REISHI MUSHROOM
Mushrooms have long been treated much like herbs in China and Japan, and have been used for many health purposes. Nutrition researchers have chemically analyzed some of these mushrooms and determined that they contain unique nutrients and compounds not found in other plants. As research continues, the virtue of mushrooms, such as Reishi Mushroom, grows stronger throughout the world. Official Latin Name: Ganoderma Lucidum

Reishi Mushroom is also known by the name Lucky Fungus. Mushrooms are regarded as "spirit medicine' because they are believed to nourish the "shen", or spirit. As such, they are considered particularly important in vegetarian diets and regarded as a medicinal food that promotes longevity. Reishi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. The Latin word lucidum means "shiny" or "brilliant", and refers to the varnished surface of Reishi's cap, which is reddish orange to black. In Japan, 99% of Reishi growing in the wild are found on old plum trees, and wild Reishi Mushrooms are rare. In the Taoist tradition, Reishi is said to enhance spiritual receptivity. It was used by monks to calm the spirit and mind.

It is also considered a symbol of feminine sexuality. Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat liver disorders, hypertension, arthritis, and other ailments. The Chinese have always regarded the mushroom as having special properties. Mushrooms are regarded as "spirit medicine' because they are believed to nourish the "shen", or spirit. As such, they are considered particularly important in vegetarian diets and regarded as a medicinal food that promotes longevity.

Various medicinal mushrooms are used by the Chinese. One of the oldest recorded botanical monograph has claimed that Reishi Mushroom made the body "lighter", which may refer to its ability to reduce cholesterol and blood lipid levels. Reishi also has immune potentiating properties. Fungi, such as Reishi, spend most of their life cycles in the mycelial stage. The mushroom mycelia excretes digestive enzymes to digest nutrients and fend off competition and other pathogens in their environment. Reishi is beneficial to the joints, increases vital energy, strengthens tendons and bones, and is good for one's complexion. The common name Reishi includes the species Ganoderma japonicum, which is used interchangeably with Ganoderma lucidum.
Historical Uses:

The historical information presented here is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This is the source of the information regarding “Reishi”
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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Reishi mushrooms strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cells and cells that fight tumors. They specifically help the lungs by regenerating lung tissue. Reishis also appear to prevent bronchitis, strengthen the adrenal glands (the glands that handle all types of stress), and have antiviral effects through their production of interferon. In his practice, acupunturist and writer Christopher Hobbs, Lac, found reishis to be particularly effective for nervous or anxious people with adrenal exhaustion and even prefers to use them in these cases instead of the herb Valerian.

The Japanese government has formally listed reishi as a supplement to be used for people with cancer. They have studies showing that reishi protects against radiation. If you've ever had radiation treatments, you should consider taking it as a supplement. I would also recommend it for cancer protection or in cases of remission.

Disclaimer: The information provided on HealthWorld Online is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This information came from The Women’s Health Detective, Nan Kathryn Fuchs Ph.D, Health World Online
Nan Fuchs, Ph.D. is an authority on nutrition and the editor and writer of Women's Health Letter, the leading health advisory on nutritional healing for women. She is the author of the best-selling books, The Nutrition Detective: A Woman's Guide to Treating your Health Problems Through the Foods You Eat, Overcoming the Legacy of Overeating, and The User's Guide to Calcium and Magnesium. Dr. Fuchs appears frequently on television and radio as expert on topics of nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, massage and stress reduction, and has been the researcher and author of dozens of articles for medical journals and consumer magazines and newspapers. For over 20 years Dr. Fuchs has run a thriving private nutritional counseling practice, currently in Sebastopol, California.


ReishiGanoderma lucidumThe Latin word lucidum means ``shiny'' or ``brilliant'' and refers to the varnished surface of reishi's cap, which is reddish orange to black. The stalk usually is attached to the cap at the side. In Japan, 99 percent of reishi growing in the wild are found on old plum trees, although wild reishi are rare.
Medical uses: For 4,000 years, the Chinese and Japanese have called upon reishi to treat liver disorders, hypertension, arthritis, and other ailments.
Recent test-tube and human studies have demonstrated antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. When more than 2,000 Chinese patients with chronic bronchitis were given reishi syrup in tablet form during the 1970s, 60 to 90 percent showed a marked improvement in health, including increased appetite, within two weeks.
Precautions: Although reishi extracts have shown very low toxicity in animal experiments, the long-term effects of reishi and its derivatives are still virtually unknown.
Taking reishi: Reishi may be taken in syrups, soups, teas, tinctures, and tablets, and by injection. The form and dosage should be worked out in consultation with your health-care provider.
http://www.christopherhobbs.com/
Excerpted from Herbs for Health Magazine
Christopher Hobbs is a member of the Herbs for Health Editorial Advisory Board. He is author of Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Culture (Botanica Press, 1995) and many other books. He is a fourth-generation herbalist and botanist with more than twenty years of experience.



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