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Dietary supplement

Respiratory Mushroom Blend Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Respiratory Mushroom Blend is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, fatigue and general well-being, stress and sleep.Based on those ingredients, 502 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Reishi Fruiting Body Extract, Cordyceps fruiting body extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Mushroom Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (425 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This blend contains two active mushroom extracts: reishi fruiting body and cordyceps fruiting body. The product uses pullulan as its inactive ingredient — that's the capsule material and binder.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: respiratory and lung support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Lung cancer, Radiation-induced pneumonitis, Pulmonary function — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cordyceps is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cordyceps is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lung cancer, Cough, Radiation-induced pneumonitis.
  • Also on file: Reishi Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Bronchitis, Asthma, Lung cancer.

The evidence for what these ingredients actually do is limited. Reishi has been rated possibly ineffective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and we don't have reliable evidence yet on whether it helps with altitude sickness, Alzheimer's disease, or athletic performance.

Cordyceps is also rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance, and evidence is insufficient to rate it for sexual function, heart rhythm problems, asthma, lung cancer, or COPD. The data we hold doesn't support any specific respiratory benefit for either ingredient in this blend.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Reishi Mushroom Cordyceps

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both reishi and cordyceps are generally well tolerated in the short term, though long-term safety isn't well studied, and product quality varies widely. The most common side effects from reishi are dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset; cordyceps may cause abdominal discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea.

Some people can develop a respiratory allergy to reishi spores, leading to sore throat or runny nose. There's a rare case report of liver inflammation possibly tied to a cordyceps-containing product, though it's unclear whether cordyceps or a contaminant was responsible.

There isn't enough safety data to know either way whether reishi or cordyceps is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Reishi Mushroom Cordyceps

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Cordyceps, Reishi Mushroom.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 502 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before starting if you take blood pressure medications — reishi may lower your blood pressure further. Blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets) are a concern with both ingredients, raising bleeding risk.

If you take diabetes medications, cordyceps and reishi may affect your blood sugar. Also check if you take immunosuppressants or testosterone therapy, as both carry documented interactions with these ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This blend may appeal to you if you're curious about traditional mushroom support, but the evidence for respiratory or other benefits isn't established in our data. If you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, testosterone therapy, or immune-suppressing drugs, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions documented here are real concerns.

For anyone else, it's generally well tolerated short-term, but talk it over with your own healthcare provider first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Respiratory Mushroom Blend, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Net contents 40 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 273301
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
40
IngredientAmount% DV
Reishi Fruiting Body Extract0 NP--
Cordyceps fruiting body extract0 NP--
Proprietary Mushroom Extract Blend425 mg--

Other ingredients: Pullulan

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Gaia Herbs EST 1987

Formula

Only fruiting body extracts Made with organic mushrooms

The Gaia Difference Organic mushrooms Only fruiting bodies Guaranteed beta glucan levels

Why Fruiting Bodies? We use only the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, as the concentration of active beneficial compounds like beta glucans is greatest in this part vs. the mycelium.

Formulation

5X strength

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

Natural separation may occur. This does not affect product quality.

Sustainably sourced

No grain & rice fillers Gluten free

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Certified B Corporation

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

One a day

Suggested Use Adults take 1 capsule once daily. Benefits build over time.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult with your doctor before use.

Store away from children.

Use only as directed on label. Safety-sealed for your protection.

Storage

Keep bottle capped at all times and store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Gaia Herbs delivers unprecedented traceability by screening every product and sharing the results online.To learn more, enter the unique ID # below at meetyourherbs.com.

Discover our guiding truths at: Facebook Instagram @gaiaherbs

Fruiting Body - Cap Gills Stem Mycelium

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container40 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Mushroom Extract Blend

425 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Pullulan. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Respiratory Mushroom Blend?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
502Drugs
494 Moderate 8 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Respiratory Mushroom Blend with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Reishi Fruiting Body Extract3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cordyceps fruiting body extract3 drug types · 249 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that cordyceps extract inhibits platelet aggregation and function. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that cordyceps stimulates the immune system. However, limited clinical research suggests that taking cordyceps may lower the necessary therapeutic dose of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, which suggests that cordyceps may have an immunosuppressive effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Testosterone

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps and testosterone might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that cordyceps can increase testosterone levels. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Respiratory Mushroom Blend, from the product label.

Gaia Herbs

See all Gaia Herbs products
Name
Gaia Herbs, Inc.
Street Address
101 Gaia Herbs Drive
City
Brevard
State
NC
ZipCode
28712
Web Address
www.gaiaherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Respiratory Mushroom Blend by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Respiratory Mushroom Blend has a known interaction with 502 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Respiratory Mushroom Blend contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What are reishi and cordyceps used for in this blend?
These are traditional mushroom extracts, but the evidence for what they actually do for respiratory health (or anything else) isn't well established in our data. The blend doesn't have a proven track record for a specific condition.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner?
Both reishi and cordyceps may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. This is documented as a Moderate concern, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this blend — they know your specific medication and dose.
What are the most common side effects?
From reishi: dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, or stomach upset. From cordyceps: abdominal discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea. These tend to be mild, and some people can reduce cordyceps side effects by taking it with food.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on either reishi or cordyceps to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can help you weigh whether this product is right for you during pregnancy or while nursing.
How long can I safely take this?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety isn't well studied. It's a good idea to check in with your doctor or pharmacist about how long you plan to use it.
Can this affect my blood sugar if I'm diabetic?
Reishi may lower blood sugar and could add to the effect of diabetes medications, creating a Moderate interaction risk. If you take diabetes drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — they can monitor your blood sugar and adjust your medication if needed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Respiratory Mushroom Blend is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Respiratory Mushroom Blend label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Respiratory Mushroom Blend's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 31 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Reishi Mushroom 17 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3. PubMed
  3. Singh AB, Gupta SK, Pereira BM, Prakash D. Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in patients with respiratory allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:440-7.
  4. Lee SY, Rhee HM. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1990;38:1359-64. PubMed
  5. Kwok Y, Ng KFJ, Li, CCF, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg 2005;101:423-6. PubMed
  6. Wanmuang, H., Leopairut, J., Kositchaiwat, C., Wananukul, W., and Bunyaratvej, S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007;90(1):179-181.
  7. Seto, S. W., Lam, T. Y., Tam, H. L., Au, A. L., Chan, S. W., Wu, J. H., Yu, P. H., Leung, G. P., Ngai, S. M., Yeung, J. H., Leung, P. S., Lee, S. M., and Kwan, Y. W. Novel hypoglycemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum water-extract in obese/diabetic (+db/+db
  8. Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K., and Tomlinson, B. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.
  9. Jin, X., Ruiz, Beguerie J., Sze, D. M., and Chan, G. C. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD007731.
  10. Kabir, Y., Kimura, S., and Tamura, T. Dietary effect of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom on blood pressure and lipid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 1988;34(4):433-438. PubMed
  11. Kanmatsuse, K., Kajiwara, N., Hayashi, K., Shimogaichi, S., Fukinbara, I., Ishikawa, H., and Tamura, T. [Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against hypertension and side effects]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1985;105(10):942-947. PubMed
  12. Gao, Y., Lan, J., Dai, X., Ye, J., and Zhou, S. A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum(W.Curt: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2004;6. DOI
  13. Jin H, Zhang G, Cao X, and et al. Treatment of hypertension by linzhi combined with hypotensor and its effects on arterial, arteriolar and capillary pressure and microcirculation. In: Niimi H, Xiu RJ, Sawada T, and et al. Microcirculatory Approach to Asi
  14. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 17;2:CD007259. PubMed
  15. Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614.
  16. Pazzi F, Adsuar JC, Domínguez-Muñoz FJ, García-Gordillo MA, Gusi N, Collado-Mateo D. Ganoderma lucidum effects on mood and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel) 2020;8(4):520. PubMed
  17. Kogure T, Koiwai A, Fukushi D, et al. Hypereosinophilia with hepatic nodule formation caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Intern Med 2021;60(24):3897-3903.

See these in context on the Reishi Mushroom monograph →

Cordyceps 14 references
  1. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:289-303.
  2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:429-57.
  3. Chen YJ, Shiao MS, Lee SS, Wang SY. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 1997;60:2349-59. PubMed
  4. Zhao Y. [Inhibitory effects of alcoholic extract of Cordyceps sinensis on abdominal aortic thrombus formation in rabbits]. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih (Taipei) 1991;71:612-5, 42.
  5. Chen GZ, Chen GL, Sun T, et al. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets. Chin Med J (English) 1991;104:4-8.
  6. Zhu XY, Yu HY. [Immunosuppressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response]. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:485-7, 454.
  7. Hsu, C. C., Huang, Y. L., Tsai, S. J., Sheu, C. C., and Huang, B. M. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci 9-5-2003;73(16):2127-2136. PubMed
  8. Ikumoto, T., Sasaki, S., Namba, H., Toyama, R., Moritoki, H., and Mouri, T. [Physiologically active compounds in the extracts from tochukaso and cultured mycelia of Cordyceps and Isaria]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1991;111(9):504-509. PubMed
  9. Wu, T. N., Yang, K. C., Wang, C. M., Lai, J. S., Ko, K. N., Chang, P. Y., and Liou, S. H. Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports. Sci.Total Environ. 4-5-1996;182(1-3):193-195. PubMed
  10. Hong T, Zhang M, Fan J. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009698.pub2.
  11. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, Kwan TH, Mok CK, Leung C, Chan LS. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD008353. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2. PubMed
  12. Bee Yean O, Zoriah A. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019;39(1):1-14.
  13. Thurian D, Montani M, Stickel F. Drug-induced, mixed-type hepatitis following ingestion of Cordyceps sinensis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022;60(2):115-120. PubMed
  14. Yu X, Mao Y, Shergis JL, et al. Effectiveness and safety of oral Cordyceps sinensis on stable COPD of GOLD stages 2-3: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4903671.

See these in context on the Cordyceps monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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