Ganoderma : Food as Medicine

Ganoderma or Lingzhi or Red Mushroom

is considered one of the most important herbs in Asian healing. Its use extends to almost every system of the body. Ganoderma has been used in China for over 4,000 years. It is the primary shen tonic in Chinese herbalism. In a broad sense, it is used to help a person adapt both physically and mentally to the world. It is used to strengthen and calm the nerves, improve memory, and prevent or delay senility.

Collectively, the Ganoderma are being investigated for a variety of potential therapeutic benefits:

* anticancer effects

* immunoregulatory effects

* antioxidant activities

* liver-protecting effects

* hypoglycemic effects

* antibacterial effects

* antiviral effects

* antifungal effects

* reducing blood cholesterol

* inhibiting blood vessel regeneration (angiogenesis)

* antifibrotic effects

* protection against radiation-induced damage

* reducing lower urinary tract symptoms

* increasing endurance for vigorous exercise