Ling Zhi
Parts used and where grown
Ling Zhi mushrooms grow wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. Ling Zhi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.
Active constituents
Ling Zhi contains several constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids seem to help lower blood pressure as well as decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels. These specific triterpenoids also help to reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease. While human research demonstrates some efficacy for the herb in treating altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, these uses still need to be confirmed.
A Remedy For
Ling Zhi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat asthma, fatigue, insomnia, and weakness. Today it's regarded as a remedy for anxiety, high blood pressure and high triglycerides, and is used as a supportive treatment during cancer chemotherapy. Unconfirmed studies suggest that it may also be effective against altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, as well as HIV support.
Informational Purposes Only. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.
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