Plant Comparison

Lingzhi vs Selfheal

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ALingzhiGanoderma lingzhiGanodermataceaeFull monograph →
Plant BSelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Lingzhi and Selfheal: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cancer (anticancer research), …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.

LingzhiSelfheal
Constituents22
Pharmacological actions710
Indicated uses1112
Safety notes22
Cited sources2137
Indicated uses
Only Lingzhi
Insomnia / sleeplessnessMetabolic support
Shared (9)
Arthritis / joint painBlood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)Cardiovascular / heart healthCold & fluImmune supportInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritation
Only Selfheal
BruisingWoundsCognitive function
Pharmacological actions
Only Lingzhi
Sedative / sleep support
Shared (6)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntioxidantAntiviralImmunomodulator / immune support
Only Selfheal
AntimicrobialVulnerary (wound healing)Neuroprotective / cognition supportHepatoprotective (liver support)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionLingzhiSelfhealVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain1/102/10Comparable evidence
Blood sugar / diabetes support1/102/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)8/107/10Comparable evidence
Cardiovascular / heart health1/102/10Comparable evidence
Cold & flu1/102/10Comparable evidence
Immune support1/102/10Comparable evidence
Infection (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation1/102/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Beta-glucan polysaccharides[1, 4]

Principal immunomodulatory constituents, the main focus of anticancer-adjunct and immune research.

Polysaccharides
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids)[1]

Bitter triterpenes associated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and adaptogenic activity.

Triterpene saponinsTerpenes / terpenoids
Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[2, 6, 14, 15, 16]
Anticancer (preclinical)[4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[5, 9, 14, 15, 16]
Antioxidant[5, 7, 14, 15, 16]
Antiviral[6, 14, 15, 16]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16]
Sedative / sleep support[14, 15, 16]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[1, 4, 10, 15]Good · 8/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cardiovascular / heart health[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cold & flu[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Metabolic support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Metabolic support
Skin irritation[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[14, 15, 16]Caution

Generally well tolerated at standard doses. May cause mild digestive upset, dry mouth, or dizziness in some individuals. May enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antihypertensive medications. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Extended use beyond 6 months is not well studied in humans.

Safety note[14, 15, 16, 17]Caution

Duke (2002) rates reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as + and notes immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It is a key adaptogen in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for its polysaccharide (beta-glucan) content. Duke notes antiviral (score 1) and anti-aggregant activities. No strong clinical trials existed at time of publication, but lentinan and polysaccharide fractions from related species show immunomodulatory potential. Duke suggests caution in bleeding disorders due to anti-aggregant activity (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 7690471
Wikidata: Q97958947
Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469

Botanical Description

Bracket (shelf) fungus (not a true plant) that grows on the trunks and stumps of deciduous trees. It develops a hard, kidney- or fan-shaped cap with a glossy, varnished, red-brown to mahogany crust and concentric growth rings, often on a lateral woody stalk; the pale underside is covered in fine pores that release rusty-brown spores. The mycelium spreads through the wood substrate before fruiting.[1]

Height: Cap 5-20 cm across
Habit: Perennial wood-decay bracket fungus
Leaves: Not applicable (fungus)
Flowers: Not applicable (fungus); reproduces by spores
Stem: Hard, glossy, varnished kidney- or fan-shaped cap, often on a lateral stalk
Root: Mycelium spreading through the wood substrate
Fruit: Pale, finely pored underside releasing rusty-brown spores
Flowering Period: Fruiting body develops over weeks to months on the host wood

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

Habitat

Grows as a wood-decay fungus on the stumps and trunks of deciduous trees (notably maple and other hardwoods) in East Asian forests; also widely cultivated commercially on hardwood logs or sawdust substrate.

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]

Harvesting

Wild fruiting bodies are collected once mature; cultivated material is harvested from logs or substrate at maturity, then dried and processed into slices, powder or extract.

Parts: Mycelium, Whole Plant

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

Traditional Uses

Reishi/lingzhi, the 'mushroom of immortality', is one of the most revered tonic fungi in traditional Chinese medicine, used for centuries to support vitality, calm the spirit, strengthen immunity and promote longevity; this traditional tonic reputation is now studied for immunomodulatory, anticancer-adjunct and metabolic effects.[1, 4]

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Preparations

Standardised extract[1, 4]

Extract standardised to polysaccharide (beta-glucan) or triterpene content, taken as capsules or powder; the form used in most modern studies.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

References

REF-0821, REF-0822, REF-0823, REF-2039, REF-2040, REF-2041, REF-2042, REF-2043, REF-2044, REF-2045, REF-2046, REF-2047, REF-2048
REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[18, 19]Caution
Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants
Mechanism: Reishi is traditionally used as a calming, sedative herb; taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note[20, 21]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: podostroma-cornu-damae
Confused Part: Wild-collected fruit bodies gathered as reishi/lingzhi for medicinal tea; the immature red, antler-like fruit bodies of poison fire coral can be taken for young reishi.
Confusion Context: Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi / lucidum) is a hard, varnished bracket fungus collected and brewed as a health tonic. Poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), one of the few deadly-poisonous fungi, is documented to resemble Ganoderma lucidum in its immature stage. A peer-reviewed case report (Ahn et al., 2013, Yonsei Med J) describes two people who collected and boiled wild fungus as tea - one died of pancytopenia and multiple organ failure - and states that in its immature period poison fire coral resembles Ganoderma lucidum, 'well known as a health-food.' Its trichothecene mycotoxins (satratoxins) are frequently fatal. Because reishi is wild-collected for medicinal tea in East Asia, this is a genuinely lethal confusion.
Distinguishing Features: Colour and form: poison fire coral is bright blood-red to orange-red and grows as erect, often branched antler- or coral-like clubs rising from the ground or buried wood. True reishi is a flat kidney- or fan-shaped bracket (conk) with a hard, glossy, varnished red-brown to mahogany crust and a pale pored underside, growing on wood., Growth pattern: reishi forms a shelf/bracket with a distinct cap and often a lateral stalk; poison fire coral forms finger-like or antler-like red spikes with no cap., Underside: reishi has a white-to-brown pored underside that drops rusty-brown spores; poison fire coral has no pores at all.
Key Test: Look at the shape. Reishi is a hard, flat, varnished shelf/bracket with a pale pored underside, growing on wood. Any bright red, erect antler- or coral-like club with NO cap and NO pores is NOT reishi - it may be poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), which can kill. Never brew an unfamiliar red club or coral fungus; if unsure, do not use it and confirm with an expert mycologist.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Not documented

Dosage

Not documented

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References & Sources

  1. Li, W., Zhou, Q., Lv, B., Li, N. et al (2024) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Supplementation Significantly Activates T-Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity and Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(21), pp. 12072-12082. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385
  2. Cai, Q., Li, Y. and Pei, G (2017) 'Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum attenuate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and modulate microglial phagocytosis and behavioural response', Journal of Neuroinflammation, 14(1), pp. 63. doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0
  3. Zheng, G., Zhao, Y., Li, Z., Hua, Y. et al (2023) 'Ganoderma lucidum spore powder and derived triterpenes attenuate atherosclerosis and aortic calcification by stimulating ABCA1/G1-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux and inactivating RUNX2-mediated VSMC osteogenesis', Theranostics, 13(4), pp. 1325-1341. doi:10.7150/thno.80250 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.80250
  4. Sohretoglu, D. and Huang, S (2018) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 18(5), pp. 667-674. doi:10.2174/1871520617666171113121246 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1871520617666171113121246
  5. Seweryn, E., Ziala, A. and Gamian, A (2021) 'Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum', Nutrients, 13(8), pp. 2725. doi:10.3390/nu13082725 Meta-analysis / review
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    https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X11008610
  11. Geng, X., Zhong, D., Su, L., Lin, Z. and Yang, B (2019) 'Preventive and therapeutic effect of Ganoderma lucidum on kidney injuries and diseases', Advances in Pharmacology, 87, pp. 257-276. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003
  12. Sliva, D (2004) 'Cellular and physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)', Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 4(8), pp. 873-879. doi:10.2174/1389557043403323 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557043403323
  13. Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J. and Zhi-Bin, L (2007) 'Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds', Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, pp. 265-301. doi:10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6
  14. Bao, X. et al (2001) 'Structural requirements for the immunological activities of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum', 41(9), pp. 2603--2611. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Structural%20requirements%20for%20the%20immunological%20activities%20of%20polysaccharides%20from%20Ganoderma%20lucidum
  15. Jin, X. et al (2012) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Reishi%20mushroom%29%20for%20cancer%20treatment
  16. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J.A. and Benzie, I.F.F (2011) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Lingzhi%20or%20Reishi%29%3A%20A%20Medicinal%20Mushroom
  17. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  18. Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
  19. Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
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  20. Ahn, J.Y. and Seok, S.J. and Song, J.E. and Choi, J.H. and Han, S.H. and Choi, J.Y. and Kim, C.O. and Song, Y.G. and Kim, J.M (2013) 'Two cases of mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae', Yonsei Medical Journal, 54(1), pp. 265-8. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265
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    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.