The healing properties of Reishi mushroom

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One of the most mysterious creatures of nature is the Reishi mushroom. It has many names and several varieties that differ in the color of the cap, and the most incredible and amazing legends are added about its healing properties. This mushroom has been valued since the reign of the emperors of China and other eastern countries. The attitude towards him has not changed even today.

The healing properties of Reishi mushroom

Ganoderma and its features

Reishi mushroom is native to Asia (China, Thailand, Japan and Korea). It grows there today. Tinder grows (Ganoderma, Reishi or Lingzhi) and in the east of Russia. In other countries, cultivation on mushroom farms or at home is used.

Special attention should be paid to the description of the appearance of this mushroom. It looks like other woody species, but it is distinguished by its shiny surface. Wavy hat with growth rings. There are different colors depending on the variety. There are both black and red, orange and even brown colors. It is believed that the color of the cap depends on the substrate on which the given mushroom grows.

The size of the cap reaches 25 cm in diameter. The mushroom is up to 5 cm high. The flesh is tender, white in young specimens, but turns brown with age.

Irina Selyutina (Biologist):

The fruiting bodies of the Reishi mushroom are usually annual in terms of life, but sometimes 2-3 years old are found in nature. Among the group of tinder fungi, this is the only mushroom with a cap-toothed structure. Its flesh is very dense and woody, odorless and tasteless. The hymenophore is tubular, the tubes forming it are short, ocher-colored with small and rounded pores. If you look at the mushroom from the side, you can clearly see how the leg is located - it is lateral, long and uneven. By the way it is fed, the lacquered polypore is a saprophyte causing white rot of wood. In the wild, the fungus usually settles at the base of the trunk of already dead or weakened and dying trees, representatives of deciduous species. But conifers in his “diet” are an exception to the rule. It is extremely rare to find this mushroom on living trees. If the vegetative mycelium of the fungus grows in roots submerged in the soil, then the Reishi's fruiting body can also be found on the surface of the soil, which may surprise an uninformed person. During growth, it very often happens that the hat, as it were, absorbs various forest debris (twigs, sticks) and continues to grow with it.

The culture gained the greatest popularity in oriental medicine. In China and Japan, Ganoderma received the status of a remedy for all diseases.

Useful properties of lacquered tinder fungus

Legends and myths about the miraculousness of this particular type of tinder fungus, which have come down to the present, as well as many years of experience in using the product in the treatment of hundreds of diseases, have remained without scientific confirmation. Scientists showed interest in the Chinese "miracle", but could only determine the composition of the product.

This rare mushroom contains a large amount of triterpenes, which are powerful immune stimulants. The concentration of these substances is so high that some pharmaceutical synthetic substances cannot even compete with such a gift from nature. Other useful properties are also surprising:

1. Activation of metabolic processes and stimulation of immunity. This property was obtained by the product due to the organic germanium contained in the composition.
2. Antiallergic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective effect. It is a hormonal herbal preparation, whose effect is achieved by a high content of ganodermic acids.
3. Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor action. Natural antibacterial agent capable of modulating immunity and suppressing tumor development in oncology. According to scientists, this effect is due to the high level of polysaccharides.

The product also contains adenosine, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the circulatory system and helps to improve metabolism.

Indications for use

Today it is easier to find a tinder fungus in a store or in a pharmacy than to get it in nature, because there are few zones of its growth (including in Russia). It is also important that there are a large number of release forms for such products. There is Reishi mushroom tea, ground mushroom in the form of special coffee, and other options (powders, tinctures, etc.).

They use the purchased medicine for a variety of diseases. It is useful for both women and men. Reception of it contributes to the solution of the following problems:

1. Fighting excess weight: improvement of digestion, detoxification properties, as well as acceleration of metabolism contribute to rapid and effective weight loss. Not forgetting about the basic rules of losing weight (healthy diet, physical activity, drinking regimen, etc.), it will be possible to lose extra pounds when using ganoderma in any form (tincture, coffee, tea, powder, etc.) in a fairly short period time.
2. Skin revitalization: the composition of the product is characterized by an antioxidant effect. There are a large number of premium cosmetics (masks, creams, etc.) that slow down skin aging.
3. Stimulation of immunity: antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as the polysaccharide monomers present in the composition contribute to immunomodulation and immunostimulation of the body. The mushroom can be used effectively in the fight against respiratory diseases.
4. Fight against oncology: preparations based on the fungus help slow the growth of tumors and prevent the spread of metastases in cancer. The greatest effect is achieved in breast cancer (in women) and prostate cancer (in men). In countries such as Japan, China and Vietnam, lacquered tinder fungus is an officially recognized tool for the prevention and treatment of cancer at various stages.
5. Detoxification of the body: due to the adenosine and germanium contained in the product, in case of poisoning, toxic substances and fats are quickly and efficiently removed from the blood, and all organs and systems are saturated with oxygen.
6. Normalization of the gastrointestinal tract: taking the mushroom normalizes stool, promotes the treatment of peptic ulcers and is a powerful preventive measure.
7. Stability of the cardiovascular system: triterpenes, triterpinoids, as well as adenosine, contained in the composition of the fungus, help to normalize blood pressure, increase the oxygenation of the heart muscle, and also normalize blood sugar levels.
8. Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system: the greatest benefit is achieved in the treatment of pneumonia.

Also lacquered tinder fungus helps in the fight against allergic manifestations. The mushroom is used both in dried form and in the form of an extract, tincture, powder, tablets and capsules. The components contained in the fruit bodies have a sedative, hypotensive and anti-inflammatory effect. Such a remedy will keep a person “afloat” no worse than specialized synthetic medicines during periods of seasonal allergies or in special cases of contact with allergens.

Contraindications

Consult your doctor before using the mushroom

Observation of patients who took Reishi mushroom showed that this product has almost no contraindications. It is often prescribed for children as well as for pregnant women. Contraindications can be talked about in relation to people taking antidepressants, as well as drugs that affect blood clotting.

Even if there are no contraindications to the use of the drug, it can be used only after prior consultation with a doctor. The recommendations of a specialist will help to avoid the manifestation of side effects from the use of ganoderma.

Possible side effects

The effect on the body of the components contained in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms is mild. The manifestation of side effects often occurs only in case of an overdose of a product or drug. Problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions are possible. Also, taking this remedy causes:

• headaches and muscle aches;
• dizziness;
• nose bleed.

Provided the correct use of the Reishi mushroom, agreed with the doctor, the risk of side effects and harm to the body will be minimal. Dried fruit bodies and modern dietary supplements with lacquered tinder fungus extract are non-toxic and harmless.

Mushroom extract in pharmacy medicines

Lacquered polypores are used not only in dried form. Pharmacy products that contain Reishi mushroom extract are also popular.

The drugs, which are not difficult to buy at the pharmacy, have the same therapeutic effect as the real product. The most popular drugs and dietary supplements are:

1. Reishi mushroom (produced by Planetary Herbals). Available in pill form.
2. Reishi ("Natures Herbs") capsules. The most popular nutritional supplement produced since 1968.
3. Ganoderma Lusidum ("Fungiology"). The dosage form is powder.

The course of treatment for a particular disease, as well as the peculiarities of taking the drug, is determined only by the doctor. Self-treatment with means with an extract of woody mushroom is strictly prohibited.

Traditional medicine recipes

The Reishi mushroom has gained the greatest popularity in folk medicine. There are a large number of recipes for drinks, ointments, teas with this mushroom and herbs, and some recipes are more than 2000 years old.

Mushroom tea

The truth and lies about miraculous tea, which can help in the treatment of oncology and other dangerous diseases, are known to many peoples of the world. This hot drink has a tonic effect, is beneficial for the immune system and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the treatment and prevention of colds.

The instructions for making tea are simple:

1. 2 tsp pour the dried mushroom into 1 liter of warm water, with a temperature not higher than + 50 ... + 55 ° С.

2. After 30 minutes, the tea is poured into a metal container, which is put on the fire and boiled for 30 minutes.

The resulting tea should be drunk with honey or lemon. The taste of the drink is bitter and it is better to dilute it with pleasant sweet or sour notes. They drink it 3-4 times a day.

Alcohol tincture

The therapeutic effect of using alcoholic tincture is better than using tea or decoction. It is used both for problems with digestion, the cardiovascular system, respiratory diseases, and in the presence of cancer problems.

Tincture is used to treat cancer

To prepare an alcoholic tincture, you will need to prepare 2 glasses of dried product and 1 bottle of vodka.The ingredients are mixed and left in a warm, dark place for 4-6 weeks. At the end of the period, the medicine is filtered through gauze. Apply it on the recommendation of a doctor. The dosage for each disease is different. The most commonly used remedy is 1 tsp. or 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.

Reishi mushroom decoction

It is most effective for the treatment and prevention of colds, as well as digestive problems. All you need is powder and water.

The recipe for the decoction is simple:

1. Pour 1 liter of water into a saucepan or kettle.

2. Pour 1 tablespoon into a container with water. Lingzhi powder.

3. Boil over low heat for 60 minutes, stirring the medicine.

The prepared broth is cooled to room temperature and poured into a glass jar. Store the medicine in the refrigerator. It is important to drink it in 1 tbsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Elixir of Eternal Youth

The "recipe for immortality" is popular, or, as it is called in the east, "the elixir of eternal youth." In ancient times, for its unusual properties, Reishi was called a miracle mushroom, and the drink that was made from it wore the prefix "imperial".

The recipe for the elixir is complex and consists of two parts. The information in the first part of the instruction displays the process of preparing an alcoholic tincture, and in the second, a water decoction. By combining these 2 drinks, a person receives a remedy for all diseases, universal in its properties. With such it is easy to find eternal youth.

Alcohol tincture is easy to prepare. You need to take 70 g of dried ground product and 700 ml of vodka. The mushroom is poured with alcohol and left to infuse for 6 weeks in a dark place.

After the expiration of the period, the alcoholic drink is filtered, and the remaining cake is used to prepare the second part of the drink - a decoction. The present mushroom particles are poured with water (1: 5) and boiled for 1.5-2 hours. By the end of the allotted time, 250-300 ml of black liquid should remain in the pan. After the broth and tincture are combined and used as intended.

Home cultivation Lingzhi

Anyone who has already drunk teas, alcoholic or water infusions of lacquered tart, or who have taken preparations with its extract and appreciated its healing powers, can grow Thai fruit bodies at home. Growing Reishi mushroom at home is carried out in two ways - on the stumps of deciduous trees and sawdust.

Method number 1

It is the most difficult one. For these purposes, you will have to prepare a suitable stump in the garden and drill small holes with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm in it. It is also important to fertilize the near-trunk circle with manure and straw. You will need the holes for breeding the mycelium, which you will have to purchase from specialized stores. The mycelium is immersed in prepared wood holes. The stump itself is sprinkled with earth, and its open areas (holes) are covered with paraffin.

Method number 2

it is the cultivation of mycelium and, accordingly, mushrooms on sawdust. It is faster, but has some peculiarities. We need a substrate that will saturate the spores of the fungus with nutrients for active growth and reproduction. The Vietnamese mushroom is planted in a nutritional mix consisting of:

• 80% sawdust;
• 20% of nutrients (oat and barley husks, chalk and gypsum);
• a small amount of water (to moisten the substrate).

The moistened soil is dried for 5 hours in an oven at a temperature of + 90 ° C, achieving the effect of its sterilization. The sowing of the mycelium itself is carried out in a substrate cooled to + 30 ° C. If you provide proper care for the planted culture, then seedlings will appear in 30-40 days.

Reishi mushrooms, like other tinder fungi, love moisture and warmth (air temperature + 24 ... + 26 ° С). It is also important to provide good ventilation in the room. Mushrooms are harvested within 3-4 months after sowing.

Did you know? For the first time, Ganoderma brilliant began to be grown in Japan back in 1972.

Product storage

Harvesting and storage of varnished tinder fungus also has its own characteristics.If a person lives far from the main places of germination of this medicinal mushroom (Altai, Thailand, China, etc.) and grows it independently at home, it is important to take into account some rules for harvesting and processing it.

Purchased options are often presented already dried. And if the tinder fungus was obtained at home, you will have to dry it yourself. They do it like this:

1. The collected fruit bodies are carefully but thoroughly wiped with a damp paper towel (they cannot be washed in water).
2. Ganoderma is cut into large pieces, parchment is placed on a baking sheet and dried in the oven at + 45 ° C for 2-3 hours.
3. At the end of the first drying, the parchment is changed and the mushrooms are put on the second drying at a temperature of + 75 ° C, also for 2-3 hours.

After drying, the mushrooms are cooled to room temperature and then packed in glass jars with sealed lids. The Chinese medicinal mushroom is stored in a cool and dark place for up to 2 years.

Conclusion

The small area of ​​distribution of the Reishi mushroom does not allow people to fully appreciate all the beneficial properties of this tree tinder fungus. It grows only in the Altai forests, in China, Thailand and other Asian countries. But, if you are lucky enough to meet it (even on the shelves of pharmacies), it is still worth trying it, even for preventive purposes. The beneficial substances contained in ganoderma have powerful healing properties. With the help of such mushrooms, it is possible to treat colds, problems with digestion and the cardiovascular system, and even oncology. This mushroom is also suitable for those people who seek to lose weight.