Ganoderma, popularly known as shelf mushrooms, is a small red mushroom that typically grows on logs, decaying wood, and tree stumps in Asia and surrounding regions and include about 80 species. It is easily identifiable because of its hard, shiny, asymmetrical cap. It is a double-walled mushroom and grows in a fan pattern on the trunks of trees. Although it is usually red in color, the mushroom cap can range in color anywhere from yellow to purple to red to black (and all the shades in between). They are extensively used in traditional Asian medicine and their potential for bioremediation is being explored.
This medicinal mushroom has been used in China for over 4,000 years and is the primary sheen tonic in Chinese Herbalism. Ganoderma contains many vital elements including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and germanium. This mushroom – sometimes called Reishi or Lingzhi – is a genus of the polypore mushrooms which includes about 80 different species in total. Like most mushrooms, these various species of fungi are unique to tropical regions including Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Ganoderma grows in thickly-wooded forests with high humidity and not much light. Soil, rotting wood, and darkness are midwives of the ganoderma mushroom. It can be found in tropical and temperate geographical regions. Because it rarely grows in the wild, this mushroom is cultivated both indoors (in sterile conditions) and outdoors (on logs or woodchip beds).
Ganoderma mushroom is a hard and bitter mushroom and is not recommended for cooking. The Chinese only recommends it for medicinal purposes. Research on the ganoderma mushroom say that it can reduce a person's cholesterol levels, and eases the inflamed airways caused by allergies. It can also relieve fatigue, keep cholesterol in check, curb high blood pressure, tame inflammation, build stamina, and support the immune system.
Ganoderma is often used as a cancer treatment by assisting in eliminating impurities and toxins to cleanse the body and help make the immune system stronger. It stimulates cell regeneration by promoting the detoxification of the liver to improve its functions. In addition to possessing anti-cancer agents of Germanium and polysaccharides, that helps to produce anti-tumor effectiveness, protect against degeneration of skin cells while reducing the appearance of aging.
Reishi or Ganoderma is considered to be one of the most potent antioxidants known. These antioxidants neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and assist in promoting normal metabolism and normal cellular respiration. Having such qualities enables it to be versatile with many uses such as the treatment of allergies, altitude sickness, chemotherapy support, diabetes, fatigue, hepatitis, hypertension, high triglycerides, kidney cleanser and nerve tonic, Ganoderma is also claimed to relieve fatigue, keep cholesterol in check, curb high blood pressure, tame inflammation, build stamina, and support the immune system. Other health benefits of ganoderma mushroom include:
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels -- It also lowers your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels; there are studies that explore the mushrooms benefit to treat liver diseases in humans.
Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties -- There have been studies that the lingzhi ganoderma mushroom also has antibacterial and antiviral properties: it can protect you from the influenza virus, Aspergillus nigeri, and Esterichia coli.
Antioxidant Benefits -- It also eliminates the accumulated toxins in the body and reduces the signs of aging. It also regenerates and cleanses the cells in your body.
Relief of Urinary Tract Symptoms -- In a 2008 study of 88 men with urinary tract symptoms, researchers found that ganoderma was significantly superior to placebo in providing symptom relief.
Cancer and the Immune System – Ganoderma helps reduce the risk of cancer and boosts the immune system. The lingzhi mushroom has been used by cancer and HIV patients to improve their immune system by significantly increasing their T-cells. There has been evidence that it also prevents cancer-cell proliferation. In a 2003 study of 34 people with advanced-stage cancer, for instance, taking ganoderma in supplement form three times daily for 12 weeks led to a significant increase in T-cells (known to play a central role in immune defense). Lab tests on breast cancer cells, meanwhile, found that combining extracts of ganoderma and green tea heightened the mushroom's ability to slow cancer-cell growth.
assist in weight loss
lessen stress and anxiety problems
reduce cardiovascular problems
promote better sleep habits
assists with the prevention of premature aging of the skin
reduction of age spots and acne
beneficial in treating liver and lung disorders
treatment in GI, or gastrointestinal disorders
decrease incidence of urinary tract infection
protect against invading viruses in the body
act as an antibacterial in the body
has antifungal properties
reductions in breast cancer incidence
Ganoderma mushrooms are usually prepared as a hot water extract due to its bitter taste. The sliced mushrooms is added to a pot of boiling water and is simmered for two hours. Liquid extracts and capsules of ganoderma are also available in health food stores. Some people drink lingzhi coffee to get their daily dose of Ganoderma. Keep in mind that ganoderma mushrooms may interact with certain types of medication so consult your doctor first before taking these mushrooms.
Ganoderma has a long history as one of the safest herbs to consume because it usually has no side effects whatsoever. In fact, been classified as a "super herb" in Asia because it can be taken by any person without any side effects at all. Although it should be noted here that a person with serious chronic health issues (or someone who is allergic to mushrooms) may experience some ganoderma side effects, most healthy people never experience any side effects at all from consuming ganoderma.
However, that being said, ganoderma has been known to cause some minor side effects on rare, rare occasion. These side effects are usually not severe and they are considered temporary reactions that usually disappear within a few days.
Common side effects that occur when ganoderma is ingested includes increased breakouts of acne, reddish pimply dots, and/ or other skin rashes, dizziness, digestive issues, higher blood pressure, stomach ache, or swollen legs. However, an individual may experience some or none of these temporary adverse reactions as circulatory blockage or toxins are being removed from the body.
The first of the "ganoderma side effects" is dizziness. Some people who take ganoderma feel light-headed or even a little faint when they first begin to take the herb. Some have reported blacking out or feeling like they need to sit down from time-to-time. Others describe having to put their heads down on their desk at work for a few moments until their head clears.
The second of the ganoderma side effects is dryness of mouth, nose, and throat. Dehydration and, on rare occasions, nose bleeds can result from this particular side effect. The bloody noses are usually a direct result of the dry nose.
The third of the ganoderma side effects is headaches. Not migraines, per se, but mild headaches are sometimes reported. The dizziness and headaches can sometimes be experienced in tandem, but usually it is either one or the other.
The fourth of the ganoderma side effects is diarrhea. Loose stool or irregular bowel movements are commonly reported, especially during the first few days of a person taking the herb.
High blood pressure is the fifth of the ganoderma side effects. This is perhaps the most common of the ganoderma side effects, especially if the person taking the ganoderma already suffers from high blood pressure. If this is the case, ganoderma sometimes temporarily exacerbates the problem.
A high blood sugar level is the sixth of the ganoderma side effects. Again, if the person already suffers from diabetes or another disease that causes high blood sugar levels, ganoderma may make the issue more severe.
The seventh of the ganoderma side effects is stomach aches. The person may feel queasy or sick to the stomach when they first begin to take ganoderma. This side effect is sometimes experienced along with the next side effect in the list: nausea.
Nausea is the eighth of the ganoderma side effects. Although the nausea rarely causes actual vomiting, this discomfort has been reported by some people who take ganoderma and ganoderma extracts.
The ninth of the ganoderma side effects is general body aches and pains. Now, general body aches and pains are a part of life, but some seem to be tied to the consumption of ganoderma in particular. There have been many ideas and hypotheses put forth by natural supplement pundits regarding these general body aches and pains. Some of these pundits have postulated that the ganoderma causes a blockage of the blood circulation in certain parts of the body, and therefore the aches and pains. Other pundits have speculated that if the person taking the ganoderma has any pre-existing internal injury (car accidents, health issues, defects from birth, etc.) then taking ganoderma may result in additional pain in and around those injured areas. Although no conclusive reason has been found, this has been reported from time-to-time and is therefore included here.
The tenth and last of the ganoderma side effects is itchiness. Itchiness of skin has been reported and some people even say it feels like the itchiness is coming from an internal source. This itchiness can sometimes result in pimples or red dots on the face and skin that look a lot like acne or even hives.
Once again, ganoderma side effects are extremely rare; however, they have been reported in some instances and therefore are included here in this list.
Remember, if a person is taking ganoderma and they experience any of the above mentioned ganoderma side effects, they should immediately contact a licensed physician to see if they should discontinue or decrease the use of ganoderma.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No scientific evidence has proven ganoderma's safety during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Therefore, you shouldn't take ganoderma without first consulting your physician, stresses the University of Michigan Health System. Also, ganoderma could impair blood clotting, so you shouldn't take reishi mushrooms prior to or right after labor and delivery to prevent bleeding.
Warnings: If you are a diabetic taking hypoglycemic drugs please do not take ganoderma or any other Traditional Chinese Medicine without consulting with a medical professional before doing so. Ganoderma can possibly cause fluctuations in blood sugar that could cause a problem with diabetes. Individuals on blood pressure medications should monitor pressure levels consistently as well since this product may cause temporary higher blood pressure until the end results of a lowered pressure is attained.
What do other people think of ganoderma mushrooms? Read our ganoderma reviews and find out:
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great PRODUCT, good service, October 9, 2011
By
stepsocal
The product is very good, and the shipping was very fast! I do feel that the product is helping. It has improved my digestion, and I do feel it is helping me fight flue. Quite a few people at work have come down with the flu, and I am still not getting it. I think it has worked to improve my inmune system! I had researched the properties of Ganoderma before purchasing the product, and I believe that this product is accomplishing what they say about this mushroom.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Mushrooms to the Rescue, March 13, 2008
By
From Tennessee
Our daughter was using her inhaler for asthma multiple times a week during her allergy "seasons" until she began taking [ganoderma reishi pills]. She told me the other day that in the last several months she only needed her inhaler ONCE, and that was when she visited New Orleans and the climate/mold change was very significant... We've recommended it to family and suggest you try it too! The Watsons, TN
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Hooray for Reishi!, March 06, 2008
From California
I love Reishi, I intend on taking it indefinitely. I feel more energized and alive than I have felt in years. It has improved my circulation. It has increased saliva production and has returned a nice bright pink color to my tongue, which was previously pale and scalloped in appearance. Reishi has also improved my mood, I just feel happier and fresher. I stress, your individual results may vary, but my experience thus far has been wonderful.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product., August 08, 2008
By
Hoke Sherrill From North Carolina
I originally started using this product for the purpose of helping adjust to high altitudes (I am a mountain climber) as this was recommended to me for that benefit and it has helped. Without realizing it immediately, other nice benefits have been a reduction in my stress level and lower blood pressure. I have been using this product for 3 years.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 20, 2011
By
From Oregon
Reishi changed my life. I've been taking it for many years and it has so many advantages that it would take all this page to type it. I recommend it to everybody I know and they are all very thankful. Blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies, sugar balance.... Powerful combination when taking it with Camu Camu. This is my 11th winter without cold or a flu or anything in between.
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5.0 out of 5 stars It works for asthma, August 25, 2011
By
Krishna Das
I have mild case of asthma - can't breathe at night if I don't take medicine for it. For about a year I have been taking one Allegra pill and Nasonex through the nose daily with occasional inhaler (Proventil). If I missed one night I couldn't sleep for lack of air. The Proventil inhaler would take up to two hours to take effect. Besides, I would rather not take prescription medicines because of the side effects - (Proventil affects your vocal cords, etc.)
A friend emailed me an article about a study that Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York had done: "Chinese Herbal Combination Proves to Be as Effective as Corticosteroids for Asthma without the Side Effects". So I purchased and now take 3 capsules of Reishi, 1 capsule of Licorice Root and 1 capsule of Ku Shen Gen three times a day. It's only been 2 1/2 weeks but I feel the improvement, can sleep much better and have not had to use any of the prescription medicines in two weeks. Also my voice has improved.
One night last week I woke up around 4:00 am with breathing difficulties. I took some my herbs and within five minutes I could feel relief! So I know Reishi works whereas the Proventil would also work but it would take up to two hours to take effect.
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5.0 out of 5 stars it helped me, September 7, 2011
By
Kris...
I took this product hoping to help with minor discharge between menses. The discharge stopped and I had a couple of months without any problems. When the jar was empty I just stopped taking it and the discharge started -- less now than before. So, I will take it again. The concept is that the extract helps to reduce small growths -- which is what I (self-diagnosed) believe was the cause of my discharge.
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