Herbs - Reishi - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Although there are several different types of Ganodermas, it is the lucidum that is probably the best known so far. The pure red reishi is the best and is one of the greatest immune modulators we have. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the reishi mushroom protects and builds our wei qi, our outer defense mechanism protecting us from external pathogens and, due to its neutral energy, can be used safely by anyone.

The reishi mushroom's immune modulating properties are due mainly to the polysaccharides (a group of sugar-bound molecules) found in the mushroom that also increase RNA and DNA in the bone marrow where lymphocytes and other immune cells are made. RNA (ribonucleic acid) works by disrupting viral conditions by inducing interferon production. It does not work against cells already infected but against the virus invading the cell.

The reishi can inhibit the growths of Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Bacillus pneumonia and Candida albicans. A significant volume of work has been done regarding the use of reishi on cancer patients and it has been found to neutralize the toxins secreted from cancer tissue while strengthening white blood cells and increasing total count, in addition to stopping the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation.

Reishi is classed as an adaptogen -- an agent that helps the body deal with hard or stressful situations. The triterpenes in the plant give reishi its adaptogenic properties. This substance provides resihi with many of its other properties, including lowering high blood pressure and blood lipid improvements. It reduces blood fat levels, lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and has a cardiovascular cleansing and toning effect. The ganoderic acids help inhibit platelet aggregation by basically thinning the blood.

Reishi can be used quite successfully on allergies as it inhibits the release of histamine and is actually specific for asthma due to its sulfur compounds. Even with people who are allergic to molds, reishi can be given in smaller doses with great success. As an antioxidant, it is quite powerful and can work against radiation, cancer, heart disease, and various degenerative diseases caused by the effects of free radicals.

The mushroom can have a sedating effect, as it relaxes the central nervous system. The strong calming action the reishi produces is actually quite meditative. For years in the Himalayan mountains, guides have been taking reishi to combat altitude sickness, likely due to its ability to increase blood oxygen levels.

If you thought there could not possibly be any more this mushroom could do, keep reading! Reishi is a powerful liver detoxifier, cleansing and protecting liver cells, and decreasing the cell damage caused by viral antigen-antibody complexes. It is also a very strong anti-inflammatory.