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Reishi

(Ganoderma lucidum)
Also know as Ling zhi

Botanical Information

A beautiful red- or black-varnished, hard mushroom that grows with a long stalk on dead trees.

Working with Reishi

Part(s) Used

Fruiting Body

Herb Forms

Tincture, powdered extract, tablet, capsule, bulk herb

Christopher Hobbs:

“Reishi is an ancient mushroom, used in Asia for thousands of years as a longevity and powerful restorative remedy. It is a powerful immune-strengthening mushroom that has been revered as a panacea for 2,000-3,000 years in China. In some studies, it appears to regulate blood sugar, relieve allergies, reduce heart problems, alleviate insomnia, and possibly lower cholesterol. In China, it is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ and is used for fatigue, neurasthenia, and insomnia.
I have found it useful for many kinds of deficiency syndromes, such as AIDS, chronic fatigue, and cancer in conjunction with a total constitutional tonification program.
Reishi extract is especially useful for helping to reduce fatigue, “calm the spirit,” promote a restful sleep and night, and reduce anxiety and nervousness in people who have deficiency, or adrenal weakness.
Reishi can be found alone or blended with other herbs in liquid extracts, powdered extracts, and powders. It is best to use only extract products, because the powder is often not efficiently absorbed and is generally too weak for full therapeutic benefits.

Reishi has a taste of SWEET, MILD and a temperature of WARM.”

Historical Uses of Reishi

Reishi, known as “Lingzhi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for over 2,000 years. It is regarded as a symbol of health, longevity, and spiritual potency. Traditionally, it was used to treat fatigue, respiratory disorders, liver disease, and to promote overall vitality and immune health.

Modern Clinical Uses

Herbalists and naturopaths recommend reishi for:

  1. Immune Support: Modulates the immune system, useful in autoimmune conditions and immune deficiency.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Helps in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
  3. Stress Reduction: Acts as an adaptogen, improving resilience to stress.
  4. Cancer Adjunct Therapy: May support patients undergoing chemotherapy by reducing side effects and enhancing immune response.
  5. Cardiovascular Health: Promotes heart health by reducing cholesterol and improving blood circulation.

Chemistry

Reishi contains bioactive compounds, including:

  • Polysaccharides: Enhance immune function and exhibit anti-cancer properties.
  • Triterpenes (ganoderic acids): Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antihistamine effects.
  • Sterols: Potential cholesterol-lowering effects.
  • Peptides and Alkaloids: Support antioxidant and enzymatic activity.

Pharmacology

  1. Immunomodulation: Polysaccharides activate macrophages and stimulate natural killer (NK) cells.
  2. Antioxidant Effects: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.
  3. Anti-tumor Activity: Triterpenes may inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in experimental models.
  4. Liver Protection: Ganoderic acids help reduce liver enzymes and improve liver function.
  5. Neuroprotection: Potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

 

Clinical Trials

Clinical studies are limited but promising. Key findings:

  1. Cancer: Studies show polysaccharides can improve immune responses in cancer patients.
  2. Metabolic Health: Reishi reduced fasting blood sugar and cholesterol levels in small-scale studies.
  3. Stress and Sleep: Improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in individuals with neurasthenia.
  4. Antiviral Effects: Limited trials suggest potential benefits in managing chronic hepatitis B.

Summary

Reishi has a rich history and a growing body of scientific support for its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties. While promising in areas like cancer support, cardiovascular health, and metabolic regulation, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy. Reishi is generally safe when used appropriately and under professional guidance.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs

 

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Cautions

None noted.

Conditions treated with Reishi

Condition

Treatment Support

Application

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Condition

Treatment Support

immune tonic

Application

tincture, tablet, tea

Condition

Treatment Support

immune tonic

Application

tincture, tablet, tea

Condition

Treatment Support

nutritive tonic

Application

tablet, capsule, tincture

Condition

Treatment Support

tonifying, calming to the spirit

Application

tablet, capsule, tincture

Condition

Treatment Support

tonifying to the immune system

Application

tablet, capsule, tincture

Condition

Treatment Support

calms spirit

Application

tea, tincture, capsules, tablets

Condition

Treatment Support

adaptogen, immune modulator

Application

extract in capsules or tablets, tea

Condition

Treatment Support

immune tonic

Application

tincture, tablet

Condition

Treatment Support

calms the spirit

Application

powdered extract in capsules or tablets, tea

Condition

Treatment Support

calms spirit

Application

tea, tincture

Condition

Treatment Support

calming to the spirit

Application

tablet, tincture, capsule

Condition

Treatment Support

tonic, liver protecant, calmant

Application

tablet, tincture

Condition

Treatment Support

immune tonic

Application

tincture, tablet

Dosages

Powdered Extract

1-3 grams per day of a 10:1 extract

Decoction

5-10 grams daily

Capsules

follow label instructions

The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.

The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.

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