Reishi

Reishi (Lingzhi)

Ganoderma Lucidum

Classic Reishi Appearance

• Distinctive kidney- or fan-shaped cap.
• Surface is varnished, shiny, and lacquer-like (one of its key identifiers).
• Colors range from red, orange, and brown to purplish-black, often with concentric rings of different shades.

Usually 5–30 cm wide, but can grow larger.

Underside

• Covered in tiny white to yellowish pores (not gills).
• Pores release brown spores as it matures.

• Sometimes absent, sometimes present as a short, lateral or central stem.
• When present, it is tough, dark, and woody.

• Woody, hard, and inedible in its raw form.
• The polished look makes it resemble carved wood or lacquered furniture.

Reishi Antlers Appearance

Instead of developing broad caps, it forms long, thin, branching antler-like structures.

Antlers are typically bright red to orange with a glossy varnished surface.

They are often considered higher in certain triterpenes due to their unique growth conditions

Preferred Trees

• Grows mainly on deciduous hardwoods, especially oak, maple, beech, and elm.
• Occasionally found on conifers, but less common.
• Often colonizes dead or dying trees and fallen logs, though sometimes grows on living trees as a parasite.

• Thrives in warm, humid climates.
• Naturally found in densely forested areas with plenty of decaying wood.
• Can also be cultivated indoors on hardwood sawdust, logs, or supplemented substrates.

• Native to Asia (China, Japan, Korea).
• Found in Europe, North America, and South America in suitable climates.
• Cultivated worldwide due to its high medicinal value.

Functional Use Only.

Texture is too woody & tough to sliced, sautéed & chewed.

Flavour is bitter & not great for culinary uses.

Origin

Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years, where it is called “Lingzhi” (靈芝), meaning “spiritual or divine mushroom.”

In ancient China, it was known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” and reserved mainly for emperors, royalty, and the wealthy due to its rarity.

Also used in Japan (where it is called “Reishi”) and other parts of East Asia as a tonic for longevity, vitality, and spiritual power.

Distribution

• Native Range - East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan).
• Global Spread - Now found in many parts of the world including Europe, North America, and South America, wherever hardwood forests provide suitable conditions.
• Widely cultivated worldwide (on logs, sawdust, or artificial substrates) to meet medicinal and commercial demand.

Macronutrients & Bioactive Compounds

• Immune-modulating and antioxidant effects

• Ganoderic acids, Lucidenic acids
• Known for anti-inflammatory, antiviral, liver-protective, and adaptogenic properties

• Ergosterol and related compounds (precursors to Vitamin D when exposed to UV)

• Includes LZ-8 (Ling Zhi-8), an immunomodulating protein unique to Reishi

• Supports gut health and microbiome balance

• Adenosine and guanosine derivatives that may support cardiovascular and energy balance

• Antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress

• Contribute to aroma and may have mild bioactivity

• B-complex vitamins
• B1 (Thiamine)
• B2 (Riboflavin)
• B3 (Niacin)
• B5 (Pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin C (in small amounts)
• Vitamin D₂ (formed from ergosterol when exposed to UV light)

• Potassium (K)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Iron (Fe)
• Copper (Cu)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Selenium (Se)

Reishi Extract - Potential Supplement Aid For It's Relaxation & Immune Supporting Properties Enhancing Overall Wellness Of The Mind & Body - Based On Scientific Trials

• Rich in beta-glucans and proteins (like LZ-8) that help regulate immune function.
• Supports defense against infections while calming overactive immune responses.

• Ganoderic acids and triterpenes help reduce systemic inflammation.
• Traditionally used for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.

• Vered as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in ancient China.
• Consumed as a tonic for stamina, balance, and overall wellness.

• Polyphenols and triterpenes combat oxidative stress and free radical damage.
• May support healthy aging and cellular protection.

• Acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with physical and emotional stress.
• Traditionally used for calming the mind, improving sleep, and reducing fatigue.

• May help lower blood pressure and support healthy cholesterol balance.
• Nucleosides and triterpenes support circulation and heart function.

• Protects the liver from toxins and oxidative damage.
• Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for liver and detox balance.

• May help regulate blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Traditionally used for asthma, coughs, and bronchitis.
• Supports healthy lung function and oxygen uptake.

(Experimental)

• Ganoderic acids studied for slowing tumor growth and enhancing immune response.

Reishi is especially well-known for its relaxation and sleep-supporting effects in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern wellness.

Calming Adaptogen

• Reishi helps regulate the stress response by balancing cortisol and supporting the nervous system.

• Traditionally used as a shen (spirit) tonic in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and ease restlessness.
• Modern studies suggest it may increase total sleep time and improve deep sleep by influencing neurotransmitters like GABA.

• Ganoderic acids and triterpenes may have mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, helping reduce nighttime overthinking and tension.

• Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, Reishi is gentle and non-addictive, making it suitable for long-term use.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (over 2,000 years)

• Called “Lingzhi” (靈芝), meaning “spiritual or divine mushroom.”
• Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”
• Used to nourish the heart, calm the spirit (shen), strengthen Qi (vital energy), and promote longevity.
• Prescribed for insomnia, fatigue, cough, asthma, liver complaints, and to boost vitality.

• Revered as a sacred mushroom symbolizing spiritual power, good fortune, and eternal life.
• Art and literature from the Han Dynasty depict Lingzhi as a symbol of health, divinity, and immortality.
• Reserved for emperors, nobles, and monks due to its rarity.

• In Japan, called “Reishi” and in Korea “Yeongji.”
• Consumed as a tea or decoction for health, stamina, and longevity.
• Used as a general tonic to enhance strength, reduce fatigue, and support spiritual well-being.

• Taken for respiratory ailments (coughs, asthma, bronchitis), liver and kidney support, and general vitality.
• Often consumed daily in small amounts as a preventative health tonic.

Han Dynasty, China (206 BCE – 220 CE)
Earliest depictions of Lingzhi appear in Han dynasty art, carvings, and textiles as a symbol of immortality, health, and spiritual power.

Shénnóng Běncǎo Jīng (Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica, ~200–250 CE)
One of the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias.
Describes Lingzhi as a “superior herb” that prolongs life, enhances Qi (vital energy), and improves mental clarity.

Daoist Texts (3rd–6th century CE)
Lingzhi praised as a sacred fungus capable of granting longevity and spiritual enlightenment.

Míng Dynasty – Běncǎo Gāngmù (Compendium of Materia Medica, 1596):
Compiled by herbalist Li Shizhen.
Documents six types of Lingzhi (red, purple, black, white, yellow, green) with different health associations.

Japanese Records (Nara Period, 710–794 CE)
Reishi mentioned in official medical texts as an imported herbal remedy from China, used for vitality and longevity.

20th Century Scientific Research (1960s onward)

• Japanese and Chinese scientists began isolating polysaccharides and triterpenes from Reishi.
• Confirmed its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties.

Standardized Extracts

• Commercial extracts (capsules, powders, tinctures) became widely available.
• Reishi incorporated into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and traditional medicine formulas.

• Adopted in the West as part of the adaptogen and superfood movement.
• Promoted for stress relief, sleep support, immune health, and longevity.
• Now used in teas, coffees, supplements, smoothies, and skincare products.

Ongoing Research

Modern studies explore Reishi’s role in cardiovascular health, blood sugar balance, sleep, cancer research, and neuroprotection.