The Ganoderma mushroom and its history

The cornerstone of Chinese medicine

As mentioned above, Ganoderma has a long history behind it as it has been considered the symbol of traditional Chinese medicine for over 4000 years.

At one time, the consumption of this mushroom was reserved only for the emperor and the royal family. This mushroom was extremely rare in nature so much so that only one specimen grew every 10, 000 oak trees . At the time of ancient China, when a farmer came across a specimen of Ganoderma, he ran to deliver it to the emperor because he would have rewarded it with a lot of gold.

Following the technological advances of the 20th century, Ganoderma is grown in the laboratory, through procedures that not only guarantee its quality, but also guarantee the quantity at a modest price.

Its properties have been known since antiquity, so much so that various titles have been attributed to this fungus aimed at enhancing its incredible therapeutic virtues. Since ancient times it has been defined as "Mushroom of immortality", due to its ability to regenerate the organism in depth and ensure longevity and vitality.

Regarding the name " Lucidum ", this name is linked to its ability to improve psycho-physical health as well, giving concentration and mental lucidity.

The ganoderma and its past

Ganoderma has marked the life of entire ethnic groups of the past. In addition to having profoundly influenced the society of ancient China, over the course of history it has exercised an equally important influence. We only think of his influence in the life of the Taoist priests of the 1st century AD. In fact, the medicine of the past was in the hands of these religious figures considered veterans of alchemy. We also recall that once the Shamans were the equivalent of the contemporary doctors and that almost 2000 years ago they had attributed to the Ganoderma properties that proved true only with the most recent scientific discoveries. These shamans had the task of preparing potions and elixirs capable of infusing well-being and longevity and among the ingredients used to prepare these potions, certainly Ganoderma has always been a constant.

But what does ancient literature say?

In ancient times, several medical treatises have been written and the first one is certainly " The Classic on the roots of Herbs of the divine peasant ". This text was written about 200 years after the birth of Christ and in this treatise, medicinal plants are divided into 3 different categories precisely superior, average and acceptable. The Ganoderma is placed at the top of the category of higher plants, where herbs are included that do not involve side effects even in the case of prolonged intake . In another important medical treatise entitled " The Great Pharmacopoeia " dated 16th century, the writer Le Shih-Chen states that " the Ganoderma positively affects the vital energy, takes care of the thoracic area and its regular consumption will cease the fragility of the body and longevity will increase as in immortal beings ".

Ganoderma in the oriental culture

Even in Oriental art, Ganoderma is of great importance. Very often the Ganoderma is present in arches, jambs or other portions of royal residences such as that of the Summer Palace or the Proibità City. Moreover, Reishi is also present in paintings, scepters and crowns as well as jewels. The Goddess Kuan Yin, symbol of compassion and healing is often depicted with a specimen of Ganoderma in her hands. Ganoderma has also been mentioned in a beautiful love story. In fact, in the tale of the White Serpent, the story of the White Lady is told that in order to bring the deceased husband back to life, she travels to the Kunlun mountain in search of a specimen of Ganoderma, which once found and administered to the deceased husband can with his power to bring his husband back to life.

Ganoderma is a legendary mushroom. The most beautiful legends are the true ones . Ganoderma is truth, and making its way through more than 40 centuries of history today is more available than ever for people of any social class. Thanks to technological progress, both you and I can consume this powerful health mushroom. I'm already consuming this mushroom. And you ?