The 4 Best Reishi Mushroom Supplements To Buy In Australia

Dried Reishi or Lingzhi mushrooms

Are you on the ultimate search for improved health and longevity? If so, reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) should be on your radar.

Along with the other heavy hitters like Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail and Chaga mushroom- Reishi mushroom is one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms ever, and has been used for thousands of years. It goes by many names (such as lingzhi mushroom, the mushroom of immortality, herb of spiritual potency, god's herb or the queen of mushrooms to name a few).

It has been highly sought after by ancient emperors and royalty from China, Japan & Korea since it's discovery over 2000 years ago to improve well-being.

Ganoderma lucidum has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (and other herbal medicine systems) to boost the immune system, improve overall health and treat a number of different ailments. One of TCM's founding fathers, Shénnóng Běncǎo Jīng, called it 'the most superior of all herbs' and put as the number one beneficial mushroom on his esteemed list.

In this guide to reishi mushroom, we will cover the various reishi brands you can buy here in Australia, the best ways to take it, and even how to identify it in the wild if you’re lucky enough to find one!

Let's get to it! ( and if you'd like to jump ahead to a specific section, just use the contents menu below.)

Where to Buy the Best Reishi Mushroom in Australia?

When looking for the best reishi, it's crucial to make sure you’re sourcing supplements from a reputable, trusted, and well-established supplier. There are a few great producers and suppliers here in Australia (and that ship to Australia) however, as with most natural supplements and mushrooms, there is a slew of poor-quality, low-potency and unethical products on the market.

Below I'll run through my 4 favourite suppliers that we consistently use and recommend. We’ve researched and used all of these manufacturers extensively and love them for their ethics, transparency and strict quality standards.

1.) SuperFeast: Reishi Mushroom Powder

SuperFeast has carved out a niche for itself as a leading producer of high-quality herbal extracts in Australia, with a focus on customer service and ethical business practices.

The company adheres to the Di Tao philosophy, sourcing all its products from their native regions. For instance, their mushrooms comes directly from the Dabie Mountains in central China.

As a 100% family-owned business, SuperFeast maintains complete transparency in its operations, including rigorous internal and independent testing for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological factors.

I've personally used and worked with SuperFeast for a number of years now and their dedication to customer service, product quality, and business ethics is very impressive.

They are undoubtedly one of Australia's best producers - if you want to know more about this particular extract, read our full review of SuperFeast Reishi Mushroom.

SuperFeast Reishi Mushroom Powdered Extract

• Known as the 'mushroom of immortality,' this potent reishi extract is highly bioavailable.
• The product undergoes a 10:1 extraction process, ensuring maximum efficacy.
• Free from irradiation, grains, fillers, starch, or mycelium, and packaged in Australia.

Pros

• Exceptional Customer Service: SuperFeast are known for their awesome buyer experience, and I couldn't agree more! From super quick postage to a personal, hand-written note with each order, it's definitely some of the best customer service I have ever experienced.
• Ethical Sourcing: SuperFeast goes to extremes to uphold the Di Tao philosophy, meaning all products are sourced wild or wild-crafted in their home regions. To achieve this, SuperFeast source their Reishi straight from the Dabie Mountains in central China.
• Complete Transparency: As a 100% family-owned business, SuperFeast are always working to operate at the highest standard. They have multiple measures in place to ensure this, from internal and independent pesticide, heavy metal & microbiological testing through to regular audits and supplier visits. You can view all these practices in detail here.
• High Potency: SuperFeast's mushroom powder is extracted in a 10:1 ratio, meaning that 10kg of mushroom is processed down to 1kg of powder. Processing is done in a 3 stage high-pressure single water extraction with respect to the individual temperature and extraction time limits of the herb. All of this results in maximum potency and bioavailability.

Cons

• Imported Ingredients: While the product is packaged in Australia, the ingredients are imported, which may concern those looking for entirely locally sourced products.

If you'd like to see exactly where SuperFeast Reishi is cultivated and harvested - hit play below!

2.) Life Cykel: Reishi Extract

Founded in 2015, Life Cykel has fast become renowned as 'mushroom innovators' that create super high-quality extracts and unique eco-products.

With locations in both Australia and the United States, they are a fascinating company with very high standards, great products, and excellent principles.

One of the core tenets of Life Cykel is its commitment to a circular economy, focusing on resource recycling and waste reduction.

For instance, the company repurposes large quantities of used coffee grounds as a growth medium for their mushrooms, diverting them from landfills.

Life Cykel Reishi Liquid Extract

• Life Cykel's Reishi Liquid Extract, a quality reishi product, is Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and considerably potent - made via a double extraction method (water & alcohol) in a 1:2 ratio (1kg mushroom gives 2L of extract). Many people find this easier to take than a powder extract as you can simply drop it under your tongue and get on with your day without having to stir it into something.
• Highly rated by customers for its efficacy and quality.

Pros

• Sustainable Practices: One of the driving principles of Life Cykel is to work within a 'circular economy' - meaning they look to recycle resources & reduce wastage as much as possible. Life Cykel recovers massive amounts of discarded coffee grounds as the substrate for many of their mushrooms, preventing it from going to landfill.
• Rigorous Testing: Life Cykel has extensively tested their Reishi supplement with full results available for mycotoxins, pesticide & heavy metals. Transparent testing is an important factor when considering any medicinal mushroom products.
• Locally Sourced: Life Cykel is again, one of very few companies to produce their extracts from organic mushrooms grown here in Australia. Where SuperFeast chooses to source according to Traditional Chinese Medicine Di Tao principles, Life Cykel prefers to go with Australian grown & made. Both are valid in my eyes and as for which one you prefer - that's up to you!
• Global Shipment: The company offers worldwide shipping, making their products accessible to a global audience.

Cons

• Alcohol-Based Extracts: The liquid extracts are alcohol-based, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Taste Profile: Some of their mushroom extracts have a distinct flavour that might not be universally appealing. 

3.) Teelixir: Organic Reishi Mushroom

Teelixir has quickly risen to prominence as one of Australia's most trusted producers of medicinal mushrooms and tonic elixirs.

The company is committed to enhancing health from the ground up and adheres to a rigorous internal 'Gold Standard' for heavy metals in all its products. This standard is met through stringent third-party testing.

Teelixir is also dedicated to full transparency regarding its sourcing and production methods, which are readily available on their website.

The company follows the Traditional Chinese Medicine 'Di Tao' principles for sourcing all its mushrooms and herbs, ensuring they are harvested from their natural habitats for maximum efficacy.

Teelixir Reishi Mushroom

• Dual-extracted Reishi powder, ensuring a full spectrum of health benefits.
• Certified organic, non-GMO, and free from any fillers, starch, grains, or mycelium.
• Comes in earth-friendly, recyclable, and plastic-free packaging.

Pros

• Gold Standard Testing: This is the internal benchmark regarding heavy metals that all of their products must meet to be included in the Teelixir range. For products and ingredients to meet that standard they must undergo strict 3rd party testing.
• Complete Transparency - On top of their internal 'Gold Standard', Teelixir is also incredibly diligent regarding the sourcing standards and production processes for all of their products. They are completely transparent with all methods with their procedures easily found on their website here.
• Di Tao Sourcing: All Teelixir mushrooms and herbs are sourced according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine 'Di Tao' principles. This refers to harvesting them from their natural growing regions and environments for maximum potency and effectiveness.
• Risk-Free Guarantee: Offers a money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free option for customers.
• Global Shipment: Teelixir ships its products worldwide, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Cons

• Strong Bitter Taste: The Reishi extract has a pronounced bitter flavor, which may not be palatable for everyone.
• Limited Range: While specializing in medicinal mushrooms and tonics, the brand may not offer a wide variety of other health products.

4.) Host Defense:

Host Defense, founded by the distinguished mycologist Paul Stamets, stands as a global leader in the field of medicinal mushroom production.

With over 40 years of experience, a host of published books and numerous industry awards, Stamets is who you'd call a true 'mushroom celebrity'.

He was even featured on the TED stage, Joe Rogan podcast and appointed as a character in the Star Trek: Discovery series!

Host Defense Reishi Capsules

• Comes in vegetarian-friendly capsules, making it easy to take without needing to stir it into food or drink like you do an extract powder.
• Utilizes the whole mushroom, both the reishi fruiting body and mycelium, offering a comprehensive range of beneficial compounds.
• Independently verified for identity, composition, and quality, making it a reliable choice for daily supplementation.

Pros

• Comprehensive Formulation: Many suppliers tend to only use the 'fruiting body' of the mushroom in their extracts, whereas the reishi capsules from Host Defense utilize both the fruiting body and mycelium. Research from Paul Stamets suggests that the mycelium is essentially the 'immune system of the mushroom' and contains many of the beneficial compounds. This is a point of contention, however, with scientists and fungi-experts weighing in on both sides of the debate.
• Expert Leadership: With Paul Stamets at the helm, the brand benefits from over four decades of mycological research and expertise.
• In-House Production: All Host Defense mushrooms are certified organic and sustainably grown on their own farm in Washington State, USA. This is done to maintain a consistent organic standard free from all contaminants.
• Global Shipment: Host Defense offers worldwide shipping, making their products accessible to an international audience.

Cons

• Debated Efficacy: The use of both fruiting bodies and mycelium is a point of contention among experts, with varying opinions on its effectiveness.
• Capsule Form Limitations: While the capsules offer convenience, they may not be suitable for those who prefer to adjust dosages or mix the product into foods and beverages.

This should give you all the options you need to find the right Reishi Mushroom extract for you. All of these mushroom complex show some subtle differences but are all potent, ethical, safe and of excellent quality.

We also have some of the best subscriber discounts available for a number of these products - if you’d like to grab a discount, just join our email list by clicking here.

How We Chose These Reishi Mushroom Supplements

Here's a breakdown of the criteria that guided us in choosing a reishi supplement to recommend:

1. Quality Assurance and Testing: Complete transparency in sourcing, production, and testing was a key criterion. Brands like T2 Tea and Host Defense stood out for their rigorous quality assurance measures. T2 Tea engages in multiple rounds of sampling and third-party testing, while Host Defense's products are independently verified for identity, composition, and quality. This commitment to quality was a significant factor in our selection process.
   
2. Expertise and Leadership: The presence of industry experts at the helm of the brand was another crucial factor. For example, Host Defense, founded by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, brings over 40 years of specialized experience to the table. This level of expertise assures us of the brand's credibility and the efficacy of its products.
   
3. Sourcing and Sustainability: We prioritized brands that are committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing. Teelixir and SuperFeast, for instance, adhere to Traditional Chinese Medicine 'Di Tao' principles for sourcing all their mushrooms and herbs. Similarly, Host Defense grows all its mushrooms on its own certified organic and sustainable farm.
   
4. Consumer Experience: Brands that offer an excellent consumer experience, from ease of use to customer service, were highly considered. 
   

Why Take Reishi Mushrooms?

The health benefits of reishi mushroom supplements, which have been used for centuries, are vast and mighty impressive - the list below is some of the most well-recognized uses and most supported by modern research.

1. Increased immune response - studies indicate that reishi may support the immune system through improved white blood cell function

2. Anti-cancer properties by activating ‘natural killer’ white blood cells - reishi mushrooms may also help control tumour activity in cancer patients through boosting natural killer cells

3. Decrease anxiety and depression, while improving quality of life - various studies indicate reishi mushroom may also alleviate symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety in people with certain medical conditions

4. Anti-aging (Thanks to the polysaccharides!) - numerous animal and human trials are looking at the effects that polysaccharides found in reishi mushroom and other medicinal mushrooms have on slowing cell decline and the aging process

As with all natural medicine, clinical research and human studies are still in relatively early stages so as always, it's recommended that you never 'self-diagnose'. Always seek professional medical advice before you add reishi mushrooms into your diet.

Is It Better To Take Reishi Mushroom Powder, Capsules or Liquid Extract?

As you can expect from a product so popular, there are a lot of different choices as to how you can take it. But which is best? Well, it's actually just personal preference! The most important thing to look for when buying any medicinal mushrooms is high-quality products with no 'fillers', once you've found a great product that you can trust then it's up to you to decide what best works for you.

Whether you want something quick and easy, 100% pure or to save a couple dollars, each different types of mushroom extract comes with it's own pros and cons.

All of these statistics are based on our 4 favourite Reishi Mushroom supplements on the market, which you can read about in more detail above.

Powder

Pros

• Can be stirred into a hot drink like mushroom tea, Teelixir's Reishi Mushroom Cappuccino, or some delicious recipes such as a SuperFeast's Raw Reishi Chocolate
• 100% pure mushroom extract

Cons

• Not as quick and easy as other types of product

Capsules

Pros

• Reishi mushroom capsules are an easy and convenient alternative compared to other reishi supplements as it doesn't need to be mixed into anything. Plus, it's easier to travel with.

Cons

• On average, work out slightly more expensive per portion (although we are literally talking a couple cents per capsule!)
• Not 100% pure mushroom extract, this supplement contains brown rice and Pullulan (an extra-cellular polysaccharide)

Liquid Extracts

Pros

• As with capsules, it's easier to take your dose of reishi than powder as it doesn't need to be mixed into anything (although Life Cykel do recommend mixing their extract into a drink for best results)
• On average works out the cheapest of all the options (again though, only a few cents per portion)

Cons

• Not 100% pure reishi mushroom extract, 30% organic alcohol

FAQ:

To finish off, we have some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the mighty Ganoderma lucidum!

Can You Eat Reishi Mushrooms?

Yes you can! It is obviously not poisonous, but if you were to eat the fruiting bodies raw, you'd find it to be quite bitter, woody and chewy. To consume the mushroom whole we'd recommend boiling it down first or using it in soups and stews.

How to Identify Reishi Mushroom?

Red reishi is quite distinctive and relatively easy to identify in the wild, although quite rare and difficult to find. It’s characterised by its stunning red colour, waxy surface and 'cap' or 'fan' shape. That being said, don't ever go hunting without a good foraging book or some advice from a qualified expert to make completely sure you know what you're dealing with.

Never eat a mushroom you have found until you are 100% certain it won’t make you grow gills, or worse. Take a few foraging classes, talk to some experts, and join a group!

Does Reishi Have Any Side Effects?

Reishi mushroom has been found to be relatively safe to take in large doses without any side effects but should be discontinued if you experience digestive problems or stomach complaints.

There are also mixed scientific studies about its potentially negative impact on the liver or kidneys, in very high doses. Start out slow with your daily dose of reishi mushroom and always consult a qualified medical practitioner for advice, especially if you are pregnant or taking auto-immune medications.

That’s A Wrap!

Thanks for reading! We hope you found what you were looking for and got some great info, tips and recommendations on the ‘spiritual herb of potency’.

As always, if you have any questions or comments at all - please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.