Ganoderma lucidum, also known as lingzhi in China and reishi in Japan, is an esteemed “life-enhancing” medicinal mushroom with many health benefits. Used traditionally and holistically for treating ailments like hepatitis, high cholesterol levels, cancer and various immune-related issues reishi is often prescribed to enhance health and longevity; polysaccharides produced from Ganoderma lucidum have also been implicated as playing an integral part in its biological activities – which also include immuno-modulatory properties.

Reishi is an exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food with strong immune modulating properties that can help balance hormones. Reishi’s polysaccharides have been found to stimulate production of gamma interferon – an important protein which inhibits tumor growth – as well as stimulating lymphocyte proliferation and inhibiting cell adhesion, all while supporting overall immune health and treating inflammation-based diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Reishi can also help improve blood circulation and cell regeneration and differentiation to support an overall healthier and balanced state in the body. Reishi may reduce risks for heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels.

Traditional Chinese medicine employs Reishi to treat various conditions, including cancer, high cholesterol levels, liver disease and nervous disorders. According to studies, Reishi has proven its ability to inhibit human cancer cells’ migration phenotype as well as increasing longevity by regulating metabolism, controlling diabetes and decreasing inflammation.

Reishi mushrooms have long been used as an ingredient in functional beverages like teas and tinctures, as well as being included in various dietary supplements. Their water- and alcohol-soluble constituents provide relief for fatigue, stress and high blood pressure; its powerful healing properties can be attributed to high concentrations of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino acids present.

Hemlock varnish shelf (Ganoderma tsugae), the primary Northeastern reishi species, thrives on hardwoods east of the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the hardest-working and adaptable varieties found there. Ganoderma lucidum can often be found growing on dead hemlock trees in Appalachia – however recent genetic analyses revealed that an incorrectly labeled G. lucidum sample from Europe was closer to G. resinaceum while one from North America wrongly labeled G. lucidum was actually closer to G. resinaceum and G lucidum was closely related to G tsugae; these findings underscore how confusion exists within North American samples of reishi species identification among North American samples of reishi samples.