Other Names: Língzhi, Yeongji, Hangul
This fungal species has a worldwide distribution in both tropical and temperate geographical regions, including
North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, growing as a parasite or saprophyte on a wide variety of trees.
Ganoderma lucidum enjoys special veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a
herbal medicine for more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine.
Because of its presumed health benefits and apparent absence of side-effects, it has attained an reputation in the
East as the ultimate herbal substance.
Alleged medicinal uses:
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Reishi may possess some anti-tumor, immunomodulating and immunotherapeutic activities, supported by some studies
on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this
fungus (reviewed by. However, the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of cancer has not yet been shown
in clinical trials. Moreover, as with any herb, variation between preparations and potential negative side effects
cannot be ruled out. It is also put forth as adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensive due to the presence
of triterpenes. Apart from these properties, uncited sources have found Reishi to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral,
anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, anti-hypotensive, and hepatoprotective. It has also been found to
inhibit platelet aggregations, and to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Because of these properties, Reishi has been regarded as blood pressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic, a
kidney and nerve tonic. It has been used in bronchitis prevention and in cardiovascular treatment, and in the
treatment of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapy support, HIV support, and
even for fatigue and altitude sickness.
Some peer-reviewed studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by
viruses and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver
diseases in humans.
Although the experiences in fighting cancer are more inconsistent, the extract has been claimed www.pubmed.gov
to be effective in regressing tumors. The results depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition. It
is usually recommended that it be used in combination with other prescribed medical treatments. The Ganoderma
extract has been employed to help substantially reduce or eliminate the side-effects of radio- and chemotherapies
if it is taken before, during and after the treatments. It is supposed to reduce side-effects like hair loss,
nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, sore throat, loss of appetite and insomnia.
Modern scientific studies:
Numerous studies of Reishi, mainly in China, Korea, Japan and the United States, have shown its effectiveness in
the treatment of a very wide range of diseases and symptoms. But the studies have not given any explanation of
how it does so, because none of the known active components taken alone have produced results as powerful as the
intake of Reishi itself. For example, reports of Reishi's effect on stamina, appetite, and other human conditions
are largely anecdotal and haven't been studied scientifically. It is perhaps more comprehensible at this time to
explain Reishi's "miraculous powers" from the traditional Chinese medicine point of view.
In the West, scientists have traditionally separated and classified each disease meticulously, and have specialized
in each of them to such a degree that it seems as if each disease is autonomous and standing alone. Oriental
medicine, resulting from knowledge accumulated through 4,000 years of human observation, asserts that health can
be maintained by sustaining the right balance within the body and that diseases can be cured by restoring this
balance through nutrition, including medicinal herbs, exercise and mental peace. Traditional oriental wisdom
believes that a disease is but the mere tip of an iceberg, the result of the underlying imbalance of the body which
must be restored.
Observations have shown that Reishi generally has only slight side effects and can be consumed in high doses, in
parallel with other medications. Its main properties are the cleansing of blood, enhancement of the immune system
and the lessening of nervous tension. These properties are conducive to normalizing and balancing the body, and
as a result, Reishi is able to help cure a multitude of diseases from within.
Reishi has been found to strengthen the respiratory system and to have a healing effect on the lungs, and is
particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma, cough and other respiratory complaints. At least one
population study conducted in the 1970s confirms this claim. When more than 2,000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis
took lingzhi syrup, 60 to 90% felt better within two weeks and reported an improved appetite, according to an
article entitled, Medicinal Mushrooms, written by Christopher Hobbs, and published in Herbs for Health,
Jan/February 97.
In Japan, after daily injections in mice with cancer it was reported that tumors in 50% of the animals had
completely regressed within 10 days. (Ikekawa et al,1968;Japanese Journal of Cancer Research; 59: 155-157)
However, most of the scientific research that has been conducted appears to strongly support red Reishi's role
as a normalizing substance - a nutritional supplement that can yield medical benefits through its normalization
and regulation of the body's organs and functions.
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