“The amazing king of herbs,” “the mushroom of spiritual strength and immortality,” reishi or lingzhi has long been used by Eastern healers to treat a variety of ailments. Ganoderma mushroom - what is it, how and for what diseases can it be used? Antitumor, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antiallergenic and many other properties of the miracle plant are discussed in this article.
Description of the genus of mushrooms and its main varieties
Ganoderma is the common name for a genus of fungi that contains more than 80 species. The most common are:
- Ganoderma lucidum - Lacquered polypore, or Reishi, or Lingzhi;
- Ganoderma applanatum - Flat tinder fungus (applanatum);
- Ganoderma philippii is a plant pathogen;
- Ganoderma tsugae - Coniferous polypore.
Mycologists divide this genus into 2 sections: mushrooms with a shiny cap and fruiting bodies with a glossy surface. All representatives of Ganoderma are distributed throughout the world and are found on every continent.
The most useful and famous mushrooms are Ganoderma lucidum (lacquered tinder fungus), which is also called reishi, lingzhi, lin-chi, mannentake. This species belongs to the genus Ganoderma of the Polyporaceae family.
Reishi is a saprophyte and grows well on dead wood, dying or weakened trees. Most often, lingzhi can be found on oak, elm, beech, alder, and less often on conifers.
Prefers stumps or the lower part of the trunk closer to the ground. Traditionally, the varnished tinder fungus grows in the southern and southeastern regions of Asia, especially China, Korea and Japan. Because of this, it is believed that the high price of this mushroom is due precisely to its low prevalence.
The reishi cap is glossy, its diameter ranges from 3 to 18 cm. The shape of the mushroom is like a fan, round, almost kidney-shaped. The edges are pointed, sometimes curved down. The leg has a length from 5 to 25 cm, it is cylindrical, uneven, the skin is dense, glossy. The color usually matches the color of the cap.
The flesh of reishi is tough, similar to a sponge or cork, and as it matures it becomes harder, almost wooden. It has almost no smell or taste.
Important! The appearance of the varnished tinder fungus, as well as its composition, greatly depends on the substrate. No other mushroom, whose stem is on the side of the cap, has the length that the reishi mushroom exhibits.
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Correct name
Ganoderma, or the mushroom of immortality. This is what the Koreans and Chinese call this miracle. The first mentions of him are associated with the almost mythical Shen Nong, born with the head of a bull. Even 3200 years before our era, he compiled Ben-Tsao, his famous herbal book, in which he called Ganoderma a remedy given by the gods. One and a half millennia later, Li Shizhen, the famous Chinese scientist, wrote about the beneficial properties of Ganoderma. There is a legend about Emperor Shi Huang, who ruled China in the 3rd century BC. He ordered 250 young men and the same number of girls to find for him a plant that would grant immortality. They brought him Ganoderma. The Japanese called this same mushroom “reishi”, or “mannentake”, which in Japanese means “mushroom of ten thousand years and spiritual power”. In Russia it is better known as tinder fungus. The scientific world calls it Ganoderma lucidum.
Medicinal and beneficial properties
Lingzhi has long earned the reputation of a natural antioxidant, a panacea mushroom for many ailments, including old age. The most effective tinder fungus is for the following health problems:
- overweight and obesity;
- diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2;
- allergic diseases;
- problems with the kidneys and urinary system;
- rheumatism, arthritis and other joint diseases;
- mastopathy, fibroids;
- elevated cholesterol levels;
- high or low blood pressure (improvement occurs within 2-3 weeks of use);
- helps increase intellectual and physical activity;
- strengthens the immune system.
The many advantages of this folk medicine include the following:
- removal of toxins and breakdown products;
- improved mood;
- treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- antiviral and anti-influenza agent;
- relief of asthma attacks;
- normalization of heart function, support of therapy for heart attack and stroke;
- stabilization of the nervous system, improvement of sleep quality;
- powerful antitumor effect;
- excellent cosmetic product;
- Relieving swelling and removing excess fluid from the body;
- treatment of vitamin deficiency;
- decreased appetite (in the treatment of obesity);
- treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids;
- oncology, cancer (the most famous property of Ganoderma);
- problems with potency in men.
Important! Eastern folk healers claim that the ganoderma mushroom has no contraindications or side effects.
Chemical composition of the mushroom, benefits
The varnished tinder fungus, or Ganoderma oleoresin, remains to be thoroughly studied by relevant specialists, since all the properties of reishi have not been fully disclosed to this day.
Content of nutrients in lingzhi:
- triterpenoids;
- organic germanium;
- beta-glucan, which has anti-cancer properties;
- lanostane triterpenes (excellently enhance immunity);
- polysaccharides;
- amino acids;
- antioxidants;
- alkaloids;
- glycosides;
- lipids;
- flavonoids;
- phytoncides;
- coumarins;
- essential oils;
- lipids;
- peptides;
- many minerals and acids.
Application in Chinese medicine
Treatment with Ganoderma has been practiced in China for over 2 thousand years. In ancient Chinese medical books, it is rated as a top-level remedy due to its variety of healing effects. The Chinese believed that lingzhi increases Qi energy and used it to treat many diseases. Ling means gift and chi means strength. In other words, the Chinese name literally means "gift of strength."
Reference! Lingzhi has a positive effect on the central nervous system: it eliminates neurasthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome. This used to be called “increasing fortitude.” Taoist monks used reishi preparations, as they said, “to calm the spirit and mind” and immortality.
Medicines based on the polypore polypore (Ganoderma lucidum) are produced in China in the following forms: capsules, aqueous and alcoholic extracts, powder, tinctures, mixtures, whole pieces of dried mushrooms, tablets, scrubs and soaps, pills.
Drugs
Various preparations from the Ganoderma mushroom are now produced. These can be capsules, coffee, tea, chocolate, toothpastes, creams, shampoos. Some use only the mycelium of the fungus and its body, while others add auxiliary elements such as ginseng, sea buckthorn, and vitamins.
All of them have a therapeutic effect of varying intensity. In Russia, you can see the names “Reishi”, “Linzhi”, “Ganoderma” on the packaging. It's all the same mushroom. There are also preparations of Ganoderma with Cordyceps. This is another type of fungi (not tinder fungi) that parasitize insects. Despite its extraordinary popularity and high cost, scientific research has not confirmed the value of this product as a medicine. In China, cordyceps is used more as an aphrodisiac and added to dishes, but some patients who took it as a medicine noticed an improvement in their health.
Coffee on mushroom
This drink helps fight stress, insomnia, and helps improve and restore immunity. On sale you can find products such as (Malaysia, cost about 1500 rubles per package), green, white coffee with the addition of reishi (from 500 to 1500 rubles per package). In addition, there is tea with Ganoderma additives, as well as a chocolate drink “Elite Dark Chocolate from (Smart and Rich).
The healing properties of a hot drink with reishi:
- strengthens the body and increases resistance to diseases;
- slows down the aging process;
- normalizes cerebral circulation and improves brain function;
- increases mental and physical performance;
- improves concentration;
- increases the body's resistance to stressful situations and unfavorable environmental factors.
Directions for use: pour the contents of the sachet into a cup and add hot water (temperature 80–85 ºС). You can add honey or lemon to taste.
Ganoderma for weight loss
Slimming capsules contain hydroxycitric acid, which has a burning effect only on fat cells, without affecting others. Thus, the metabolic process is regulated, extra pounds and centimeters are lost.
In addition, reishi has the amazing ability to cleanse blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and liver. Removing toxins and excess water will also have a beneficial effect on weight loss and overall well-being.
Experts say that all dietary supplements based on Ganoderma lucidum block the sense of appetite without depriving a person of vital energy. To lose weight, you need to take only 1 capsule and drink water.
A particularly quick effect can be obtained if you combine the drug with active physical activity and a properly balanced diet.
Ganoderma capsules have the amazing property of not regaining lost kilograms, but maintaining normal weight, which other similar dietary supplements cannot boast of.
This is a natural product that is filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances. Reviews prove that the process of losing weight is quick and easy.
The most popular drugs for weight loss are: “Capsules for weight loss with lingzhi” (containing Gynostemma quinquefolia, wild ginseng), “Ganoderma Tien Shan”, “Energy cocktail with Ganoderma” and others.
Story
The first known records of the use of reishi were made 2,000 years ago. In ancient texts it was often called the “mushroom of immortality.” In 200-250 AD. e. The Chinese book on medicinal herbs, Classics of Herbal Medicine, classified types of mushrooms based on their effects on different parts of the body.
According to this book, “Ling zhi (Ganoderma rubra) is bitter and balanced. It has the advantage of treating plexus in the chest, increasing heart Qi, supplementing the center, sharpening the mind and [making people] not forget [that is, improving memory]. Long-term use makes the body light, prevents aging, prolongs life and can even make you immortal. Its other name is Dan Zhi (Cinnabar Ganoderma). It grows in mountains and valleys."
Today, reishi mushrooms are famous for their beneficial medicinal properties, and each new study only proves the potential effect they can have on the entire body. They rank alongside medicinal mushrooms such as chaga and portobello mushrooms and have a reputation for being a rich source of nutrients.
Ganoderma in cosmetology
Products based on Ganoderma lucidum have found wide application in the cosmetology field. These products take excellent care of the skin without causing harm to it. The preparations are excellent for all types of dermis, including sensitive ones, as they contain anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic components.
Thanks to the large number of antioxidants for which Ganoderma is famous, such products help fight premature aging of the skin, and the presence of vitamins and valuable microelements helps nourish it. Reishi-based creams perfectly remove toxins, normalize blood circulation and lymph flow.
The most popular products: creams and cosmetics from (Sanway), Meitan7, Gano eWorldwide, from Korean.
Contraindications
There are a number of general contraindications for which you should avoid using reishi mushroom. These include:
- Pregnancy and lactation;
- Children under 7 years old;
- Intolerance to substances contained in reishi mushroom;
- Low blood clotting;
- Low pressure.
You should also avoid using Ganoderma Reishi with anticoagulants. In order to avoid possible complications, you should consult your doctor before starting a course of Reishi treatment. It is worth understanding that any mushrooms are a heavy product that takes a very long time to be absorbed in the body.
Facts and research about the effectiveness of the mushroom
Research conducted by Russian and foreign scientists (Japanese and American) in recent years, as well as joint analyzes and clinical trials carried out in hospitals, colleges and pharmaceutical laboratories, have shown that Ganoderma can help the body function more efficiently and optimally. Among them are the following data:
- oxygen saturation of the blood. Ganoderma is often taken by climbers to make climbing easier. In addition, this mushroom is found in many stimulating herbal supplements used by Chinese athletes before competitions.
- benefits for the cardiovascular system. Ganoderma prevents blood clotting, helping to control blood pressure. In cases of use of drugs by patients with arterial hypertension, a decrease in blood pressure levels and its stabilization to normal within two weeks was reliably observed.
- increasing immunity. Observation of the dynamics of patients with a tumor process after taking Ganoderma for 30 days reliably demonstrated the modulating effect of immunity. According to patients, their health improved after using Ganoderma against the background of previous radiation and chemotherapy.
- balancing blood sugar levels. Control studies in patients treated with Ganoderma Lucidum indicated a decrease in blood sugar levels and their stabilization within normal limits.
- liver protection. Patients with hepatitis B were asked to take Ganoderma lucidum for 3 months. Before taking the medicine, there was an increase in the enzymes SGOT and SGPT and bilirubin. At a control study after a month, a decrease in bilirubin and enzymes was noted, and by the end of the third month the values were within the natural range.
My Experience Using Reishi
Since I often walk in the forest, I know where everything grows. Reishi mushrooms are very beautiful and attract attention.
I first saw this mushroom on a stump and immediately took a photo. I didn’t tear it up, I regretted it. I didn’t know what kind of mushroom it was, so I left.
Then, in contact, one person wrote to me under the photo that it was reishi, and told me about it. I began to remember where I saw the mushroom.
I looked at the photo carefully and remembered that hare cabbage grew somewhere nearby. I went into the forest to look. I found the first stump pretty quickly.
There were also tinder fungi growing there. In general, there are a lot of stumps in our forest, so there are a lot of tinder fungi.
Reishi is a lacquered tinder fungus.
It shines as if covered with varnish. There is a white flexible substance inside. The spores are brown, rusty in color, sometimes of the fungus.
Reishi has different varieties, but my mushrooms are red. This is a good species in terms of medicinal properties.
Our forest is located in lowlands, alternating with upland swamps. Therefore, the stumps on which the reishi grew were located in a fairly damp, dark place, mainly pine and birch trees.
We have little spruce in the forest.
Then I went for reishi several more times and found other stumps in the area. I collected all the mushrooms and left one for debate.
I noticed that the type of mushroom attracts many people because... they are torn, examined, apparently, and thrown away. I picked up three pieces thrown near the stumps.
Preparation of raw materials
I put the mushrooms to dry on the windowsill of the balcony. When they were slightly dry, I decided it was time to cut them. The interesting thing is that these mushrooms even contain worms that match their color – red. Although there are white ones too.
I tried to remove the wormy pieces, although worms are not dangerous. After all, you don’t need to eat the mushroom itself, just its decoction.
Sometimes there was green or white mold underneath that... I scraped it off. Some mushrooms were healthy and beautiful. I cut the mushrooms into pieces that can be boiled.
I dried them and put them in a box as a reserve.
Uses of Reishi
I took half a bowl of mushrooms and poured boiling water over them, let it sit and drank half the mass. This is approximately one mug.
If you drink it at night. I don't want to sleep. But an excellent way to drive away sleep in the morning. I didn’t like that in addition to clearing my mind, my physical activity increased.
I don’t like my hyperactivity anyway. I can never sit still, I either swing my legs or move my arms. And then it got even worse. Well, I decided to pay it off using the morning glory coffee method.
It worked great. It was good all day
I tried drinking reishi along with calamus. I also harvest calamus roots myself. They have many medical properties and minimal toxicity, just like reishi.
Calamus, depending on the dose, can cause different effects. Either you feel dizzy and want to lie down, or, on the contrary, your cheerfulness, sociability and activity increase.
I haven’t really figured out calamus yet, I need to experiment. It also increases gastric juice, which is not good in the morning. Therefore, I think that there is no need to add it to the mushroom; the drink is tastier due to the calamus.
The taste of reishi is not unpleasant, but not the most pleasant either.
I hope that systematic use of the mushroom will help improve your health and improve your well-being. I can’t say about the result yet, since I don’t drink much yet.
I can only say that there is a stimulating effect. But Eleutherococcus seems stronger to me.
All photographs in the article are mushrooms I found.
I wish everyone good health!
