Língzhī(traditional Chinese: 靈芝;simplified Chinese: 灵芝;Japanese: reishi; Korean: yeongji,hangul) is the name for one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, and its close relativeGanodermatsugae. Ganodermalucidum enjoysspecial veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditionalChinese medicine as a herbal medicine for more than 4,000years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine.The word lingzhi, inChinese, means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also beendescribed as "mushroom of immortality". Because of its presumed health benefitsand apparent absence of side-effects, it has attained a reputation in the Eastas the ultimate herbal substance. Lingzhi has now been added to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and TherapeuticCompendium. Medicinal uses Lingzhi may possess some anti-tumor, immunomodulatoryand immunotherapeuticactivities, supported by some studies on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactivecompounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this fungus (reviewed byR. R. Paterson[5]). However, the efficacy of these compounds inthe treatment of cancer has not yet been shown in clinical trials.[6] Moreover, as with any herb, variation between preparations andpotential negative side effects cannot be ruled out. It is understood as adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensivedue to the presence of triterpenes. Apart from theseproperties, 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 foundto inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lowerblood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Because of these properties, lingzhi has been regarded as bloodpressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic, a kidney and nerv etonic. It has been usedin bronchitis preventionand in cardiovascular treatment,and in the treatment of high triglycerides, high bloodpressure, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapysupport, HIVsupport, and even for fatigueand altitude sickness.
Some peer-reviewed studies indicate that ganoderic acid hassome protective effects against liver injury by viruses and other toxic agentsin mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment ofliver diseases in humans.
Although the experiences in fighting cancer are more inconsistent,the extract has been claimed to be effective in regressing tumors. The resultsdepend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition. It is usuallyrecommended that it be used in combination with other prescribed medicaltreatments and as part of a fu zheng formula with a variety of supportingherbs. The Ganoderma extract has been employed to help substantially reduce oreliminate the side-effects of radio and chemotherapies if it is takenbefore, during and after the treatments. It has been found clinically to reduceside-effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, sore throat, loss ofappetite and insomnia.
Preparation Becausereishi mushrooms contain chitin which locks up medicinal components,preparations of lingzhi are unlikely to be medicinally active unless there hasbeen a prolonged water extraction. Simply tincturing the mushroom inethanol or powdering it and encapsulating it makes preparations that areessentially inert and may account for some of the inconsistency in researchresults. Additionally, mushrooms traditionally incorporate or transformconstituents from their host trees and mycelial fractions grown in sawdust orother substrate may differ appreciably from the whole fungus.
Lingzhi is traditionally prepared by simmering in water in a stainless steel or ceramic pot. Don't use aluminumfor such a prolonged boiling process. Thinly sliced orpulverized 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 isthen simmered for two hours. The resulting liquid should be fairly bitter intaste, with the more active red lingzhi more bitter than the black. The processmay be repeated. Alternatively, it can be used as an ingredient in a formuladecoction or 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 asoup, as long cooked dried shitake mushroomsmight be. I prefer to add local honey and lemon to my reishi tea.