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Reishi Mushrooms, also called Red Reishi Mushrooms, or Ling Zhi as they are known by their pin yin name are a kidney        

shaped fungus that has a red to a reddish brown color cap and brown
pores on the underside with a woody or corky texture. It does not have
gills on the underside like button mushrooms. In nature, it grows on
hardwood trees such as maple, oak and elm. Commercially, it is grown
in organic brown rice. The botanical name is Ganoderma lucidum. It is
consider safe to consume, but has a bitter taste and tough texture
making it unsuitable for cooking. The Chinese call this mushroom
Ling Zhi and have used it in their traditional medicines for centuries.
The Reishi mushroom has only recently become popular in the western world in the last 30 or so years.

The fruiting body (the part above ground) and the mycelium (the filaments that connect a group of mushrooms together) are the parts of the Resihi mushroom that is used in herbal medicines. The Reishi mushroom consists of water-soluble complex carbohydrates - polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and amino acids. It is these carbohydrates that give the Reishi it’s medicinal properties. Each of these elements, affect the body in a different way. It is the amount and combinations of them that is only found in the Reishi mushroom, that together, create more of a beneficial effect than when each component is taken separately.

The Red Reishi Mushroom is very shiny, and looks as though they  have been painted with glossy paint.  They have not, this is a natural for the reishi mushrooms.  Some people say that the Reishi Mushroom always looks wet due to this high shine.

The Chinese used the Reishi mushroom to treat a wide assortment of illnesses. They also believed that the mushroom promoted longevity. The Resihi has adaptogen properties. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress and helps normalize the body’s processes. In other words, it helps the body’s organs and systems to function normally. Therefore when taken over time Reishi helps the body to function better and create better overall health. As with any natural supplement, you should contact your physician or acupuncturist before taking it to make sure it is right for you and you are receiving the correct dosage.

Ling Zhi mushroom also acts as anti-inflammatory for respiratory problems. The fruiting body (which is the part above ground) and mycelium (filaments connecting a group of mushrooms) are used medicinally.

Additional Information

• Supports Natural Blood Pressure
• Benefits the Immune System
• Gives Assistance to the Circulatory System
• Inhibits Histamine Release
• Promotes Health and Longevity
• Benefits the Cardiovascular System

Reishi Mushrooms are available in pills, powder, extract and whole or cut forms. The way you use it depends on the form you purchase.

• Pills: take with water
• Powder: make your own capsules, add to tea or soup
• Liquid extracts: add a few drops to tea or room temperature beverage
• Whole or Cut: make a tincture or decoction, dried mushrooms can be ground into a powder

One a personally note:
Reishi mushrooms helped me to improve my overall health.  I was feeling under the weather often, my allergies where effecting me more and more each year and I just felt tired and run down.  After consulting with my doctor I started taking Reishi.  I choose to make my own capsules.  After a while I was starting to feel better and am happy to say the weather seems much sunnier these days.

1st Chinese Herbs
Sharing the wealth of good health because you come first!