Ganoderma, when and how to use it

By Eva Sacchi Hunter, Nutritionist

Ganoderma ( Ganoderma lucidum ), also known as red reishi, is used as a support to support the heart, revitalize the body and calm the spirit . Let's find out better.

Mushroom description

Ganoderma lucidum, also known as red reishi and commonly known in Chinese as Lin Zhi, is a medicinal mushroom used for more than two thousand years in the Far East and considered almost "miraculous" and enormously beneficial and is therefore also called " mushroom of the immortality ”.

It appears as a large mushroom with a dark red brown and glossy color and a woody consistency. In nature it grows on fallen tree trunks deep in the forests of China and Japan, but nowadays it is successfully cultivated.

All parts of the fungus are used therapeutically, from the fruit, to the spores, to the mycelium.

Like many other Chinese medicinal mushrooms, reishi contains a complex of carbohydrates called polysaccharides, accompanied by proteins and amino acids. Among the polysaccharides, the most beneficial active substances present in reishi are called beta-glucan and triterpenes . It is these substances that contain the powerful therapeutic properties of this fungus, even if, according to traditional Chinese medicine, it should be remembered that none of the active components of the ganoderma taken in isolation can produce the same benefits found after its consumption in the state whole wheat.

Properties and benefits of ganoderma

In the East the ganoderma has for centuries been used as a remedy to restore balance and as a support to support the heart, revitalize the body and calm the spirit.

A considerable number of studies conducted over the last thirty years in Japan, China, America and the United Kingdom has shown that the consumption of ganoderma is linked to the treatment of innumerable diseases, disorders and pathologies, from asthma to ulcers or kidney inflammation, and even as a support in AIDS cases. Most research highlights the role of ganoderma as a normalizing substance, ie as a supplement capable of bringing medical benefits by normalizing and regulating the organs and their functions.

The main property of this extraordinary fungus is to stimulate the immune system, promoting and supporting our body's innate ability to activate natural healing processes. This is why it is believed to have potent anticancer properties and is able to stimulate the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T lymphocytes, a particular group of lymphocytes that play a fundamental role in cell-mediated immunity. In vitro, the reishi extract seems to inhibit the proliferation of innumerable tumor cells and performs a cytotoxic activity . Furthermore, it appears to inhibit the growth of blood vessels that support the growth and development of tumors (angiogenesis). The Japanese government has recognized these as one of the official anti-cancer treatments .

Ganoderma lucidum: king of herbs

Another powerful feature of the reishi is to reduce blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure and decrease platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Thanks to its ability to stimulate the immune system, ganoderma acts as a natural antihistamine and supports the body in fighting allergies and inflammations, viral infections such as influenza, and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Furthermore, ganoderma is extremely effective in inhibiting the activity of the herpes simplex virus.

Another characteristic of this mushroom with a thousand benefits is that it has a sedative and calming action and can therefore help promote sleep and relaxation, as well as improving memory and concentration. For these reasons it is also used in the treatment of cases of chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia.

With all these benefits, ganoderma can undoubtedly deserve the nickname "medicine of kings".

How to use ganoderma in the kitchen

Red reishi can be eaten in soups or tea, but the extremely bitter taste and very woody texture make it unattractive. It can easily be found in convenient capsules or tablets, or in powder, in natural food stores and it is recommended to consume it accompanied by vitamin C to enhance its medicinal effects.

Although there are no obvious side effects it is good to consult an expert before taking reishi. Possible contraindications can be found in the case of parallel intake of medicines against hypertension and anticoagulants.