Wild-Harvested Red Reishi Extract (Ling Zhi) 2 Oz.

Reishi supplements all 3 treasures (Jing, Chi and Shen) but has the most tonic action on Shen (spiritual radiance). Many Chinese herbalists recognize that wild Reishi mushroom benefits Shen more than any other herbal adaptogen known. The Ganoderma mushroom is a Chinese symbol for longevity. It is often compared to the lotus flower from the Buddhist traditions in terms of its significance as a spiritual symbol. For the Chinese, longevity was inseparable from spirituality and those who pursued life-span development were also seen as spiritually “advanced”. The two pursuits definitely go hand in hand since the longer you live, the more time you have to meditate, pray and do other spiritually advancing practices!

Although it is tonic to the whole body, red (the most commonly cultivated and most medicinally active) Reishi mushroom benefits the Liver and Heart organs foremost. Chinese medicine capitalizes certain organs since they are seen as a group of two or more organs that work in tandem (for further information, google TCM organ systems!).

From the scientific properties listed below,it is clear that the Chinese classification that Reishi mushroom benefits the whole body is accurate. It’s heart and liver actions are listed below along with its immunomodulating (the Lung organ system), spleen and stomach protecting (the Spleen organ system) and adrenocorticol improving (the Kidney organ system) qualities. This demonstrates that traditional herb information is often quite accurate despite the difference in methods of study between older herbal systems and modern science.

Scientific properties:

The benefits of Reishi mushrooms are as follows: analgesic, anti-allergic, bronchitis (preventative and regenerative), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial (Staphylococci, Streptococci and Bacillus Pneumoniae), antioxidant (again hydroxyl free radicals), antitumor, antiviral, lowers blood pressure, bone marrow nucleated cell proliferation enhancement, cardiotonic, central depressant and anticholinergic (relaxes muscles and reduces the effects of caffeine), natural killer cell enhancement, expectorant and antitussive, immunomodulatory, anti-HIV, adrenocortico function enhancement, interleukin 1 and 2 production increased, liver protective and detoxifying, prevents B monoamine oxidase effects, ionizing radiation protection, anti-ulcer, white blood cell and hematoglobin in peripheral blood increased.

Spleen (spleen, stomach and pancreas): The polysaccharides in Reishi mushroom benefits the spleen by increasing DNA synthesis in its cells. It has been found that the Ganoderans A and B, glycans of the fruiting body of the Ganoderma mushroom are able to significantly reduce blood plasma sugar levels in hyperglycemic mice (pre-diabetic) which helps take some burden off of the pancreas. One human study found it effective in treating duodenal ulcers (stomach).

Lung (lung and large intestine): In mice Reishi mushroom benefits the lungs as an expectorant by helping clear them of mucus. In the 1970′s over 2000 patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma were part of clinical studies in China. They found that after 2 weeks on Reishi supplements, 60-90% of patients had a marked improvement, many even having an increase in appetite. The immune system is seen as seated in the Lung organ system according to TCM. The benefits of Reishi mushrooms are most apparent with its immunomdulating effects. This means that if the immune system is under reacting, the Ganoderma mushroom will boost immunity and if it’s over reacting, it will calm it down! Beta-D-glucan, a type of polysaccharide, appears to be the main contributor to this valuable effect.

Kidney (kidneys, bladder, genes, adrenals and endocrine system): In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that Ganoderma Lucidum extracts improves adrenocortical function (the adrenals are responsible for many of the important hormones of youth as well as regulating body temperature). The various sterols found in Reishi mushroom benefits the endocrine system by acting as hormone precursors. One study showed that taking reishi supplements before and after exposure to ionizing radiation helped prevent and minimize the negative effects of the radiation. This naturally helps protect the DNA from becoming damaged and causing accelerated aging.

Liver (liver and gallbladder): The benefits of Reishi mushroom on the liver are demonstrated with the favorable results attained with its use in cases of hepatitis (especially before severe impairment of liver function has occurred). One study of 355 patients with hepatitis B who were treated with reishi supplements (which contained other herbal adaptogens as well) showed that 92.4% of the patients had positive results! The compounds in Lingzhi that cause these benefits for the liver are quite likely Ganodosterone (a plant steroid) and Triterpenes R and S. These antihepatotoxic compounds protect and detoxify the liver and are some of the best health benefits of Reishi mushrooms.

Heart (heart and small intestine): It has been shown that Reishi mushroom benefits patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia, resulting in varying degrees of improvement in symptoms. One controlled study showed a Ganoderma extract being capable of reducing blood and plasma viscosity in hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia. Yet another study showed the Ganoderma Lucidum extract was capable of lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol. Also, Reishi mushroom benefits those in high altitudes (such as mountain climbers) as it increases oxygenation of the blood (both an effect on the Heart system as well as the Lungs for TCM).