite you to consult with your doctor about using Reishi mushroom supplements.
Q: Since Reishi was originally a wild mushroom, how can I be sure it is safe and will not cause any allergic or other toxic reaction.
Reishi is one of the safest, if not the safest herbal food product available today. Over the past decade, ORGANOTECH® has never had a single report of an allergic or toxic reaction from people using our products, nor have there been any anecdotal or scientific reports of Reishi mushrooms being toxic or incompatible with any foods, over-the-counter, or prescription medications.
Q: Have there been any recent research studies conducted in the United States?
The University of Texas Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, studied the anti-inflammatory properties of Reishi mushrooms on laboratory mice from 1989-1996, in which the anti-inflammatory properties of Reishi compared favorably with hydrocortisone and aspirin in both oral and topical applications on mice. No human studies were done, and no direct correlation to human efficacy can be made without extensive human trials.*
Q: Why isn’t there more research on Reishi?
The cost of such research is prohibitively expensive for a relative small company like Vitasol/ORGANOTECH. Large pharmaceutical companies have the resources to do the research, but they are only interested in developing synthetic compounds that can be patented. Plants and their natural byproducts that exist in the wild and are reproduced by several different growers cannot be given patent protection.
Q: Why does the price of Reishi mushroom products vary so widely from supplier to supplier?
Not all products that claim to be Reishi are made from the same ingredients. (Please Read “ORGANOTECH®REISHI WANTS YOU TO KNOW“). All ORGANOTECH®Reishi mushroom products are made using only organically-grown, mature red fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum.
Q: How much Reishi should I take?
200-400 mg., (2-4, 100 mg. capsules), twice daily is recommended as a part of a balanced nutritional program.
These statement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor prior to pursuing any alternative treatments to medical conditions.
