Can I take Maitake and Royal sun together?

Why this happens

These mushrooms have 'additive' effects. This means they work in similar ways to lower glucose and inhibit blood platelets from sticking together. When combined, their individual effects are added together, making the overall impact on your body stronger.

How to know if you're having a drug interaction

You may be experiencing an interaction between maitake and royal sun if:

• You develop digestive issues, such as bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort.

• You feel unusually tired, dizzy, or weak after taking both supplements together.

• You notice headaches or flu-like symptoms, possibly due to immune system stimulation.

• You experience allergic reactions, such as itching, rash, or swelling.

• You have increased bruising or bleeding, especially if taking blood-thinning medicines.

• Symptoms start shortly after beginning or increasing the dose of either supplement.

What you should do

If you choose to take both, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, especially if you have diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar, such as feeling shaky, sweaty, or dizzy. You should also be careful if you are taking blood-thinning medications or have an upcoming surgery. It is best to discuss the use of multiple medicinal mushrooms with your doctor or a pharmacist. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should:

• Stop taking the supplements and see if symptoms improve.

• Speak to your GP or pharmacist for personalised advice.

• Seek urgent medical help if you develop severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

• Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements you are taking.

• Avoid restarting the supplements until a healthcare professional advises it is safe.

Important precautions

Bleeding disorders or surgery

These supplements may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. You must stop taking these at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. Use with caution if you are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.

Diabetes

These supplements can lower blood sugar levels. If you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, monitor your blood sugar closely as your dose may need adjustment to prevent hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar).

Auto-immune conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

These supplements can increase immune system activity, which may worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Avoid use if you have these conditions.

Low blood pressure (Hypotension)

These supplements may lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure or take medication to control high blood pressure, they could cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when taking medicinal mushrooms. Both alcohol and certain compounds in these mushrooms are processed by the liver; combining them may increase the strain on your liver or alter how the supplements are metabolised.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.