Reishi is a red-brown lacquered mushroom that grows on decaying oak and maple trunks. In ancient China, wild reishi was so rare it was reserved for emperors and nobility; the Shennong Bencao Jing, the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia (1st century), ranks it among the “superior substances.” In Japan it’s called Mannentake (10,000-year mushroom); in Korea, Yeongji (sacred mushroom). Today, over 4,000 scientific studies have been published on reishi.

Reishi stands out for two complementary bioactive compound families: long-chain beta-D-glucans (1→3) and (1→6) polysaccharides, the most studied compounds in reishi; and over 130 different triterpenes (ganoderic acids) — reishi is the richest mushroom in triterpenes, which give it its characteristic bitterness.

SIHO uses a hot-water-extracted concentrate rather than raw mushroom powder. Extraction breaks down the mushroom’s indigestible chitin cell walls, releasing beta-glucans that would otherwise remain inaccessible — an extract contains 5 to 15 times more beta-glucans and triterpenes than raw powder by weight. SIHO uses the fruiting body (the cap), which is richer in actives than mycelium grown on grain, is organic certified (grown on wood, not rice grain, without pesticides), and is packaged in France.

Take 2 capsules a day with a glass of water, with a meal. 60 capsules gives a 1-month course. Traditionally favoured in autumn-winter (September to March) for 2–3 month courses.

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult a doctor if on anticoagulant or immunosuppressant medication — reishi may interact with antihypertensive treatments.

Reishi powder or extract: what’s the difference?

The extract is concentrated in actives via hot-water extraction that breaks down the mushroom’s indigestible chitin wall; raw powder contains the whole ground mushroom with lower bioavailability. SIHO’s extract is 5 to 15 times more concentrated.

Can reishi be taken year-round?

Yes, in long courses of 3–6 months, traditionally favoured October to March, with a 2-week break recommended between courses.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.