Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi) has long been considered the mushroom of immortality and is widely utilized in herbal and traditional Chinese medicine practices. Reishi is widely studied functional mushroom that provides therapeutic support for cognitive functions while simultaneously soothing occasional stress symptoms.

Hemlock varnish shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is our primary Northeastern reishi species, found on hardwoods east of the Rockies and rich in water-soluble proteins, dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Decoction

Decoction is a potency herbal drink made by boiling whole herbs in large quantities of water until their liquid has boiled off, after which time the remaining plant material should be left to steep for extended periods – often overnight – to produce thick, concentrated tea that should be consumed on an empty stomach. Many add warming spices such as ginger, cardamom or black pepper for extra spice which turn this drink into Chai Tea.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms have been revered in Asia for thousands of years as “mushrooms of spiritual power”. Packed with triterpenes that help boost immunity, reduce tumor growth, and create an overall healthier spirit or “shen,” decocting Reishi for tea consumption is considered to be the most efficient method of extracting its medicinal compounds.

Unfortunately, not everyone who needs medical help wants it. In that instance, these clinics can provide much-needed help without breaking the bank or being taken by surprise by bill collectors. Milk tea Ganoderma Lucidum beverages can be created by mixing an extract from Chinese medicine with 15-35 green tea leaves and one to three parts of milk, using 15 to 35 parts of glossy ganoderma lucidum; bark of Eucommia Ulmoides; sealwort; Rhizoma Polygonatum sibiricum and Radix Codonopsis pilosula as well as bidentate Achyranthes root as constituents. This invention further describes a preparation method for the beverage in question, with step S4 including adding pre-weighed sugar into the filtrate quickly for making milk tea ganoderma lucidum drink. It is the aim of this invention to produce a milk tea beverage with enhanced functional health efficacy and fragrant glossy ganoderma flavors, as well as stronger fragrance. This beverage can satisfy consumers who wish to combine glossy ganoderma flavours with that of milk tea for an enjoyable drinking experience.

Herbal Infusions

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as the Lingzhi mushroom, is an esteemed functional herb in traditional herbal medicine. Studies have revealed its positive benefits in terms of immune system health and energy levels; depression; blood pressure reduction; treating liver diseases as well as treating depression, blood pressure reduction and treatment for liver conditions. Furthermore, this mushroom contains beta-glucans, polysaccharides which strengthen cell walls, inhibit tumor growth and increase circulation.

Appalachians’ most prominent species of Reishi is Ganoderma tsugae; however, other varieties like Ganoderma oregonense on western conifers and Ganoderma curtisii found east of the Rockies may also occur frequently.

Reishi mushrooms from all species contain medicinal molecules such as triterpenes, steroids, phenols and nucleotides that have been demonstrated effective at treating various illnesses. While most health food stores sell Ganoderma lucidum-derived reishi mushrooms as the only form with medicinal benefits and similar constituents compared with other varieties of Reishi species.

To create an effective herbal infusion, simmer herbs on low heat for 8 hours at least, breaking down their tough chitin layer and further dispensing beneficial compounds into solution. This preparation method, commonly referred to as decoction is best suited to more robust herbs like Schisandra or Ashwagandha as well as certain functional mushrooms; alternatively known as solar infusion.

Recipes

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi in China and Reishi in Japan) has long been used in traditional Eastern medicine as an adaptogen, used to balance body processes such as stress response. Additionally, this powerful cancer-fighting herb contains beta-glucans which have been demonstrated through animal research studies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to improve immune response to tumors. Widely grown throughout North America and available as supplements, tea blends or coffee products containing Ganoderma.

Studies conducted both in vitro and animal models demonstrate the antioxidant benefits of Reishi polysaccharides as potential protection from cardiovascular disease. They have been found to increase activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT which remove harmful free radicals from the body; prevent oxidative damage to lipids and proteins exposed to ischaemia/reperfusion; as well as decrease Apoptosis by G. Lucidum extracts (Cherian et al 2009, Yurkiv 2015).

Other animal studies demonstrated that hydroethanolic extract of Reishi polysaccharides reduced plasma glucose and lipid levels in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats by inhibiting insulin secretion, activating AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), increasing glycogen synthase phosphorylation and suppressing expression of C-Myc in breast cancer cells (Bach et al, 2018).

Reishi mushroom’s health benefits are well-documented, making it a widely utilized ingredient in beauty products ranging from skin care to tea. Reishi’s antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, along with beta-glucans that aid water retention by the skin, helps improve hydration and elasticity as well as helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles due to neutralizing free radicals, leading to healthier looking complexion. Reishi can be found in face creams, moisturizers and body lotions; additionally it can also be found as part of green tea blends – don’t miss our organic mushroom extract capsules along with our turkey tail, cordyceps, Chaga and Lion’s mane!