- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia; Ganoderma sichuanense and related species (reishi in Japanese)
- Other names
- Lakzwam
Asia · Mushroom · № 41
Ganoderma lucidum
Mushroom · Asia
Lingzhi (reishi)
Ganoderma lucidum
A bracket fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine; evidence for treatment effects in people is limited.
Safety notes
Several Ganoderma species are sold under one name. Ask for advice if you take medicines.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, low platelet count, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution after organ transplantation.
- Chinese food therapy: According to tradition do not eat during a cold. Caution with blood thinners and blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Preparation
Dried fruiting bodies are sliced and simmered into a bitter tea, or sold as powder or extract.
Use in traditions
Revered for more than 2,000 years as the 'mushroom of immortality'. The Bencao Gangmu (1578) describes lingzhi-like mushrooms by color; exactly which species were meant is still being studied.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Stimulates the immune system, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, calming, expectorant, antitumour, heart tonic; for anxiety, insomnia, weakness, exhaustion, chronic bronchitis, heart disease.
Preparation and amount
Up to 1 g a day; haemophilia patients are usually advised not to use it.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Adaptogen, tonic, stimulating, astringent; strengthens the immune response (with recurrent colds), supports the adrenals and the balance between stress and relaxation.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: simmer a thumb-sized piece covered for 15 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1–3 dropperfuls 1–3 times a day.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Strengthens the immune system (polysaccharides, beta-glucans), inhibits tumours, lowers blood pressure; especially for viral stomach flu and bronchitis; further for high cholesterol, kidney disease, fatigue.
Preparation and amount
Extract or in food; 6–12 g a day.
Caution: Not with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, low platelet count, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution after organ transplantation.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
For centuries 'the king of herbs': for general health, stamina and long life; supports immunity, stabilizes blood pressure and works as an antioxidant. With jujubes, yam and goji strengthening and nourishing.
Caution: According to tradition do not eat during a cold. Caution with blood thinners and blood pressure-lowering drugs.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Lingzhi soup with lean pork