The Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, also known as the lingzhi mushroom, is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Reishi is known for boasting a wide array of health benefits and its medicinal use has spanned thousands of years.

The Chinese refer to Reishi as the “Herb of Spiritual Potency,” the “Elixir of Life,” and the “Mushroom of Immortality” because this wild-crafted adaptogenic herb was traditionally used for cultivating spiritual energy, modulating immune function, protecting the liver and kidneys, and promoting health, longevity, and peace of mind.

Ganoderic acids, found exclusively in Ganoderma fungi such as the Reishi, may help alleviate common allergies by inhibiting histamine release, improving oxygen utilization in the body and modulating liver function. Contemporary research indicates Reishi may also relieve symptoms of stress, insomnia, stomach ulcers and herpes.

The Reishi mushroom is used for boosting the immune system; combating viral infections such as the flu; lung conditions including asthma and bronchitis; heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney disease, liver disease, prostate cancer, and even HIV/AIDS. The nutritional constituents of the Reishi have in fact demonstrated antibacterial, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo, as well as increased plasma antioxidant capacity and enhanced immune response in advance-stage cancer patients.