Reishi: From imperial secret to high-quality liquid extract for everyone in Switzerland
- Veronika Fabianova
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Reishi: Story of an Imperial Mushroom
Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum is more than just a mushroom. Its history sounds like a fairy tale, yet is deeply rooted in traditional East Asian medicine.
For centuries, it was a symbol of immortality, inner peace, and a long, healthy life in China, Japan, and Korea. Known as "Ling Zhi", the "spiritual plant of immortality," it was considered a lucky charm and elixir of life.
Reishi used to be so rare that only emperors and their inner circle could enjoy it, often as a tea or in elaborate recipes. For the people, it remained a legend, a treasure known only in stories.
Today, you no longer have to be an emperor to secure this treasure. Thanks to modern cultivation and gentle double extraction, you can now experience Reishi in the highest quality as a full-spectrum liquid extract.
With Mycolife at Verovitalis, we bring this once imperial privilege directly into your everyday life: pure, bioactive, and easy to use. Just a teespoon is enough to experience the millennia-old tradition and modern science in a cup of tea, a glass of water, or directly on your tongue.
Reishi isn't just history. It's your daily companion for more balance, inner strength, and long-term well-being.
Bioactive ingredients in Reishi
The value of Reishi lies not in its taste (it is bitter, not culinary), but in its bioactive compounds.
The three main groups:
Polysaccharides (beta-glucans)
Support and modulate the immune system
Promote the formation of immune messengers
Have an antioxidant effect
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids)
Can modulate inflammatory processes
Antioxidant and liver-supporting effects
Give Reishi its characteristic bitter taste
Sterols, peptides and alkaloids
Complement the active profile
Potentially hormone-modulating effects
Involvement in antioxidant mechanisms
These substances work synergistically, meaning they reinforce each other's effects. This is one reason why full-spectrum liquid extracts like those from Verovitalis are so interesting: They contain the entire natural nutrient spectrum, not just isolated components.
Reishi as an adaptogen : balance for body and mind
Reishi is also referred to today as an adaptogen , a term from modern phytotherapy. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body better cope with stress and find a healthy balance.
When you're exhausted , an adaptogen can help boost energy.
It can calm the body when you are overworked or nervous .
What’s special about adaptogens is that they don’t simply “press the accelerator or the brakes”; they support the organism in regulating what is needed at any given moment.
Reishi is considered to have a dual effect:
Studies show evidence that it can reduce stress markers in the body (e.g. cortisol).
At the same time, it can increase the immune system’s readiness increase without overstimulating it.
Scientific studies on Reishi
Modern research is investigating the traditional uses of Reishi using scientific methods. Here are three particularly relevant studies:
1. Immunomodulation in healthy adults
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (2023)
Healthy adults, 12 weeks of taking 200 mg of Reishi β-glucan daily
Results:
Significant increase in T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+)
Increased activity of natural killer cells (NK cells)
Increased sIgA levels (important defense substance in saliva)
No negative effects on blood, liver or kidney values
Reishi β-glucan taken daily was able to measurably activate the immune system in healthy adults – without side effects.
Source: MDPI Foods, 2023
2. Reishi extract for neurasthenia (chronic fatigue)
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (2005)
132 patients with neurasthenia (persistent fatigue, irritability, lack of concentration)
8 weeks of taking a Reishi extract
Results:
Significant improvement in fatigue and general well-being compared to placebo
No serious side effects
People with chronic fatigue experienced noticeable improvements in energy levels and quality of life when they took Reishi extract for 8 weeks.
Source : PubMed 15857210
3. Reishi and quality of life in cancer patients
Randomized controlled trial (2003)
Breast cancer patients after chemotherapy
4 weeks of taking a Reishi polysaccharide supplement
Results:
Better physical performance
More emotional well-being
Increased NK cell activity
Even after stressful cancer treatment, Reishi was able to help improve physical energy and mental well-being, while at the same time making the immune system measurably more active.
Source: PubMed 12725538
Why liquid extracts make the difference
Powdered mushrooms contain all the necessary components, but many of them are difficult for the human digestive tract to digest. The chitin structure of the fungal cells acts as a "protective shell" that encloses bioactive substances.
Liquid extracts offer advantages here:
Higher bioavailability : active ingredients are in dissolved form
Full spectrum preservation : Both water-soluble (polysaccharides) and alcohol-soluble (triterpenes) ingredients are obtained
Easy dosage : drop by drop – pure or in a drink
At With Verovitalis and Mycolife, we use a gentle double extraction process to preserve the complete active ingredient profile of Reishi.
My personal approach to Reishi
I often joke, "I have a little diva inside me." In the past, that would have meant hoping, like an empress, for the rare discovery of a Reishi. Today, I can not only benefit from it myself, but also make this quality available to everyone in Switzerland .
For me, this is more than a product; it is a piece of cultural history that I bring into the present day using modern science and quality standards.
Use & Dosage (General, non-medical)
Liquid extract: Depending on the product, 3-5 ml daily, directly or in water/tea
Duration: For a noticeable effect, it is recommended to take it over several weeks
Combination: Reishi is often combined with other medicinal mushrooms such as Cordyceps or Hericium
(Note: This information is for general information purposes only and does not replace personal advice.)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Reishi
What is Reishi?
A functional mushroom, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, known for its traditional use in Asia and its diverse bioactive ingredients.
Is Reishi safe?
Yes, Reishi is considered safe in normal dosages. However, people with mushroom allergies or those taking anticoagulants should be cautious.
Can Reishi make you tired?
Not directly, but through its balancing effect it can help you relax and fall asleep better.
What does “adaptogen” mean?
An adaptogen helps the body cope with stressful situations and maintain inner balance, whether you are exhausted or under pressure.
How long should you take Reishi?
Traditionally, it is taken over a long period of time, often as part of a daily routine.
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