Alternative Names

• Ganoderma
• Reishi
• Ling Zhi
• yeongji
• 靈芝

Much has been written about the power, the glory, the magnificence of reishi mushroom. One classic text (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) says:

Long term consumption [of ling zhi] will lighten the body and prevent aging, extend one’s life, and [make one an] immortal.

“Lighten the body” always reminds me of the marketing slogan for an energy drink that promises to “give you wings”. One author (Li Shi-Zhen) agreed that the above description was mostly hype, or in his words:

I have long had my doubts. Ganoderma (ling zhi, reishi mushroom) grows from the residual qi in rotten decay, much like abnormal growths on the human body—yet from ancient times until now, all consider it an auspicious herb, and what’s more, they say eating it will make one immortal. What an archaic mistake!

Archaic indeed, and Li Shi-Zhen wrote that in the 1500s! Of course, Li Shi-Zhen does support the use or Reishi mushroom (Ling Zhi, Ganoderma), but only for weakness or “deficiency consumption” as it has been translated.

While it isn’t especially evident in the little picture I have on this page, Ling Zhi has a glossy finish, just like someone painted a varnish on to the woody mushroom. Chinese herbalism’s “doctrine of signatures” assumes that things with a clear, shiny, or opalescent appearance have the ability to clear the mind or spirit. Ganoderma lucidum, the kind with the most shiny appearance even includes the word “lucid” in its name. :)

In modern times, Reishi mushroom is used to support immunity in the body which is especially important in those contemplating chemotherapy due to its tendency to stress the body’s many important healthy immune functions.

This herb plays well with another popular formula for use with chemotherapy (to support the digestive health) called Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Combination)

This formula can be used to support health with or without symptoms. If symptoms are present, take 4 capsules twice daily. When symptoms are not present, take 2 capsules, two times daily. Empty stomach is best for efficient absorption, but not essential. [More…]

At this dosage, your order will last approximately this long (?):

• 200 capsules: 2-4 weeks