Lingzhi Tea: How to Prepare this Cleansing Tea

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Drinking Lingzhi tea is claimed to help support good health and to promote longevity. Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is commonly known as reishi mushroom.

Lingzhi is the Chinese name for G. lucidum, a mushroom that has played an important medicinal and cultural role in China for millennia.

It is said to be the second most popular herbal medicine in China. In traditional medical practices, lingzhi was administered to reduce physical effects of aging and to promote centeredness, calmness and balance.

In other regions of Asia the mushroom was used for its purported immune-stimulating properties. The tea is also used as part of a cleanse or detox regimen.

Wild Lingzhi mushrooms are very rare because they grow on decaying tree stumps. It is classified as a polypore because the mushroom releases its spores from pores, unlike toothed or gilled fungi.

Advances in cultivation have allowed these mushrooms to be grown in controlled environments and the once rare fungus is now accessible around the world. The increase in Lingzhi tea use has also spurred additional research to investigate its purported health benefits.

Lingzhi has been studied for its use against cancer, heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension and a host of other debilitating diseases and conditions. While some results have been promising, many are inconclusive or contradictory.

There is currently insufficient evidence to make any definitive claims about the therapeutic role of the reishi mushroom.

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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Benefits of Lingzhi Tea

Lingzhi mushrooms are claimed to have a normalizing effect on the body’s systems, which may help support generalized good health.

However, recent research has focused on the ability of lingzhi to act against cancer cells in the hopes of developing new treatments. Some results have been promising, but further studies are required.

In laboratory and animal studies, Lingzhi extract has been observed to:

• Inhibit tumor development by blocking the tumor’s blood supply, eventually causing death;
• Reinforce tumor cell walls, making it more difficult for it to metastasize;
• Exhibit antioxidant effects, helping to stave off oxidative damage caused by free radicals;
• Slow down production of metalloproteinase;
• Increase the actions of natural killer T-cells, which attack tumor cells and other toxic substances;
• Improve the signaling efficiency of MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase)

Effects of Drinking Lingzhi Mushroom Tea

Lingzhi mushrooms are sometimes used to help mitigate risk factors associated with coronary artery disease and heart disease. Preliminary studies indicate lingzhi supplementation may help:

• Decrease the amount of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the blood;
• Increase the amount of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the blood;
• Lower triglyceride counts;
• Decrease the amount of oxygen the heart needs to function;
• Induce vasodilation, which may improve circulation and help distribute nutrients throughout the body;
• Decrease blood pressure;

Lingzhi tea is also sometimes used to:

• Improve glucose use and help stabilize blood sugar levels;
• Alleviate pain associated with herpes and/or shingles outbreaks;
• Decrease the levels of hepatitis B activity;
• Induce sedative effects to treat insomnia and other sleep conditions;
• Treat symptoms of stomach ulcers;
• Ameliorate symptoms associated with bronchitis and asthma;

Lingzhi Tea Recipe Preparation

You can make lingzhi tea at home by following the instructions below.

1. Start with small pieces of dried lingzhi mushrooms. (You can also start with a tincture);
2. In a large simmering pot or crock pot, combine water and mushrooms at a ratio of 5:1 (water to lingzhi);
3. Place the pot on a stove element with the heat set to low. It is important to not boil the mixture: the mixture should be simmered to release the most nutrients;
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and keep simmering for a minimum of two hours, stirring gently every 10 minutes;
5. Remove from heat and strain out the mushroom pieces;
6. Serve the lingzhi mushroom tea hot or cold, adding honey, lemon, ginger, mint or other flavor enhancers as desired;
7. Decoct the remaining mushroom pieces in 100-proof vodka in a tightly-sealed jar for 8 weeks to release the mushroom’s hydrophobic phytonutrients;

Is Lingzhi Tea Safe?

Lingzhi tea is usually well tolerated. Mild side effects may include dry mouth, dry throat, dry or bleeding nose, blood in the stool, rashes, sneezing, stomach upset and/or itching skin.

Ganoderma lucidum may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Lingzhi should not be used with prescription medications for diabetes mellitus type II, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders or disorders that cause easy bruising or bleeding. Always speak with your doctor before beginning to drink lingzhi tea or take other Ganoderma lucidum supplements.

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