Quick answer: Reishi and ashwagandha are both called adaptogens, but they are quite different. Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic root, has more human trials on stress and sleep. Reishi, a mushroom used in traditional Chinese practice, is mainly studied for immune support and has weaker evidence for stress. Choose based on your goal, and check with a doctor if you take any medicines.
Key takeaways
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has the stronger human evidence for stress and sleep among the two.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is traditionally used for calm and immunity, but good human trials on stress are limited.
- Both have safety notes: rare liver injury reports, and interactions with thyroid, diabetes, blood-pressure, blood-thinning or immune-suppressing medicines.
- Neither should be used in pregnancy without medical advice.
- Start with one adaptogen at a time so you can tell how your body responds.
By the Musshh Team · Last updated: 12 November 2026
What is the difference between reishi and ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a root herb from Ayurveda, while reishi is a medicinal mushroom from East Asian tradition. Both are grouped as adaptogens, but they come from different plant kingdoms and have different research behind them.
An adaptogen is a herb or mushroom believed to help the body cope with physical and mental stress. The term is popular in wellness marketing, but it is not a medical category, and each adaptogen has to be judged on its own evidence. We explain the idea in more detail in adaptogens explained.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), sometimes called Indian ginseng, has been used in India for centuries, usually as a root powder taken with milk or water. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), known as lingzhi in China, is a woody mushroom that is usually taken as a hot-water extract, tea or capsule. Read more in our reishi mushroom guide.
How do reishi and ashwagandha compare?
Here is a side-by-side comparison on the points people in India most often ask about.
| Ashwagandha | Reishi | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Root of a shrub (Ayurveda) | Medicinal mushroom (Chinese and Japanese tradition) |
| Traditional use | Stress, strength, sleep, vitality | Calm, longevity, immune support |
| Human evidence on stress | Several randomised trials; generally positive | Few, small studies |
| Human evidence on sleep | Some trials suggest benefit | Limited; insomnia is listed as a possible side effect |
| Common forms | Root powder, capsules, gummies | Extract powder, tea, capsules, tincture |
| Taste | Earthy, slightly bitter, "horse-like" smell | Very bitter, woody |
| Key cautions | Pregnancy, thyroid and autoimmune conditions, sedatives, diabetes and BP medicines | Blood thinners, immunosuppressants, upcoming surgery |
Which is better for stress: reishi or ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha has the stronger evidence for stress. Studies suggest it may help reduce perceived stress, while reishi's evidence for stress is still thin.
In a 2012 randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 64 adults in India, published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, participants who took a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract for 60 days reported lower stress scores and had lower serum cortisol than the placebo group. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarises that some ashwagandha preparations may help with stress and insomnia, while evidence for anxiety is unclear.
For reishi, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's herb database notes a small study in students that measured stress, but overall says more research is needed. In short, reishi may support a calm routine, but it should not be described as a proven stress remedy.
Which is better for sleep?
If sleep is your main goal, ashwagandha has more supportive research. Reishi is often marketed for sleep, yet reliable human evidence is limited.
Interestingly, Memorial Sloan Kettering lists insomnia among reported reishi side effects. That does not mean reishi will keep you awake, but it shows why marketing claims should be checked against real studies. Good sleep habits, such as fixed bedtimes, less screen time and avoiding late caffeine, still matter more than any supplement.
Which is better for immunity?
Reishi is more closely linked with immune research. Its beta-glucans (polysaccharides from the mushroom's cell walls) have been studied for effects on immune cells, mostly in lab and animal studies.
Human results are mixed, and no supplement should replace vaccines, a balanced diet, sleep and medical care. Ashwagandha is studied less for immunity and more for stress, strength and sleep.
Are reishi and ashwagandha safe?
Both are generally well tolerated by healthy adults for short periods, but both have important cautions. Talk to a doctor first if you have a health condition or take regular medicines.
- Ashwagandha: NCCIH notes it may be safe for up to about three months, that rare cases of liver injury have been linked to it, and that it should be avoided in pregnancy and by people with thyroid or autoimmune conditions. It may interact with diabetes, blood-pressure, thyroid, sedative and immunosuppressant medicines.
- Reishi: Memorial Sloan Kettering lists nausea, dizziness, dry mouth and rare liver injury as reported effects. It may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners and may not suit people on immunosuppressants.
For a general safety checklist on functional mushrooms, see our cordyceps safety checklist.
Can you take reishi and ashwagandha together?
Some blends combine them, but there is little research on taking them together. If you want to try both, start one at a time for two to three weeks before adding the other.
Introducing one supplement at a time helps you notice any side effects and tells you what is actually helping. Avoid stacking several calming supplements with sleeping pills or alcohol, and buy only products with an FSSAI licence number, which you can verify on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal.
Where does cordyceps fit in?
Cordyceps is usually chosen for energy and stamina rather than calm. Many people pair a morning cordyceps drink with an evening wind-down routine.
At Musshh we make Cordtea, a caffeine-free infusion of lab-grown Cordyceps militaris with lemon and honey powder. It is a warm daytime ritual rather than a sedative. If stress is your focus, our post on Cordtea as a calm daily ritual shares simple ways to build a routine. New to it? Try the 15-sachet trial pack.
Please note: Reishi, ashwagandha and cordyceps are food supplements, not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, on medication or have a health condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is reishi stronger than ashwagandha?
They work differently, so "stronger" is not the right comparison. Ashwagandha has more research for stress and sleep, while reishi is studied more for immune support.
Can I take ashwagandha every day?
Many studies used daily doses for 8 to 12 weeks. NCCIH notes long-term safety is not well established, so take breaks and follow medical advice for longer use.
Does reishi make you sleepy?
Some people find reishi calming, but there is little strong evidence that it causes sleepiness. A few people report insomnia or upset stomach instead.
Who should avoid ashwagandha?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with thyroid or autoimmune conditions, and anyone due for surgery should avoid it unless a doctor approves. People on sedatives, diabetes or blood-pressure medicines should check first.
Can I drink reishi tea with Cordtea?
There is no known problem with having them at different times of day for most healthy adults. If you take medicines, especially blood thinners, ask your doctor first.
Written by the Musshh Team, India. We make Cordtea with lab-grown Cordyceps militaris and review research regularly to keep our guides accurate.