Ganoderma Lucidum, or ganoderma, is the most alkaline rich food known to us and is one of the most widely respected herbs in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Classed as an adaptogen, a highly adaptive plant form, ganoderma has a documented history that spans over the last 2,000 years. In China, ganoderma is called Ling Zhi while the Japanese call it Reishi. Ganoderma lucidum is the scientific name for a species of red mushroom with many health benefits. It once grew wild, but after its healing abilities were discovered, these mushrooms started to be cultivated on special farms with pristine growing conditions so we can maximize their use.

Nutraceuticals, plant nutrients with highly therapeutic properties, are found in high quantities in ganoderma and provide medical aid to the body. There are at least 400 different kinds of recorded nutrients found in one of these red mushrooms. Practitioners of Chinese and Japanese medicine regard this medical mushroom highly and many people in western cultures have begun to embrace its therapeutic capabilities. If you are looking for a tonic to improve your overall health and well-being then ganoderma is your absolute best choice.

Ganoderma can be used to maintain and already healthy body or it can be used to improve health levels in those who suffer from acute or chronic illness as well as those who have general ill health. The nutrients found in ganoderma are what make it such a heavy hitter for promoting and maintaining health.

Benefits of Ganoderma

• Anti-aging. Ganoderma contains polysaccharides that promote DNA synthesis and increased cell division to slow down the process of aging.
• Detoxification. Many medications, including over the counter drugs, can leave toxins in your body. Organic Germanium found in Ganoderma helps oxygenate the blood and clean toxins out of your system.
• Cardiotonic function. Ganoderic acids in ganoderma help to lower cholesterol and artery blockages in the heart by sloughing away plaque that blocks the passages in the arteries.
• Cancer prevention. Research has found that the Beta-D-glucan found in ganoderma has an anti-tumor effect because they stimulate the immune system. More T-cells are released into the system this way to combat cancerous tumors and cancer cell growth.
• Anti-allergy and anti-inflammation. Ganoderma is an effective allergy medication that can prevent reactions and provide positive effects for asthma. Studies have found that it can also be used for treating inflammatory issues like bronchitis, neck and shoulder pain, conjunctivitis and others.
• Liver protection. Ganoderma effectively protects the liver and treats liver damage. It is used in Chinese medicine to help treat hepatitis.
• Kidney benefit. Kidney disease is a difficult disease to cure. Those with high cholesterol and diabetes often have kidney disease, but ganoderma can make kidney disease less severe, and can even cure it.
• Immune modulation. An increase in T lymphocytes and a decrease in CD8 counts show long-term immune support from the use of ganoderma.
• Blood sugar balance. For those suffering with high blood sugar, ganoderma can lower those counts because of its ability to elevate plasma insulin levels, glucose utilization and liver metabolism of glucose.
• Oxygenation. Altitude sickness can be treated with ganoderma because it oxygenates the blood better.
• Anti-bacterial and anti-virus. Bacterial infections like bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and e-coli can all be easily treated with ganoderma. Viruses like flu and herpes also do not stand a chance against ganoderma.
• Cholesterol control. Ganoderma kicks the liver into action to inhibit cholesterol synthesis and lower cholesterol levels.
• Radiation help. Ganoderma mushrooms help radiation do its job of attacking cancerous cells better while also preventing a lot of the damage that is often done to good cells. Ganoderma can counteract a lot of the side effects from chemo and radiation.
• Urinary tract support. Ganoderma helps inhibit UTI infections from forming and can be used to treat people with a UTI. They also help prevent prostate issues in men as they age.

Side Effects of Ganoderma

The most common side effects of ganoderma include an upset stomach, bleeding and itching.

• Bleeding. Some compounds in ganoderma extract can prevent blood clotting.
• Dizziness. Ganoderma lowers your blood pressure and blood sugar levels which can cause a dizzy, lightheaded feeling if these levels are lowered too much during use of the extract.
• Breathing problems. Some people may experience allergic reactions to ganoderma. Chest pains and trouble breathing are the most common sign of an allergic reaction.
• Itching. Although this is a temporary side effect, it is quite uncomfortable. Itching may be in one area or all over the body.
• Low blood pressure. Reishi mushrooms are a good way to lower blood pressure. The concern is that it might make blood pressure levels too low, especially for those who already have low blood pressure.
• Severe Side effects can include liver problems and respiratory problems.

Considerations of Using Ganoderma

• Dosage. Different factors play a role in the dosage a person should take. Take into consideration of age, gender, and health when determining dose. There is no real set dosage for use, but not all natural products are 100% safe, and certainly no substance is safe in high amounts, so emphasis needs to place on recommended dosage information of any supplement.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Since there is currently not enough information about dosages and comprehensive side effects of ganoderma it is safer for women who are pregnant or breast feeding to stay away from ganoderma.
• Interaction with medications. Be careful with ganoderma if you are on a medication for high blood pressure or slow blood clotting as the extract can have negative effects when combined with either of these kinds of medicines.