Ling Zhi / Reishi
Although I have foraged for morels and chanterelles and harvested the occasional shaggy mane (and can identify aspen boletes, of course!) I am in no way a mycologist who can assist you with local mushroom identification or safety! So I will stick with what I know, from Chinese Medicine.
First up in my mushroom week is Ling Zhi! Otherwise known as Reishi (in Japanese), Ganoderma lingzhi, and the “mushroom of immortality”.
Photo: Abode Stock - “beautiful wild reishi mushroom in rain forest at sunrise”
By nutt
One of the most revered Chinese herbs, with a recorded history of over 2000 years, Ling Zhi is classified as a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed to support the production of Qi and is related to the Heart, Lungs, Liver and Kidneys. It is an especially potent herb for the Shen, which encompasses concepts of the spirit, vitality, and the mind. It was traditionally used by Taoist monks to help increase focus, will power, and emotional balance. Good traits whether you are isolated in an ancient mountain cave, a modern apartment, or out and about in our world today!
Physically, it is traditionally used in formulas to aid with cough, asthma, weak resistance, allergy symptoms, insomnia, fatigue, and for general anti-aging benefits.
In more modern times the chemical components of this herb have been studied for its effects in these areas as well as with cancer treatment, hypertension, fibromyalgia, and for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In the words of Ron Teeguarden, Master Herbalist:
“Reishi is arguably the most important and most revered herb used by Asian people throughout history to promote radiant health, longevity and a more centered state of mind. It is known to be among the most protective herbs in the world. Reishi provides immunological, neurological, metabolic, hepatic and vascular protection, among other functions. Traditionally, it is valued as a tonic herb that can pave the path to radiant health on all levels. It was prized by the Taoists, Buddhists, royalty and herbalists of all levels. Research conducted in the last two decades has verified a vast number of actions. Reishi contains hundreds of biologically active constituents that benefit virtually every cell of the human body in some way. An online search of the scientific research on Reishi can be an endless, joyful and enlightening path, revealing a multitude of reliable benefits and potential uses. It is best used as a primary tonic, an herbal dietary supplement, on a daily basis throughout one's lifetime. Reishi is very safe and may be used by anyone to promote radiant health and longevity.
It is superb for building Jing and Shen, especially Shen. It is among the great Shen tonic herbs in the world. Consistent consumption of wild Reishi will have a noticeable positive impact on your clients' Shen, including their peace of mind, joy, emotional stability, optimism, sleep, clarity of thought, and so on.”
As with everything, one must be careful to ensure quality when taking supplements. Many mushroom companies produce products that contain more mycelium and/or grain than actual mushroom fruiting bodies. I have recently begun to carry products from a company called Real Mushrooms - which are just that, real mushrooms! Pure, organic, and a local Canadian company to boot!
Disclaimer: The statements made on this page are based on traditional use and modern research. However, they have not been validated conclusively by Health Authorities. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, but only for educational purposes.