Description
Ganoderma Lucidum, known as Ling Zhi (灵芝) in Chinese, holds a place of supreme reverence in TCM. It is not merely a medicine but a “Shen herb” (Spirit-level herb), celebrated for its ability to calm the mind, nourish the heart, and promote longevity.
Neutral in nature. Sweet and bland in taste. It enters the heart, lung, liver & kidney meridians.
Ganoderma Lucidum’s actions are broad and profound, impacting the body’s fundamental energy, spirit, and resilience.
Health Benefits
Nourishes the lungs, relieves cough and asthma, nourishes the kidneys, tonify Qi, nourishes the heart and calms the spirit, nourishes the liver and mainly to treat fatigue, weakness, palpitations and insomnia.
Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit :
· Ganoderma Lucidum is a premier herb for treating insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, anxiety, and poor memory.
· It is believed to “anchor” the Spirit (Shen), which resides in the Heart, leading to emotional balance and mental clarity.
Tonifies Qi and Nourishes the Essence :
· It is a powerful Qi tonic, effective for chronic fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath due to Qi deficiency.
· It also nourishes the Kidney essence (Jing), the body’s foundational energy, which is associated with longevity, vitality, and strong bones.
Stops Cough and Calms Asthma :
· It tonifies Lung Qi, making it beneficial for chronic cough, wheezing, and asthma, especially in deficient individuals or those with a weak constitution.
Strengthens Immunity and Resists Pathogens :
· Modern research strongly supports this ancient use. Ganoderma Lucidum is considered an “adaptogen,” helping the body adapt to stress and resist illness. It is used to prevent frequent colds and infections.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Mental-Emotional Disorders : Chronic anxiety, stress, neurasthenia, and sleep disorders.
· Chronic Fatigue and Debility : During recovery from long-term illness, chemotherapy, or overwork.
· Cardiovascular Health : Used to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
· Respiratory Conditions : Chronic bronchitis, asthma, and COPD.
· Liver Protection : Used in TCM to support liver function and detoxification.
Common Usage and Preparation
Ganoderma Lucidum is very tough and woody, so it is not eaten like a culinary mushroom. It requires extraction.
· Tea / Decoction : 5-15 grams of sliced or crushed Ling Zhi are simmered for 1-2 hours. The tea is dark, with a distinctively bitter taste followed by a sweet aftertaste.
· Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups for a tonic effect.
Precautions
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, sore throat, inflammation.
· Initial Use : Some people may experience minor dry mouth, throat, or nasal passages when first starting, which usually subsides.
· Bleeding Disorders : Due to its potential blood-thinning effects, it should be used with caution by individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medication (e.g., warfarin).
· Pregnancy and young children : Use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Prior to Surgery : It is generally recommended to stop taking Ganoderma Lucidum at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
