Reishi Mushroom

ganoderma lucidum

extract/bulk

fungus

Introduction
Reishi is a variety of fungus commonly used in traditional Chinese or traditional Japanese medicine, with the botanical name Ganoderma lucidum. Reishi may also be known by its Chinese name, Lingzhi. Reishi has a long history of medicinal use over hundreds of years with recent research supporting its usefulness. Chinese culture also regards Reishi as a symbol of good fortune and is one of the most valued of all the traditional medicines in the East.

About
Reishi are bracket mushrooms growing horizontally from trees and dead wood, or vertically from stumps where they develop a stem cap and a more familiar mushroom appearance. A rare antler form of Reishi is most valued. Reishi is usually taken fresh or dried in cooking, or more recently in a powder or liquid extract form.

Interactions
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- Reishi Mushroom contains substances that may reduce the clotting ability of the blood, so people taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, heparin or aspirin should use Reishi Mushroom preparations with caution, as this combination may increase the risk of spontaneous and uncontrolled bleeding.
- There is some evidence that substances in Reishi Mushroom can reduce blood pressure, and even mimic the effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs so people taking anti-hypertensive drugs (for high blood pressure) or hypertensive drugs (for low blood pressure) should monitor their conditions closely and report any changes in the effectiveness of their drugs to their Doctor.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children aged 12 to 15 if they are feverish.

Notes
- The safety of Reishi Mushroom for the developing child has yet to be established. For this reason, women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the use of Reishi Mushroom preparations.
- Rare adverse effects include dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, nose bleed, sore bones, gastrointestinal distress or irritated skin. Side effects may disappear over time or may develop from use over 3 to 6 months.

Medical use
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions.
Traditional Chinese medicine has used Reishi in the treatment of viral infections such as hepatitis, chickenpox, herpes and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus. Other uses include tumours, high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, insomnia, antidote for poisonous mushrooms, diabetes and kidney diseases. Modern Western medicine has also trialled Reishi as a possible treatment for HIV-AIDS.

Properties
Pharmacological studies have supported the following properties of Reishi:
- Analgesic (pain relieving).
- Anti-allergy.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antibacterial.
- Antioxidant.
- Anti-tumour.
- Anti-viral.
- Cardiotonic (supports heart function).
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Liver protective.
- General immune stimulant.

Dosage
Dosage of Reishi depends on the form in which it is consumed. Ask your Health Care Professional.
Reishi is known to be non-toxic. However, attempting to identify medicinal fungi in the wild requires expert knowledge. Many varieties of mushroom and fungus are extremely toxic and picking them yourself without the help of an expert is very dangerous.

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