Biological Name: Ganoderma lucidum

Other Names: Ling chih, mushroom (reishi), Reishi, ling zhi, Reishi Mushroom

Elements Applied: Mushroom body is commonly used in herbal medicine.

Active Components: Reishi is rich in a range of components, like triterpenoids, dubbed ganoderic acids, polysaccharides, mannitol, coumarin, and sterols. Ganoderic acids are stated to decrease arterial tension and lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride amounts in blood. These acids are also capable of decreasing platelet coagulating capacity, which helps prevent atherosclerosis, especially heart atherosclerosis.

Although human studies have revealed the mushroom is effective in relieving altitude nausea and recurrent hepatitis B, the proof is still insufficient.

History: Chinese herbalists have always considered this mushroom to possess specific capacity. In China mushrooms are referred to as sacred medicine due to their alleged ability to nourish the soul and the spirit. Due to this reason they are especially valuable in vegetarian eating patterns and considered to provide longer life span in people. Chinese herbalists use a variety of medical mushrooms.

According to an ancient herbal scripture, reishi is potent of reducing body weight, probably due to its capacity to reduce lipid and cholesterol amounts in blood. The mushroom is also capable of promoting immune activity.

Chinese herbalists have used reishi in their preparations for over four thousand years. Its Chinese name interprets its spiritual origin and mental capacity, and is also referred to as a beverage which can make one immortal. In conventional Chinese medicine the herb was applied as a remedy for coughs, insomnia, asthma, weakness, and general tiredness.

Used For: Reishi is commonly prescribed for high triglyceride levels, hypertension, HIV support, hepatitis, tiredness, chemotherapy, and altitude sickness.

Additional Info: Reishi can be gathered wild from tree stumps along the coast areas of China. Its mushroom body is applied in herbal medicine. Reishi differs in color with different varieties, but the usual one is red-colored reishi, widely applied and commercially raised in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and North America.

Preparation and Intake: According to medical indications, dried reishi is applied at a dose of 1.5-9 grams a day, 1-1,5 grams if used as powder, and 1 ml a day in form of tincture. It is also drunk as common tea.

Safety: Reishi may lead to side effects like stomach complaints, nasal bleeding, dry throat and mouth, as well as giddiness. These effects may result from its prolonged application for a period of 3-6 months. Due to its capacity to prevent blood clotting, it is no used in company with anti-coagulant medicine. If you’re breastfeeding a baby or pregnant with one, speak to your health-care provider before using reishi. As reishi poses a threat to one’s wellness, it’s highly suggested to take under medical control, and after a consultation.