The Powerful Reishi Mushroom of East Asia

Background

Reishi mushroom (ganoderma lucidum) known in China as ling zhi is found growing wild on decaying tree stumps and logs. The Reishi mushroom has been found in six different colours. In East Asia and North American culture the red reishi mushroom is commonly used and sold.

The mushroom originated in the Far East and is known to have been used in ancient China. Royalty would have used the mushroom in the hope that it would bring them eternal life and encourage calmness and thought.

For over 4,000 years the reishi mushroom has been used in Traditional Chinese medicines to treat problems like, liver disorders, high blood pressures, arthritis. It is also believed to lower cholesterol levels and has an anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect that can help prevent with coronary heart disease.

Benefits of Mushrooms and Supplements

You can buy the mushrooms already dried, sliced and diced for cooking, they come in three forms, in capsule form, dried or as an extract. It can be used as a dietary supplement.

There are a number of different benefits for using the mushroom whether it be as a dietary supplement or in assisting with medical conditions.

The mushroom is a strong antioxidant, antioxidants protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals that are created inside the body by exposure to the sun chemicals and impurities. It is confirmed that Reishi mushrooms can enhance the immune system, especially when it is taken with other antioxidant supplements.

Reishi mushrooms can be taken to prevent cancers, as it is believed that the mushroom can suppress the growth of tumors in people with cancer by strengthening the membranes in the cancerous cells to stop the tumor from spreading.

People suffering from asthma or any respiratory problems can take the mushroom as it has a healing effect on the lungs. It helps build respiratory strength and reduce coughing.

There is a natural anti- inflammatory agent in the mushroom which can help people with Alzheimer's and heart disease, due to the understanding that there is inflammation in both of these conditions. Anyone with arthritis or neuralgia would benefit from taking the Reishi mushrooms.

With regards to the heart the benefits are that when taking the mushroom it can improve the flow of blood to the heart and reduce the amount of oxygen that the heart takes in. It helps in lowering cholesterol and can assist in the battle of high blood pressure.