Reishi is an herbal mushroom that has been used extensively in Japan and China for thousands of years. Its wide range of health benefits include boosting immune function, assisting in cancer treatment, delaying the aging process and acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Ganoderma lucidum is the scientific name for the mushroom known as reishi (pronounced RAY-she) in Japanese, and lingzhi (pronounced LING-chi) in Chinese. It is often referred to as “the medicine of kings.”
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that is not used in cooking because it is too hard, bitter and woody. Instead, its extract is made into capsules, tablets and liquid supplements.
There are more than 2,000 known species of reishi mushroom, but only six have been studied in detail for their health benefits – red, black, blue, white, yellow and purple. Of these six varieties, red and black have the most significant effects, with red reishi having the most proven benefits to overall health.
Reishi’s History
Reishi mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for over 4,000 years in different parts of Asia. Their benefits were recorded in scientific documents from as far back as the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 8 A.D.). The original textbook of Asian medicine classified reishi in the “Superior” category – the highest possible for medicine. It earned this grading due to its numerous health benefits and few side effects.
During these ancient times, reishi was so highly valued that it was reserved for use by emperors and royalty, giving it the name “Medicine of Kings.” Japanese royalty drank tea made from reishi to promote vitality and long life. Reishi can also be found immortalized in ancient Chinese paintings, sculptures and folk tales as a symbol of longevity and good health.
Reishi was difficult to source in ancient times, as it grew high on mountains and in deep forests. Royal servants would be sent to collect the wild mushroom, and festivities were held when they returned with their yield. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Japanese scientists successfully cultivated the mushroom. Nowadays, thousands of tons of reishi are produced every year in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits associated with taking reishi supplements
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Reishi - Nature's Pharmacy. 