Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Night Sweating

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is considered a tonic for longevity and overall well-being. In TCM, night sweating is often associated with "yin deficiency" or "deficiency heat," conditions for which reishi is sometimes recommended. Historical TCM texts and modern herbalists sometimes include reishi in formulas designed to address symptoms like night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety, especially in menopausal women or individuals recovering from illness. The rationale is based on reishi’s reputed ability to "nourish the heart and calm the spirit," as well as its adaptogenic and immune-modulating properties.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting reishi mushroom's effectiveness specifically for night sweating is extremely limited. Most modern research on reishi has focused on its potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects rather than its impact on sweating or menopausal symptoms. A few studies have explored reishi for general menopausal symptoms, stress, or sleep, but these are often preliminary, small-scale, or involve multi-herb formulations, making it difficult to attribute effects specifically to reishi. Thus, while traditional use supports this application, robust clinical evidence is lacking, leading to a low evidence rating.

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