Lingzhi Herb
The word lingzhi, in Chinese, means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as "mushroom of immortality".
Because of its presumed health benefits and apparent absence of side-effects, it has attained a reputation in the East
as the ultimate herbal substance.
The king of Herbs as it is known in China and Celestial Herb in Japan is Ganoderma. It is also known as Lingzhi
in China and Reishi in Japan.
Revered for thousands of years and shrouded in mystery, Lingzhi however was difficult to grow. After much research
in 1970 a breakthrough was achieved in commercial cultivation. Still it remains rare and cultivated in few countries
like China, Japan, Malaysia and Korea to name a few.
While the Linghzhi mushrooms are said to contain 252 active medicinal compounds, the two main components are:
Germanium: Germanium can promote blood circulation, can increase oxygen absorbing capability of the body and keep sufficient oxygen in the body, improve metabolism and prevent functional degeneration. Based on research germanium is the major component of Lingzhi. The germanium contained in Lingzhi is 4-6 times more than ginseng.
Poly-saccharides: The poly saccharides can increase antibody count which strengthens immunity. Poly saccharides are the most active health enhancing ingredient for the body.
Lingzhi is the name for one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, and its close relative Ganoderma tsugae,
which grows in the northern Eastern Hemlock forests. These two species of bracket fungus have a worldwide
distribution in both tropical and temperate geographical regions, including North and South America, Africa,
Europe, and Asia, growing as a parasite or saprotroph on a wide variety of trees. Ganoderma lucidum enjoys
special veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal medicine for
more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine. Similar
species of Ganoderma have been found growing in the Amazon, according to mycologist Christopher Hobbs.
Lingzhi may possess some anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic activities, supported by some studies
on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this
fungus. However, the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of cancer has not
yet been shown in clinical trials. Moreover, as with any herb, variation between preparations and potential
negative side effects cannot be ruled out. It is understood as adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensive
due to the presence of triterpenes. Apart from these properties, lingzhi has been found to be anti-inflammatory,
antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, anti-hypotensive, and protective of the liver. It has also
been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Because of these properties, lingzhi has been regarded as blood pressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic,
a kidney and nerve tonic. It has been used in bronchitis prevention and in cardiovascular treatment, and in
the treatment of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapy support, HIV support,
and even for fatigue and altitude sickness.
Some peer-reviewed studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by viruses
and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver diseases
in humans.
Although the experiences in fighting cancer are more inconsistent, the extract has been claimed to be effective
in regressing tumors. The results depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition. It is usually
recommended that it be used in combination with other prescribed medical treatments and as part of a fu zheng
formula with a variety of supporting herbs. The Ganoderma extract has been employed to help substantially reduce or
eliminate the side-effects of radio- and chemotherapies if it is taken before, during and after the treatments. It
has been found clinically to reduce side-effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, sore throat, loss of
appetite and insomnia.