Ganoderma Reishi Mushroom Effects for Health

Ganoderma is a genus of polypore fungi, which includes the species Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as the reishi mushroom.

Reishi is also known by its Chinese name, lingzhi. It has a long history of medicinal use in many Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.

Lingzhi has played an important medicinal and cultural role in these countries for thousands of years, particularly in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

Its fruit and mycelium were used to make medicines and the mushroom itself was revered as the “immortal mushroom” in Chinese culture. It was historically used for a variety of purposes, such as enhancing vital energy, strengthening cardiac function, acting as an anti-aging agent and enhancing memory. [1]

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Ganoderma Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma Reishi mushrooms are not gilled. They have underside pores that release their spores, making them morphologically classified as polypores.

Lingzhi is a bracket fungus that can act as either a saprotroph (lives on decaying matter) or a parasite on a variety of aged hardwood trees.

Wild lingzhi is very rare and its traditional medicinal use was isolated to the wealthy and noble. The reverence given to lingzhi may be more a result of its association with the rich and privileged than its actual medicinal benefits. [1]

Lingzhi is now readily available in supplement form because it can be cultivated as opposed to wild harvested. The popularity of the mushroom has continued to grow, which has attracted scientific interest in understanding its potential therapeutic properties.

Reishi Mushroom Uses

Many use reishi mushroom for a variety of health benefits, some of which are rooted in traditional uses. Ganoderma lucidum is used to:

• Support immune system vigor;
• Fight viral and bacterial infections;
• Treat respiratory conditions, including bronchitis and asthma;
• Support cardiovascular health;
• Regulate blood pressure;
• Support kidney and liver health;
• Support some cancer treatments;
• Reduce symptoms of CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
• Normalize sleep patterns and help alleviate symptoms of insomnia;
• Help treat stomach ulcers;
• Reduce stress and prevent fatigue;
• Alleviate pain associated with herpes

Ganoderma Reishi Medicinal Constituents

The exact therapeutic component of lingzhi remains unknown. However, the fungus contains a number of plant nutrients (phytochemicals) that may be responsible for some of its observed therapeutic effects.

Reishi mushrooms contain phytonutrient sterols called ganodermic acids – a type of triterpene. These triterpenes are quite similar in molecular structure to certain steroid hormones.

Also, reishi mushrooms contain alkaloids, polysaccharides (such as beta-glucans), mannitol and coumarin. It contains a number of other phytochemical constituents that have yet to be identified.

Research on Ganoderma Lucidum

Scientific research into the therapeutic properties of Ganoderma reishi mushroom has mainly been isolated to laboratory and animal tests.

Additional research is required to develop a scientific understanding of how reishi mushroom affects humans.

In preliminary tests, reishi mushroom has been observed to:

• Exhibit anticancer actions.
• Reduce chest pains and difficulty breathing associated with atherosclerosis;
• Support liver function in those with hepatitis B.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Improve the quality of life of lung cancer patients.
• Help alleviate pain associated with herpes simplex and shingles.

Ganoderma Mushroom Side Effects

Ganoderma Lucidum/Reishi is not commonly associated with severe side effects; however, there have been rare cases of toxicity reported with reishi mushroom supplementation when taken in powder form. [2] Further research is necessary to understand the full safety profile of reishi mushroom.

Mild side effects may include:

• Dry mouth, nose and/or throat;
• Itchy skin;
• Nose bleeding;
• Upset stomach;
• Blood in the stool;
• Rashes (from reishi wine);
• Allergies (triggered by inhaling reishi spores);

Warnings for Ganoderma Reishi

There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of reishi supplementation for pregnant women or new nursing mothers. Also, supplementation is not recommended for anyone suffering from any type of bleeding disorder.

Reishi mushroom has been observed to lower blood pressure and should not be taken by those being treated for low blood pressure. Additionally, do not use reishi supplements if you have thrombocytopenia (a clotting condition). Finally, do not use reishi mushrooms as dietary supplements if you are scheduled for an upcoming surgery.

Lingzhi mushrooms also are known to interact with certain pharmaceutical prescriptions. Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting to take Ganoderma lucidum extract or using reishi mushroom supplements for therapeutic purposes.

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