Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is the reishi mushroom with ganoderma lucidum being its Latin name. Many mushrooms are not only used as foods but they are also highly valued for their herbal medicine benefits. Ganoderma-Lucidum has been used in Asia for centuries to help strengthen the immune system as well as to promote longevity.

In fact, ancient Taoists thought the Reishi mushroom to be among the ingredients for the elixir of eternal life. Ganoderma-Lucidum is known as the mannentake to the Japanese and as Ling Zhi to the Chinese Mushrooms like the reishi are nature's recyclers.

In fact, without them the earth would actually be overrun with dead and decaying material. Mushrooms like ganoderma lucidum actually take nutrients from dead organic matter and use it to grow. Needless to say, mushrooms like ganoderma-lucidum are vital to the ecosystem. This particular type of mushroom, though, is very rare. It grows in densely wooded mountain areas that have minimal lighting and high humidity.

Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum

Therapeutic Uses of Ganoderma-Lucidum

• Helps relieve bronchitis and sinusitis
• May help in improving cognitive function
• Some studies also proclaim its anti-inflammatory activity in the brain and therefore help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
• Possibly helps fight existing cancer cells while also helping to amplify the power of current cancer treatments either through traditional Western means as well as with herbal compounds.
• It reduces the risk of dangerous blood clots
• May also lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol.
• Ganoderma-lucidum actually helps eliminate thrombi (a clot formed in the blood vessel or in a chamber in the heart) in the blood streams and as a result, the person feels increased or renewed vigor.

Ganoderma Lucidum Precautions & Warnings

Probably the most obvious warning is this: Don't gather mushrooms from the land yourself. Healthy, edible varieties of mushrooms can easily be mistaken for ones that are literally deadly. Another self-evident warning is the need to avoid gandoderma lucidum if you're pregnant and/or breast feeding. Always consult with your doctor before using ganoderma lucidum or the reishi mushroom (or any mushroom really) for medicinal purposes.

It should also be noted that if the ganoderma lucidum mushroom is daily for two to six months certain effects can be seen, namely, bloody stools, stomach upset, mouth dryness, and itchiness combined with skin rashes. If these effects happen, we advise you to stop taking it altogether or scale back the amount you're taking. Lastly, be advised that reishi supplements can actually delay blood clotting. You should also consult with your doctor if you're taking aspirin, a blood thinner, long-term.

If combined, the thinning of the blood can be worsened and cause unwanted bleeding. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor before beginning any kind of supplementation program -- especially if you're currently taking prescription medication.

Misc. Info on Ganoderma Lucidum

Ganoderm Lucidum is found in many different ways. It is often combined with other therapeutic mushrooms as tablet supplements, but it's also available as a tea (this is how it was used in ancient China for centuries), as well as capsules. According to one doctor, if you have cancer, acute bronchitis, the flu, a cold, the recommended dosage is 400 to 700mg of reishi three times a day.

According to our research, for those seeking it as a general supplement, 500 mg three times a day is sufficient. Some recommend up to 1,500 mg daily for those with heart problems, but I advise you discuss this with your doctor or a certified master herbalist or naturopathic doctor for their view point.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com