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.
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.
Notes on reishi preparations:
The powdered extract is the best form to use to maximize the herb’s tonic properties. This is made by boiling down the mushroom fruiting bodies in hot water which breaks down the cell walls and releases large-molecular weight polysaccharides (giant sugar molecules). This hot tea is then reduced under heat, ground up to a smoothie-like consistency and then dried and powdered. The average tonic dose of this powdered dried tea concentrate is about 2-4 grams/day. With "00" caps (about 400-500 mg/cap), use 2-3, 2-3 x daily with meals.
Reishi has a taste of SWEET, MILD and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
None noted.
Conditions treated with Reishi
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
immune strengthener
Application
tablet, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
nourishing tonic
Application
tincture, tablet
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
adaptogen, immune modulator
Application
extract in capsules or tablets, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
calms the spirit
Application
powdered extract in capsules or tablets, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
tonic, liver protecant, calmant
Application
tablet, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
immune tonic
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
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.