 |
| Home | About Us | Resources | Testimonials | Wholesale | Site Map | Contact Us | My Account | View Cart |
|
Click on the red arrows below to order. Our Reishi are Certified Organic
Língzhī(traditional Chinese: 靈芝; simplified Chinese: 灵芝; Japanese: reishi; Korean: yeongji, hangul) is the name for one form of the mushroomGanoderma lucidum, and its close relative Ganoderma tsugae. Ganoderma lucidum enjoys special veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicineas a herbal medicine for more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine. The word lingzhi, in Chinese, means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as "mushroom of immortality". Because of its presumed health benefits and apparent absence of side-effects, it has attained a reputation in the East as the ultimate herbal substance. Lingzhi has now been added to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. Medicinal uses Lingzhi may possess some anti-tumor, immunomodulatoryand immunotherapeuticactivities, supported by some studies on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this fungus (reviewed by R. R. Paterson[5]). However, the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of cancer has not yet been shown in clinical trials.[6] Moreover, as with any herb, variation between preparations and potential negative side effects cannot be ruled out. It is understood as adaptogenic, anti-allergenicand anti-hypertensivedue to the presence of triterpenes. Apart from these properties, lingzhi has been found to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, anti-hypotensive, and protective of the liver. It has also been found to inhibit plateletaggregation, and to lower blood pressure, cholesteroland blood sugar. Because of these properties, lingzhi has been regarded as blood pressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic, a kidneyand nervetonic. It has been used in bronchitisprevention and in cardiovasculartreatment, and in the treatment of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapysupport, HIVsupport, and even for fatigueand altitude sickness.
Some peer-reviewed studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by viruses and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver diseases in humans.
Although the experiences in fighting cancerare more inconsistent, the extract has been claimed to be effective in regressing tumors. The results depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition. It is usually recommended that it be used in combination with other prescribed medical treatments and as part of a fu zhengformula with a variety of supporting herbs. The Ganoderma extract has been employed to help substantially reduce or eliminate the side-effects of radio-and chemotherapiesif it is taken before, during and after the treatments. It has been found clinically to reduce side-effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, sore throat, loss of appetite and insomnia.
Preparation Because mushrooms contain chitin which locks up medicinal components, preparations of lingzhi are unlikely to be medicinally active unless there has been a prolonged water extraction. [citation needed] Simply tincturing the mushroom in ethanol or powdering it and encapsulating it makes preparations that are essentially inert and may account for some of the inconsistency in research results. Additionally, mushrooms traditionally incorporate or transform constituents from their host trees and mycelial fractions grown in sawdust or other substrate may differ appreciably from the whole fungus.
Lingzhi is traditionally prepared by simmering in water. Thinly sliced or pulverized lingzhi (either fresh or dried) is added to a pot of boiling water, the water is then brought to a simmer, and the pot is covered; the lingzhi is then simmered for two hours. The resulting liquid should be fairly bitter in taste, with the more active red lingzhi more bitter than the black. The process may be repeated. Alternatively, it can be used as an ingredient in a formula decoctionor used to make an extract (in liquid, capsule, or powder form). The more active red forms of lingzhi are far too bitter to be consumed in a soup, as long cooked shitakemushrooms might be.
Side effects It has been shown in some studies that long term use of Lingzhi (usually four months or so) can result in some mild side effects, including dryness of the nasal passages, mouth and throat, as well as stomach upset and nosebleed[citation needed]. However, these effects were avoided by discontinuing use of the mushroom for one month after taking it for four months, and taking it again for four months and so on.
All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. By no means is any information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by your own physician or health care provider. You should not use any information contained in our site to self-diagnose or personally treat any medical condition or disease or prescribe any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical condition you are urged to contact your personal health care provider immediately.
All information from Wikipedia
These statements have not been approved or reviewed by the FDA
|
