Reishi or Ling chih/zhi is a type of mushroom that is native to the coastal provinces of China and has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The red variety is most commonly cultivated for this purpose, but there are 5 other colours that exist. The mushroom head is used in herbalism and is often used in combination with another mushroom called shiitake..

Medicinal Properties of Reishi

It contains sterols, coumarin, mannitol, glucans (polysaccharides) and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids are thought to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and have lowering action on both LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also contains germanium, which helps to oxygenate cells. It is said to have antiviral, anti-tumour, antibacterial, immuno-stimulant, antihistamine, adaptogenic, expectorant and tonic-like actions.

Reishi Herbal Remedies

Historically Reishi has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Adrenal exhaustion
Allergies
Altitude sickness
Cancer treatment (in Japan)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (M.E)
Bronchitis
Chronic asthma
Diabetes
Hepatitis
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Infections
Lack of energy
Stress
Weak immune system

Other Reishi Information

It may be useful at keeping the immune system regulated in people with HIV or anyone undergoing chemotherapy. Reishi is often bought dried and can be used in cooking, as a medicine, in tinctures, capsule and tablets.

Side Effects of Reishi

After 12 to 14 weeks of use some individuals may experience rare side effects -dizziness, nosebleeds, dry mouth and throat, and stomach upset.

Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.

At the time of writing there are no well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

Reishi reduce the stickiness of blood and should not be taken with anticoagulant medications.

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