Reishi Decoction
This decoction helps with immune balance and deep calm.
Reishi can mildly thin blood — caution with anticoagulants. Stop reishi 2 weeks before surgery. Some people experience mild GI upset on first use — start with 1/4 cup. Possible interactions with immunosuppressants and certain BP meds.
About this recipe
Reishi (*Ganoderma lucidum*) — "lingzhi" in Chinese, "mushroom of immortality" — is the canonical adaptogenic mushroom of Asian traditional medicine. It does not dissolve in cold water; the triterpenes and beta-glucans require long simmering. The result is a bitter, earthy decoction that supports deep immune modulation and a tonic, calming effect on the nervous system. Drink half a cup daily for sustained adaptogenic benefit.
Ingredients
- 2-3 dried reishi slices (about 10g) (triterpenes · beta-glucans)Immune modulator — supports Energy & Adaptogens · Immune & Defenses · Sleep & Rest · Nervous System & Mood
- 6 cups water
- Optional: 1-inch ginger slice (gingerols)Nausea relief — supports Digestive · Immune & Defenses
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick (cinnamaldehyde)Blood sugar balance — supports Digestive · Immune & Defenses
- Optional: 1 tsp raw honey per cup (added after cooling)Antimicrobial vehicle — supports Respiratory & Breathing · Digestive · Immune & Defenses · Skin
Method
- 1 Place reishi slices in a pot with the water.
- 2 Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- 3 Simmer 60-90 minutes uncovered, until the liquid reduces by half (~3 cups remain).
- 4 Add ginger and/or cinnamon in the last 15 minutes if using.
- 5 Strain into a clean jar. Honey to taste once cool.
What you'll notice
- Builds immunity gently over time
- Calms a stressed nervous system
- Deepens sleep quality
- Bitter — and the bitter is the medicine
- 1/2 cup daily is plenty
Tips & storage
Reishi decoction is bitter — that's by design (the bitter triterpenes are the medicine). Mixing with cinnamon and a touch of honey makes it palatable. Drink 1/2 cup daily as a tonic; effects build over 4-8 weeks.
Refrigerate; 5 days. Reishi slices can be re-simmered once for a milder second batch.