Frequently Asked Questions

A: Take one capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. To avoid digestive upset, take with food.

A: Most people prefer to take Mikei in the morning. For enhanced absorption, we recommend taking it with a source of vitamin C.

A: Red reishi is generally recognized for its safety and has no known contraindications. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Individuals who have undergone organ transplants or are using immunosuppressive drugs should be especially cautious and seek medical advice before taking immune-modulating herbs like reishi.

A: There are no studies indicating restrictions on who can take red reishi. However, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or dealing with serious health concerns should consult a healthcare practitioner before use.

A: In traditional medicine, red reishi is classified as a “superior herb,” meaning it can be taken long-term without side effects. However, some sensitive individuals may experience mild detoxification symptoms such as stomach upset, dryness of the nose or mouth, dizziness, soreness, or skin irritation. These effects typically subside within a few days. Discontinue use if symptoms persist or if hypersensitivity/allergic reactions occur.

A: Results vary, but most people notice benefits within one month of daily use.

A: There is no time limit. Red reishi can be taken daily as both a preventative measure for maintaining health and as a supplement for those with health concerns.

A: Yes. Mikei capsules are all-natural vegetable capsules containing no animal products, making them suitable for vegetarians, diabetics, and individuals following restricted diets.

A: One of the simplest ways is by taste. Genuine red reishi, sourced from the fruiting body, is naturally very bitter—similar in intensity to unsweetened dark chocolate—due to its high concentration of ganoderic acids, the key bioactive compounds linked to its health benefits. If a product claims to be “full spectrum” or from the fruiting body but has little to no bitterness, it may be diluted, made from mycelium on grain, or otherwise inferior. True reishi should always have that distinct bitter taste.

A: Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi are closely related but not identical. G. lucidum is the traditional scientific name for red reishi, originally describing a European mushroom. Modern DNA research shows that the prized Asian medicinal species is actually G. lingzhi, which contains higher levels of beneficial compounds studied for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Products from Japan and Asia generally use G. lingzhi for this reason. However, most products today — including Mikei® Red Reishi Essence — still use the label G. lucidum because it is more widely recognized, even though G. lingzhi is the more scientifically accurate term for the Asian species.

A: Mikei products are manufactured under strict quality standards and are independently tested by accredited laboratories before release. Tests include screening for microbial contaminants, heavy metals, radioactivity, pesticide residues, and other impurities.