The Miraculous Reishi: Mushroom or Medicine? :: Botany

The Miraculous Reishi: Mushroom or Medicine? Ganoderma lucidum, otherwise known as the Reishi or Mannentake has been heralded by Asian cultures for many centuries. It is a polypore mushroom of corky or woody texture that appears to have a coat of varnish on the top. It is a shelf mushroom that grows on dead and dying trees. There are many varieties of Reishis. Akashiba is the red Reishi, the most potent; Kuroshiba--the black Reishi; Aoshiba--the blue Reishi; Shiroshiba--the white Reishi; Kishiba--the yellow Reishi; and Murasakishiba--the purple Reishi. (www.canited.com/w-reshi.htm) The Reishi mushroom is attributed with many health stimulating properties from general good health and recuperation, to longevity, sexual prowess, wisdom, and happiness. In certain cases it is used as sculptural artwork. Under certain conditions the fruiting body takes on what is referred to as an "antler" shape, that to some is aesthetically pleasing. According to Paul Stamets, this is a result of elevated carbon dioxide levels in the surrounding en vironment. Reishis may prove useful to the fight against cancer as well. More and more research is being conducted about compounds, in reishis, that stimulate the immune system. Historical Usage Reishi, Ling Zhi, or Saiwai-take, a mushroom of many names and uses. It has been documented with some pretty amazing properties for over two thousand years. "The earliest mention of Ling Chi was in the era of the first emperor of China, Shi-huang of the Ch'in Dynasty (221-207 B.C.)" (Stamets, 355) The Reishi is credited with longevity, increased virility and sexual prowess; the Chinese considered it one of the "Herbs of the Gods". In China it was believed that a tincture of this type of mushroom could bring the dead back to life. Often sold in Chinese medicine shops, commonly in tinctures with Ginseng. Ganoderma lucidum, or a closely related species, can be used to combat high altitude sickness. Himalayan guides sometimes employ the Reishi for this purpose. Mayan Indians have used reishis to fight and prevent communicable diseases. In China, sometimes a woman will give a man Reishis to express sexual interest. The antler form mentioned previously is favored for this purpose. Interest ing considering that the Reishi is supposed to stimulate sexual virility. Medicinal Usage The Reishi is a mushroom of many medicinal properties. Supposed to cure cancer, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a whole slew of other ailments. It is no wonder that it is supposed to grant its user a long healthy life. The Miraculous Reishi: Mushroom or Medicine? :: Botany The Miraculous Reishi: Mushroom or Medicine? Ganoderma lucidum, otherwise known as the Reishi or Mannentake has been heralded by Asian cultures for many centuries. It is a polypore mushroom of corky or woody texture that appears to have a coat of varnish on the top. It is a shelf mushroom that grows on dead and dying trees. There are many varieties of Reishis. Akashiba is the red Reishi, the most potent; Kuroshiba--the black Reishi; Aoshiba--the blue Reishi; Shiroshiba--the white Reishi; Kishiba--the yellow Reishi; and Murasakishiba--the purple Reishi. (www.canited.com/w-reshi.htm) The Reishi mushroom is attributed with many health stimulating properties from general good health and recuperation, to longevity, sexual prowess, wisdom, and happiness. In certain cases it is used as sculptural artwork. Under certain conditions the fruiting body takes on what is referred to as an "antler" shape, that to some is aesthetically pleasing. According to Paul Stamets, this is a result of elevated carbon dioxide levels in the surrounding en vironment. Reishis may prove useful to the fight against cancer as well. More and more research is being conducted about compounds, in reishis, that stimulate the immune system. Historical Usage Reishi, Ling Zhi, or Saiwai-take, a mushroom of many names and uses. It has been documented with some pretty amazing properties for over two thousand years. "The earliest mention of Ling Chi was in the era of the first emperor of China, Shi-huang of the Ch'in Dynasty (221-207 B.C.)" (Stamets, 355) The Reishi is credited with longevity, increased virility and sexual prowess; the Chinese considered it one of the "Herbs of the Gods". In China it was believed that a tincture of this type of mushroom could bring the dead back to life. Often sold in Chinese medicine shops, commonly in tinctures with Ginseng. Ganoderma lucidum, or a closely related species, can be used to combat high altitude sickness. Himalayan guides sometimes employ the Reishi for this purpose. Mayan Indians have used reishis to fight and prevent communicable diseases. In China, sometimes a woman will give a man Reishis to express sexual interest. The antler form mentioned previously is favored for this purpose. Interest ing considering that the Reishi is supposed to stimulate sexual virility. Medicinal Usage The Reishi is a mushroom of many medicinal properties. Supposed to cure cancer, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a whole slew of other ailments. It is no wonder that it is supposed to grant its user a long healthy life.