
Plant Family:
Ganodermataceae
Habitat & Cultivation:
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been called the mushroom of immortality; in Chinese this mushroom is known as Ling Zhi. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, Reishi has been revered in China for thousands of years. It is depicted in many Chinese works of art and is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Reishi can be found in varying climates throughout the world, preferring tropical, sub-tropical and temperate climates where deciduous hardwood trees are abundant. Despite its adaptability to different climates and topography, Reishi remains elusive. Only two or three out of 10,000 mature hardwood trees have Reishi growing on them, with oak and maple being the most common.
Parts Used/Collection:
Fruiting body
Herbal Actions:
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immunostimulating actions of broad spectrum.
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Anti-inflammatory
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Antiallergenic
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Antidepressant
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Immunomodulating
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Anti-hypertensive
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Adaptogen
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Analgesic
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nervine relaxant
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inhibits histamine
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Antioxidant
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Cardiotonic
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Anticarcinogenic
Indications:
The fruiting bodies of this mushroom contain polysaccharides, specifically a type called beta-glucans, which have been studied to support immune health and overall wellness, as well as normal, healthy cell growth and turnover.* The fruiting body extracts we use contain these polysaccharides, without unnecessary fillers or starches.
Reishi has been shown in studies to support immune function.* This mushroom is considered a tonic for Qi, or vital energy. The concept of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be thought of as a force field surrounding the body that maintains overall health and vitality.
Modern uses of Reishi include cardiovascular support, a healthy stress response, healthy energy/stamina, overall wellness and immune health.
Contraindications:
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Plant Constituents:
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beta D-glucans
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Nucleotides
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Nutrients/Minerals
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Coumarin
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Phytosterols
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Alkaloid
System Affinities:
Energetics:
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Bitter
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Cool
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Dry
Safety:
Safety category 1
No data for pregnancy, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity or lactation
Personal Experience:
I love cooking with reishi, it has been a part of my upbringing to add reishi to many traditional Khmer dishes.
Research:
ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. New York, NY: American Botanical Council.
AHP. (2000). Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Standards of analysis, quality control and therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1-28.
Bishop, K. S., Kao, C. H., Xu, Y., Glucina, M. P., Paterson, R. R., & Ferguson, L. R. (2015). From 2000 years of Ganoderma lucidum to recent developments in nutraceuticals. Phytochemistry, 114, 56-65.
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press: Vermont.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
