This "mushroom of immortality" and the "Herb of Good Fortune," enters your heart, liver and lungs, and also possibly the kidney meridian. In Chinese medicine, the reishi mushroom is known as a “three treasure” herb that balances the body, mind and spirit. It nurtures all Three Treasures - jing (life force), qi (energy), and shen (spirit).
The health benefits of its polysaccharide content on cancer
Polysaccharides are carbohydrates made up of many sugar molecules and have anti-cancer and anti-oxidant effects, immune system boosting, colon cleansing and cholesterol-lowering abilities. One such polysaccharide is Beta-D-glucan which exhibits high anti-tumor activity, thus inhibiting further growth and possibly shrinking them completely. Reishi's high fibre content cleanses the colon of toxins and produces a mild laxative action to flush out the system.
Research by Dr Raymond Chang of Cornell Medical College reveals that the reishi mushroom can reduce side-effects when undergoing treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Protection against fatigue, hair loss and bone marrow suppression can be achieved as well as the enhancement of survival rates and reduction of the risk of metastasis.Reishi can also be used to improve the quality of life and prevent recurrence of the cancer.
The immune system enhancement and anti-oxidant effects of reishi
Reishi activates many anti-viral and anti-tumor substances in the body, such as interferon and lymphokines which help fight viral infections and stop the spread. Polysaccharides increase levels of the anti-oxidant Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), which neutralizes free radical toxins, thus preventing tissue malfunction or destruction.
Triterpenes have major health benefits
These fatty acids have benefits including cholesterol inhibition, reduction in blood pressure and a steroidal action which increases the feeling of wellbeing and resistance to stress. They are also responsible for balancing the blood sugar, reducing the "allergy response", and protecting liver damage from toxins.
The adenosine content of reishi provides energy and improves blood flow
This substance increases the body's Chi or life energy, and powers the various chemical reactions in the body. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, preventing clot formation and the possibility of strokes. A powerful vasodilator, adenosine improves blood flow and circulation, and also has a calming and protective action on the brain. This effect can benefit cases of brain injury, stroke, dementia and trauma.
Reishi has a remarkable germanium and plant sterol content
Germanium improves tissue function with its higher oxygen delivery to the cells, lowers high blood pressure, enhances eye health and immune function, and provides morphine-like pain relief.
Reishi's plant sterols are needed for the manufacture of hormones in the body, and are invaluable for inhibiting tumor growth and formation, and lowering cholesterol.
Sources
Dillague G J M, Ganoderma and Your Health, Dichron Multimedia, Makati City, Philippines, 2001
Chang, R. (1996). Potential application of ganoderma polysaccharides in the immunosurveillance and chemoprevention of cancer. In Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference, Royse DJ (ed), Penn State U. Press, University Park, p.153-9
Lee, SS., Chen, FD., Chang, SC., et al. (1984). In vivo anti-tumor effects of crude extracts from the mycelium of ganoderma lucidum. J. of Chinese Oncology Society 5(3): 22-28.
Anne Dubois - Anne is a mother of one son, living in Auckland, New Zealand. She has worked in the natural health industry for nearly 10 years and has ...
