Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Also known as Ling Zhi, plant of immortality, and herb of spiritual potency

It is a saprophytic and/or parasitic fungus that grows on hardwoods, especially on oaks.  A related species, Ganoderma tsugae, grows on Hemlocks. G. lucidum grows throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.

     A beautiful Reishi ‘polypore’ growing indoors from a sawdust substrate bag.

  A Reishi kit

Reishi mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Reishi has the ability to balance the immune system. Recent scientific studies on Reishi carried out in Japan demonstrated anti-tumor and immune-modulating properties.  Reishi is currently accepted by the Japanese government as an adjunct treatment for cancer. See web links listed below.

 Active Constituents