Is it better to take Reishi in the morning or at night?

November 8, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2021 study published in Scientific Reports, Reishi mushroom promotes sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathway in mice. This discovery lends modern scientific credence to its centuries-long traditional use, but the question of whether it is better to take Reishi in the morning or at night still depends heavily on your individual health objectives.

Quick Summary

The ideal time to take Reishi depends on your personal health goals. Opt for evening doses to maximize its calming effects for improved sleep and relaxation, or choose morning intake to leverage its adaptogenic properties for sustained energy and focus throughout the day.

Key Points

Timing is goal-dependent: Take Reishi in the evening for relaxation and sleep support, and in the morning for sustained energy and stress management.
Consistency is most important: As an adaptogen, Reishi's benefits accumulate over time, so regular, daily intake is more critical than the specific time of day.
Reishi supports sleep at night: Its calming effects help reduce anxiety and lower cortisol, promoting better sleep quality when taken 30-60 minutes before bed.
Reishi can fight fatigue in the morning: Morning doses can help manage daily stressors and combat fatigue, contributing to more stable energy levels throughout the day.
Start slow and be patient: Reishi's effects are gradual. Begin with a low dose, as advised by a healthcare professional, and expect noticeable benefits to emerge after several weeks of consistent use.
Consider absorption: Taking Reishi with food or vitamin C may improve absorption, regardless of whether you take it in the morning or at night.
Consult a healthcare provider: Discuss Reishi supplementation with a doctor, especially if taking blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or immunosuppressants.

For centuries, the Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has been revered in Eastern medicine for its wide array of health benefits. As a powerful adaptogen, Reishi helps the body adapt to and manage both physical and mental stress. While its calming effects are well-documented, many people wonder if there is an optimal time of day to consume it. The truth is that the best time is often a matter of personal preference and desired outcome, though general guidelines exist based on Reishi's primary effects.

Understanding Reishi's Adaptogenic Nature

Unlike a stimulant or sedative, Reishi works gradually over time by helping to balance the body's systems. It modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for regulating the body's stress response. This means that for Reishi to be effective, consistency is far more important than exact timing. The beneficial compounds, such as triterpenes and polysaccharides, accumulate in your system over weeks and months to create a lasting effect. Whether you take it in the morning or at night, regular, consistent use is the key to reaping its full benefits.

Benefits of Taking Reishi in the Evening

Many traditional and modern practitioners recommend taking Reishi in the evening, sometimes suggested 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. The rationale behind this timing is to harness its calming and relaxing properties, which can help promote restorative sleep.

Promotes Relaxation: Reishi is well-known for its ability to calm the nervous system. Its adaptogenic properties help modulate stress hormones like cortisol, helping you unwind and transition into a more settled state for sleep.
Supports Sleep Quality: Studies have indicated that Reishi can increase total sleep time and improve non-REM sleep. While not a sedative, its ability to reduce anxiety and stress can lead to deeper, more consistent sleep cycles.
Reduces Nighttime Waking: By creating a calmer state of mind and body, Reishi may help decrease instances of waking up in the middle of the night, contributing to a more uninterrupted rest.

Benefits of Taking Reishi in the Morning

While its reputation as a sleep aid is strong, Reishi can also be beneficial as part of a morning routine. Taking it in the morning may help manage stress throughout the day and mitigate fatigue.

Fights Fatigue: Some studies suggest that Reishi can help reduce overall fatigue, which can translate to increased energy and improved concentration. By helping your body adapt to daily stressors, it can prevent the energy dips that often occur during the day.
Enhances Focus: By reducing feelings of stress and balancing mood, Reishi can indirectly help with mental clarity and focus. A calmer nervous system allows for better concentration and less distraction.
Provides Immune Support: Reishi's immune-modulating properties work throughout the day to keep your body's defenses strong. Consistent morning intake can be an easy way to ensure this vital support. Some formulas, like those blended with coffee or tea, are specifically designed for morning consumption.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Beyond the timing, there are other factors to consider when incorporating Reishi into your daily regimen.

Absorption: For some, taking Reishi with food or a source of Vitamin C may enhance absorption. Many people find it easiest to mix powdered Reishi into a morning smoothie or an evening tea for this reason.
Form: Reishi comes in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas, and extracts. The best form depends on your preference for convenience and taste, as Reishi can be quite bitter.
Dosage: Dosage can vary widely depending on the product and concentration. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on dosage.
Consistency: Regardless of your chosen time, aim for a consistent daily intake. As an adaptogen, Reishi's effects build over time, and sporadic use is unlikely to produce significant results.

Reishi Timing Comparison Table


Feature	Morning Intake	Evening Intake
Primary Goal	Sustained energy, focus, daily stress management, immune support	Relaxation, improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, nighttime recovery
Mechanism	Helps the body adapt to daytime stressors and fights fatigue	Calms the nervous system and lowers cortisol for better rest
Ideal User	Those needing resilience for a busy day and consistent energy	Individuals seeking deeper, more restorative sleep and evening calm
Consumption Method	Mixed into coffee, smoothies, or taken with breakfast	Brewed into a soothing tea, taken as a capsule with dinner, or with a relaxing drink before bed

What to Expect and When to See Results

Reishi's effects are often subtle and build over time. It is not a quick fix for sleep or stress issues. Many users report noticing benefits within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent, daily use, while others may require 6 to 8 weeks or more. Patience is crucial; track your progress by journaling your mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns to gauge its effectiveness over the long term.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Reishi is generally considered safe for most people, though mild side effects can occur, including digestive upset, dry mouth, or a rash. Certain groups should exercise caution or avoid Reishi, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with bleeding disorders, those with low blood pressure, and individuals on specific medications. It can interact with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and blood pressure medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning a Reishi supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medicines.

Conclusion: Tailor Your Reishi Intake to Your Goals

Ultimately, the choice between taking Reishi in the morning or at night depends on your primary wellness goals. If you aim for stress resilience throughout the day and sustained energy, a morning dose is appropriate. If your main objective is improved sleep and evening relaxation, a nighttime routine is ideal. Regardless of the timing, the key to success with Reishi, like other adaptogens, is long-term, consistent use. Listening to your body and adjusting your schedule as needed will help you maximize the benefits of this potent medicinal mushroom.

For more in-depth scientific research on Reishi and its effects, consider exploring studies from authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, Reishi is not a sedative and will not cause daytime drowsiness, especially with regular use. Its adaptogenic properties help balance the body, so a morning dose is more likely to help manage stress and combat fatigue, potentially leading to more sustained energy.

Reishi's effects are gradual, and it can take several weeks of consistent, daily use to notice significant improvements in sleep quality. Be patient and consistent with your evening intake for the best results.

Reishi is often combined with other adaptogens like Ashwagandha or other mushrooms like Lion's Mane. However, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if you take medication, to avoid potential interactions.

Taking Reishi with food, particularly with vitamin C, can improve its absorption. A small meal or snack can be sufficient. Many find it convenient to add the powder to a morning smoothie or an evening tea.

Reishi supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. The 'best' form depends on personal preference. Capsules offer convenience and precise administration, while powders can be easily added to drinks, and teas are a traditional method.

Yes, Reishi can be taken at any time, but timing can be optimized based on your goals. For calming benefits, the evening is preferred, while for sustained energy and focus, the morning works well. The most crucial factor is consistency.

Mild side effects such as digestive upset, dry mouth, or itchiness can occur, especially when first starting. It's recommended to consult a doctor, particularly if you are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication.