Ganoderma is also called Reishi, Ling Chih and Ling Zhi. Ganoderma, particularly Ganoderma Lucidum, is claimed to have healing properties for treating a variety of conditions and diseases. Far East countries, such as China, Japan and Korea, have used Ganoderma as a traditional Oriental medicine for more than 4,000 years.
Description
Ganoderma is a mushroom belonging to a group of fungi called polypores. This type of fungus is saprophytic; it grows on dead or decaying tree stumps and logs during warm climates, where Ganoderma is also difficult to locate. Ganoderma is readily identifiable by the presence of pores underneath it, with a tough woody, kidney-shaped husk and polished red surface. Ganoderma grows in six different colors, but red is used most frequently.
Benefits
The Chinese originally used Ganoderma to treat allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, dizziness, sleep disorders, ulcers, arthritis, depression and fatigue. Now Ganoderma is used to treat a variety of other conditions, including high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, HIV and liver dysfunctions. Ganoderma is also used to detoxify blood, boost the immune system, reduce stress, and as an antioxidant. It also has anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, among other benefits.
Side Effects
Ganoderma Lucidum is reported to be nontoxic and safe even at high doses. However, according to the Natural Standard website, there were two reported toxicity cases after consumption of Gandoderm in powder form. Ganoderma is normally boiled and consumed without these adverse reactions. Rare side effects include: gastrointestinal difficulty, bone pain, skin irritation, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea and nose bleeds. Ingredients in Ganoderma may cause allergic reactions in some people. High doses of Ganoderma may increase the effect of anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic and anticoagulant medications.
Dosage Recommendations
Ganoderma is available in tablet, powder, tincture, capsule, syrup or dried forms. According to the Vitamins & Health Supplements Guide website, for health preservation and prevention, you should take four divided doses of 2.5 g of Ganoderma with food or 2.5 g on an empty stomach. For asthma, high blood pressure, infections and nervous problems, take 2 to 6 g daily or in three equal amounts. For cancer, heart disease and chronic infections take 9 to 15 g daily, in three equal amounts. Ganoderma is more effective when taken with other herbs or medications.
Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Ganoderma as a treatment medicine; however, it is a controlled dietary supplement in the United States. Furthermore, Ganoderma Lucidum is listed in the 2000 Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China as an approved medicinal treatment. There are many reported benefits of Ganoderma; however, it lacks enough documented and scientific evidence of its efficacy. It is important to seek out the advice of a medical doctor before using Ganoderma, especially in combination with other medications.
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