Ganoderma Lucidum
Aliases：Chì Zhī (Red Lucid Ganoderma); Líng Zhī (Lucid Ganoderma); Dān Zhī (Cinnabar Lucid Ganoderma); Cháo Hóng Líng Zhī (Crimson-colored Lucid Ganoderma).
Chì Líng Zhī (Red Reishi Mushroom) is a Chinese medicinal substance. Also known as Líng Zhī (Lucid Ganoderma) and other names, it is the fruiting body of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst., a member of the Polyporaceae family. This herb was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) and was listed as a top-grade herb. The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) also records: “Lingzhi is bitter in taste, non-toxic, can tonify the middle, increase wisdom, and with long-term consumption, can make the body light and delay aging.” Red Reishi is a precious traditional Chinese medicinal substance and is known as the “Fairy Herb” or “Immortal Herb.”
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies qi and calms the mind; stops cough and relieves wheezing.
Indications
Used for mental restlessness, insomnia and palpitations, lung-deficiency cough and wheezing, consumptive weakness with shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. It is also used for dizziness with insomnia, palpitations and shortness of breath, and consumptive cough and wheezing.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunomodulatory effect: Components such as Lingzhi polysaccharides can enhance immune function and increase the activity of immune cells. Antitumor effect: Lingzhi polysaccharides help improve the immune system and inhibit tumor cell growth; triterpenoids also exhibit antitumor activity. Anti-inflammatory effect: Active components of Lingzhi can inhibit the expression of various pro-inflammatory factors. Antioxidant effect: Exhibits free radical scavenging and anti-aging effects. Cardiovascular protection: Dilates cerebral blood vessels, increases coronary blood flow, reduces myocardial oxygen consumption, regulates blood pressure, and lowers blood lipids. Hypoglycemic effect: Promotes glucose utilization in tissues and cells, serving as an adjunctive treatment for diabetes. Hepatoprotective effect: Promotes hepatocyte regeneration and has protective effects against acute and chronic hepatitis. Antidepressant effect: The active component lucidone A can improve depressive behavior and inhibit inflammatory responses in the brain. Sedative and calming effects: Has sedative effects on the central nervous system and can improve sleep.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Lingzhi polysaccharides, β-glucans, among others, exhibiting immunomodulatory, antitumor, and other activities. Triterpenoids: Lucidone A, ganoderic acids, among others, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and other activities. Sterols: Ergosterol, among others. Amino Acids: Contains 18 types of amino acids. Alkaloids: Possessing various biological activities. Other Components: Nucleosides, lactones, coumarins, water-soluble proteins, various enzymes, volatile oils, mannitol, organic acids, vitamins, and trace elements (such as zinc, germanium, strontium), among others.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: The standard dosage is 6–12g. Some sources also record a dosage of 10–15g. Powder form: 3–6g per dose. Wine infusion: May be steeped in wine in an appropriate amount for consumption.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess: As this herb is warm and tonic in nature, its use may aggravate deficient fire in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess (presenting with dry mouth, heat intolerance, hot palms and soles, etc.). Contraindicated in patients with internal exuberance of damp-heat. Contraindicated in patients with excessive internal heat: Taking tonic herbs when the body already has internal heat is equivalent to “adding fuel to the fire.” Contraindicated in patients with severe hemorrhage: Consumption after severe bleeding may accelerate blood flow and increase blood loss. Use with caution during pregnancy: Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Use with caution in infants and young children: As infants and young children are in a critical stage of growth and development with immature gastrointestinal function, such tonic products are not suitable for them. Not suitable for patients with colds or fever. Should be discontinued two weeks before and after surgery. Avoid spicy and irritating foods during use; should not be consumed together with preserved eggs or spicy and irritating foods.
Selected Formulas
For restlessness, insomnia, and palpitations (empirical formula) Take Lingzhi (Ganoderma) together with Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed), Fushen (Poria with pine root), and Yuanzhi (Polygala). Decoct in water and drink. For lung-deficiency cough, wheezing, and consumptive shortness of breath (empirical formula) Take Lingzhi with Renshen (Ginseng), Wuweizi (Schisandra), and Maidong (Ophiopogon). Decoct in water and drink. For neurasthenia, insomnia, and leukopenia (Chinese patent medicine: Lingzhi Extract Tablets) Take Lingzhi Extract Tablets orally, 3 tablets each time, 3 times daily. For general debility (Lingzhi wine, empirical formula) Take 30–50g of red Lingzhi slices, place in white liquor, and seal for 3 days until the wine turns reddish-brown. Drink 10–15ml each time, 1–2 times daily.
Daily Consumption
Lingzhi Decoction: Take 10–12g of Lingzhi slices, add water, and decoct for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Strain and drink the liquid. The slices can be re-decocted 2–3 times. Lingzhi Tea: Take approximately 5g of Lingzhi slices, steep in boiling water, and drink as a tea. Can be re-steeped until the flavor fades. Lingzhi Soup: Take approximately 8g of Lingzhi slices, stew together with chicken, lean pork, or other meats. Drink the soup and eat the meat. Lingzhi Wine: Take 30–50g of Lingzhi slices, place in white liquor, and seal for infusion. Rock sugar may be added for flavor. Consume after 3 days of steeping. Lingzhi Congee: Decoct Lingzhi slices in water to obtain the liquid, then use the liquid to cook congee for consumption.
Medicinal Parts
Dried fruiting body.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place, protected from mold and insects.
