Reishi mushroom

Lingzhi, a Chinese herbal medicine, is the dried fruiting body of the fungus *Ganoderma lucidum* (Leyss.ex Fr.) Karst. (known as Red Reishi) or *Ganoderma sinense* Zhao, Xu et Zhang (known as Purple Reishi) in the family Polyporaceae. It supports Qi and calms the spirit, and helps maintain normal respiratory function. It helps with occasional restlessness and sleeplessness, supports a calm Heart rhythm, promotes respiratory health in cases of occasional cough and wheezing, supports vitality and normal breathing, and encourages healthy appetite.

Actions and Benefits

Functions

supports Qi energy, promotes a calm mind, and helps maintain respiratory comfort.

Primary Functions

Restlessness of the mind (Shen), sleeplessness, palpitations, Lung deficiency with cough and shortness of breath, deficiency fatigue with shortness of breath, and lack of appetite.

Usage and Dosage

For oral administration: decoct 6–12 g; or grind into powder and take 1.5–3 g.

Precautions

1. Contraindicated in Excess Patterns and at the early stage of externally contracted conditions.

2. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) may help maintain normal platelet aggregation. Accordingly, it should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding tendencies or conditions.

3. Use with caution for individuals with allergic constitution.

Chemical composition

The main components include polysaccharides (glucans A–G, ganoderma polysaccharides), triterpenoids (ganoderic acids A, B, C, C2, D, E, F, K, M, etc.), alkaloids (betaine, ganoderine A, ganoderine B), sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol palmitate, ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one, etc.), and nucleosides (adenosine, adenine). It also contains various amino acids, polypeptides, and organic acids.

Pharmacological Actions

This product supports central nervous system health, helps maintain normal brain function, supports immune system function, promotes cellular health, supports Liver health, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and healthy metabolic function, supports healthy aging, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, and supports Kidney health.

Related Discussion

According to Shennong Bencao Jing: “Ganoderma sinense (Zi Zhi) is sweet in taste and warm in nature. It supports hearing health, promotes comfortable joint movement, nurtures the spirit and replenishes essence, strengthens sinews and bones, and supports a healthy complexion. Long-term consumption helps maintain a healthy body weight, supports vitality, and promotes healthy aging.”

2. *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica): “Helps support those with deficiency and fatigue.”

Clinical Application

Clinical Applications

1. For supporting a calm mind, restful sleep, and helping with occasional uneasiness, it can be taken alone after grinding into powder, or combined with Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Suanzaoren), Platycladus orientalis (Baiziren), and Dimocarpus longan (Longyanrou).

2. For phlegm-rheum patterns presenting with aversion to cold, cough, copious phlegm, and wheezing, it is particularly supportive for phlegm-dampness or deficiency-cold types. It may be used alone or in combination with herbs such as Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen), Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi), Zingiber officinale (Ganjiang), and Pinellia ternata (Banxia) to support qi, astringe the Lung, warm yang, and transform fluids.

3. To help support individuals with temporary weakness, shortness of breath, poor appetite, cold hands and feet, or irritability and dry mouth, this herb is often combined with tonifying herbs such as Shanzhuyu (Cornus officinalis), Renshen (Panax ginseng), and Dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa), as in the formula Zizhi Wan (Ganoderma Pill) from the *General Collection of Holy Relief* (*Shengji Zonglu*).

Related Compatibility

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) combined with Ziziphus spinosa (Suanzaoren): Lingzhi supports Qi and helps maintain a calm spirit; Suanzaoren nourishes blood and promotes a calm spirit. When used together, they support Qi and blood nourishment to help maintain a calm spirit, supporting those with occasional restless sleep due to temporary Qi and blood imbalance and inadequate nourishment of the Heart-mind.

2. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) paired with Panax ginseng (Renshen): Ganoderma lucidum helps nourish qi and blood; Panax ginseng supports robust vital energy. Together, this combination promotes general well-being and helps maintain vitality in cases of occasional fatigue and weakness.

Differentiation of Medicinal Use

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi): both are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and both enter the Heart, Liver, and Kidney Meridians. However, Lingzhi also enters the Lung Meridian, and it supports Qi and promotes tranquility, as well as helps maintain respiratory comfort. It is used to support restful sleep and a calm Heart, Lung health and occasional respiratory discomfort, vitality and normal breathing, and a healthy appetite. Yunzhi also enters the Spleen Meridian, with functions of supporting Spleen function and healthy fluid metabolism, and helping maintain a balanced internal environment. It is used to support healthy Liver and gallbladder function, occasional discomfort in the rib-side area, appetite, and energy levels.

Related Medicinal Products

Huoxin Wan (Activating Heart Pill), Yixin Ningshen Pian (Benefiting Heart and Calming Spirit Tablet).

Related Formulas

Zizhi Wan (Purple Lingzhi Pill) from the *Shengji Zonglu* (General Record of Holy Relief).

Medicinal Dietary Therapy (Yaoshan Shiliao)

1. Lingzhi Danshen Zhou (Reishi and Red Sage Root Porridge)

(1) Functions: supports the nourishment of Qi and blood, promotes healthy blood circulation and meridian flow, and helps calm the spirit by nourishing the blood. May help maintain regular menstrual cycles, support normal menstruation, and provide comfort for occasional menstrual discomfort. supports abdominal helps with occasional, helps with occasional sharp discomfort in the chest and abdomen, and promotes restful sleep. Also supports cardiovascular health and nervous system wellness. Not recommended for individuals with active bleeding.

(2) Ingredients: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) 30g, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) 5g, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) 3g, rice 50g, and an appropriate amount of white sugar.

Method: First decoct the first 3 ingredients, then remove the residue. Take the supernatant liquid, add rice, and cook over low heat into a thin congee. When done, mix in white sugar.

(4) Usage: Take warm, once or twice daily.

Lingzhi Yin’er Cha (Ganoderma lucidum and Tremella fuciformis Tea)

(1) Functions: Helps nourish Yin and moisten the Lung, supports respiratory comfort and occasional phlegm relief, and promotes a calm mind and mental clarity. Suitable for those experiencing occasional cough, shortness of breath with cough, phlegm, dry mouth or occasional dry stools, as well as occasional sleeplessness, dizziness, dry and parched sensation in the mouth, poor appetite, general fatigue, and temporary nervous exhaustion.

(2) Raw materials: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) 5g, Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) 10g, Rock sugar 15g.

(3) Preparation method: Rinse Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and Tremella fuciformis (Yiner) with clean water. Soak the Tremella until fully hydrated. Then cut both into small pieces, place them in a thermos flask, pour in an appropriate amount of boiling water, seal with the lid, and let steep overnight. The next morning, add rock sugar, and once it dissolves, it is ready to serve.

(4) Usage: Take in three divided doses: morning, midday, and evening.

3. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and Quail Egg Soup

(1) Formulated for the Heart Blood Deficiency pattern. It supports healthy Heart function, restful sleep, clear memory, a radiant complexion, balanced body weight, a vibrant appearance, smooth skin, and helps maintain a youthful skin appearance.

(2) Ingredients: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) 6g, Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 12 pieces, quail eggs 12g, white sugar appropriate amount.

(3) Directions: Wash the quail eggs, place them in a pot with enough water, and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove and peel the shells, setting aside. Wash and chop the Lingzhi (Reishi mushroom). Wash and pit the Chinese dates (Jujube). Place both ingredients into a clay pot, add appropriate amount of water, and add the cooked quail eggs. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the Lingzhi has released its essence. Stir in rock sugar to taste. (Note: This recipe supports general well-being; not intended to supports or supports any wellness.)

Usage: One dose daily, take warm.

Notes

For patients who need Chinese herbal support, they should first visit a qualified TCM hospital and receive a herbal formula prescribed after professional TCM pattern differentiation.

processing (Paozhi)

Harvesting and Processing

Harvest throughout the year, remove impurities, cut off the lower part of the stipe attached to rotten wood, sediment, or culture substrate, and dry in the shade or dry at 40°C-50°C.

Processing Method

Remove impurities, separate by size, moisten thoroughly, cut off the stipe, slice, and dry.

Storage Method

Store in a dry place, protect from mold and insects.

Herbal Identification

Macroscopic Characteristics of Medicinal Materials

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi): The fruiting body is umbrella-shaped. The cap is Kidney-shaped, semicircular, or nearly round, with a diameter of 10–18 cm and a thickness of 1–2 cm. The outer skin is hard, yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, glossy, with concentric ring ridges and radiating wrinkles. The margin is thin and truncate, often slightly incurved. The context (flesh) is white to light brown. The stipe (stem) is cylindrical, lateral, occasionally off-center, 7–15 cm long, 1–3.5 cm in diameter, reddish-brown to purplish-brown, shiny. Spores are small, yellowish-brown. Aroma: faintly fragrant; taste: bitter and astringent.

2. Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi): Cap purple-black, with a lacquer-like luster. Flesh rusty brown. Stipe length 17–23 cm.

3. Cultivated product: The fruiting body is relatively robust and thick, measuring 12-22 cm in diameter and 1.5-4 cm in thickness. The outer shell is often covered with a large amount of dust-like yellowish-brown spores.

Herbal Piece Characteristics

This product consists of irregular slices. The cross-section of the cap is composed of a crust, flesh, and numerous tubes, appearing off-white or light brown. The crust is present on the upper surface or on both sides of the cap; the lower crust often falls off. The crust is hard, reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, or purplish-brown, glossy, with wrinkles, and is often covered with a large amount of powdery, yellowish-brown spores. The flesh is light brown, light brown, or rusty brown. The stipe is subcylindrical or irregular, with a reddish-brown or purplish-black, shiny surface; its cross-section is light brown to rusty brown, sometimes with ring marks. The odor is slightly aromatic; the taste is bitter and astringent.

Common Adulterants

Tree Tongue: It is the fruiting body of Ganoderma applanatum (Pers. ex Gray) Pat., a fungus of the Polyporaceae family. The cap is sessile, semicircular or Kidney-shaped, typically 18–25 cm, with larger specimens reaching 30–80 cm and up to 15 cm thick. It is often gray, gradually turning brown, with concentric annular ridges; sometimes with warts or nodules. The crust is brittle, horny, and the margin is mostly blunt. The flesh is light chestnut-colored, sometimes white near the crust, up to 8 cm thick. The tubes are distinctly multilayered, each layer up to 15 mm thick. The tube mouths are nearly white to light yellow, rapidly turning dark brown when injured, round, with 4–6 per millimeter.

Botanical Information

plant species and genus

Fungus of the family Polyporaceae, genus Ganoderma: Ganoderma lucidum (Chizhi, Red Reishi) and Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi, Purple Reishi).

Morphological Features

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Chizhi, Red Reishi): A saprophytic fungus, with a stipe and corky texture. The pileus (cap) is semicircular or Kidney-shaped, 10–20 cm in diameter, with flesh thickness of 1.5–2 cm. The cap surface is brown-yellow or reddish-brown, gradually becoming pale yellow toward the margin, with concentric ring patterns, slightly wrinkled or smooth, having a bright lacquer-like luster, and a slightly blunt edge. The context (flesh) is milky white, turning light brown near the tubes. The tubes are up to 1 cm long, with 4–5 per mm. The pores are nearly round, initially white, later becoming pale yellow or yellowish-brown. The stipe is cylindrical, lateral or offset, occasionally central, 10–19 cm long, 1.5–4 cm thick, with color similar to the cap. The cuticle hyphae are clavate with swollen tips. The hyphal system is trimitic: generative hyphae hyaline, thin-walled; skeletal hyphae yellowish-brown, thick-walled, nearly solid; binding hyphae colorless, thick-walled, curved, and branched. Spores are ovoid, double-walled, with a truncated apex; the outer wall is hyaline, the inner wall light brown with small spines; size (9–11) μm × (6–7) μm. The basidiocarps mostly mature in autumn, and in South China and Southwest China can extend to winter maturation.

2. Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi): The cap of Ganoderma sinense is mostly purple-black to nearly brown-black; the flesh is uniformly brown, dark brown to chestnut brown; the spores have an umbilical protrusion at the apex, with obvious small spines protruding from the inner wall, and the spores are relatively large, measuring (9.5-13.8) μm × (6.9-8.5) μm.

Distribution

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): Distributed throughout the country, with more in the south of the Yangtze River.

2. Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi): This species is endemic to China, distributed in the hot and rainy regions south of the Yangtze River.

authentic producing region (daodi)

Produced in most regions of the country.

growing environment

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi): Grows at the root zone or on dead tree stumps of sun-exposed Fagaceae and Pinaceae (Pinus) plants, etc.

2. Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi): Grows on stumps of broadleaf trees or Pinaceae (pine family), causing white rot of wood.

Growth and Clinical Observation

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) is a saprophytic fungus, and since it can parasitize on living trees, it is also called a facultative parasite. The growth temperature ranges from 3-40°C, with the optimum at 26-28°C. It grows well under conditions of substrate moisture content close to 200%, relative air humidity of 90%, and pH 5-6. Ganoderma lucidum is an aerobic fungus, and sufficient oxygen and scattered light should be provided during the cultivation of fruiting bodies.