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Lingzhi mushroom, a precious herbal remedy, has been known for millennia for its myriad health benefits. Wondering about its effects and who should use it? Explore its safe usage and get your queries answered on Mytour Blog.
Unveil the characteristics of lingzhi mushroom.
Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as Reishi, Ling chi, or the Mushroom of Immortality, originates from China, Japan, and other Asian countries. With its various colors - red, yellow, white, purple, black - lingzhi mushrooms vary depending on the strain and growth conditions.
Morphological Characteristics: Lingzhi mushroom resembles a fan or kidney-shaped umbrella, ranging from 2 to 15 cm in diameter. Its cap surface is smooth and shiny, ranging in color from yellow to dark red, with lighter spots. The stem is cylindrical, measuring from 5 to 10 cm long, and dark brown in color.
Chemical Characteristics: Lingzhi mushroom contains beneficial chemical components such as Polysaccharides, Triterpenoids, Flavonoids, Ergosterol, and Adenosine. Additionally, it contains various nutrients including vitamins (A, B, C, etc.), minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.), and trace elements (germanium, selenium, etc.)
Characteristics of Lingzhi Mushroom (Source: Internet)Common Types of Lingzhi Mushroom
Depending on the color of the mushroom cap, it is classified into the following types:
| Màu sắc | Tên gọi |
| Linh chi đỏ | Xích chi hay Hồng Chi |
| Linh chi tím | Tử chi |
| Linh chi vàng | Hoàng chi |
| Linh chi trắng | Bạch chi |
| Linh chi đen | Hắc chi |
| Linh chi xanh | Thanh chi |
Common Types of Lingzhi Mushroom Today (Source: Internet)Traditional Medicinal Effects of Lingzhi Mushroom
According to traditional medicine, lingzhi is considered a mild-flavored and warm-natured medicinal herb. It is classified into the three meridians: heart, liver, and lung. The mushroom functions to tonify qi, nourish blood, calm the mind, and relieve coughs. Additionally, it is used to treat issues related to deficient qi and blood, unsettled mind, weak spleen and stomach, strengthening tendons and bones, asthma, chronic cough, and improving skin condition.
The Effects of Lingzhi Mushroom in Traditional Medicine (Source: Internet)Modern Medicinal Effects of Lingzhi Mushroom
In addition to its traditional medicinal support, lingzhi mushroom also offers various benefits in modern medicine. Here are some of its effects:
Aids in enhancing the immune system
Some studies have found that lingzhi can enhance natural killer cell activity, which helps combat issues such as infections and cancer that may persist in the body. Additionally, lingzhi exhibits cytokine-inducing activities and reinforces the immune system.
Improves Cardiovascular Conditions
Lingzhi has the effect of lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing blood lipids, and simultaneously improving the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, this type of mushroom can counteract some complications of atherosclerosis, stabilizing cardiovascular pathology by reducing oxidative imbalance and lowering blood cholesterol.
Lingzhi Mushroom Brings Many Benefits in Modern Medicine (Source: Internet)Anticancer Properties
A study of 4,000 breast cancer survivors found that around 59% of them used lingzhi during their treatment.
Experiments on cancer cells have proven that lingzhi exhibits anticancer activity and can support breast and prostate cancer treatment as a supplement.
Furthermore, research has focused on the role of lingzhi in preventing and combating colorectal cancer.
Lingzhi Mushroom Possesses Anticancer Properties (Source: Internet)Enhances Antioxidant Defense
A study has shown that after consuming lingzhi, the antioxidant power within the blood increases. Moreover, patients with cardiovascular issues tend to experience improvements in coronary artery disease after using lingzhi.
Combats Fatigue and Depression
A study was conducted to assess the effects of ginseng on 132 individuals suffering from nervous exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, and irritability. After 8 weeks of using reishi mushroom, fatigue symptoms decreased, and the participants' health improved.
Another study was conducted to examine the effects of reishi mushroom on a group of breast cancer patients. After 4 weeks of using reishi mushroom, fatigue decreased, and the quality of life of this group improved.
Blood Sugar Control
A 2013 study found that reishi mushroom contains a compound with anti-diabetic properties by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucose production in the liver, while also aiding in the removal of fat and glucose in diabetic individuals. By controlling blood sugar levels, the risk of dangerous complications in diabetes is reduced.
Reishi mushroom helps effectively control blood sugar levels (Source: Internet)Recommended Dosage of Reishi Mushroom
Although this type of mushroom has many health benefits, it needs to be used appropriately for maximum effectiveness.
How to Use Reishi Mushroom as Recommended by a Doctor
According to some studies, patients can consider the following dosage per day:
- 1.5 grams - 9 grams of dried raw mushrooms.
- 1 gram - 1.5 grams of powdered mushrooms.
- 1 ml of reishi mushroom solution.
Recommended Dosage of Reishi Mushroom for Proper and Effective Use (Source: Internet)Some Folk Remedies
Reishi Mushroom Powder: Reishi mushroom is dried and then ground into powder. Mix with chrysanthemum tea, 3 grams per serving helps support the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis, gallbladder pain, and lower blood pressure.
Reishi Mushroom Alcohol Extract: Use 100 grams of reishi mushroom and 500 ml of white alcohol. Clean the reishi mushroom, slice it thinly, and soak it in alcohol for 7-10 days before use. Take twice a day, morning and evening, 15ml each time. Reishi mushroom alcohol extract helps support individuals with physical weakness, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, etc.
Reishi Mushroom, Trần Bì, and Bách Hợp Decoction: Use 10 grams of bách hợp, 8 grams of trần bì, and 10 grams of reishi mushroom. You can decoct or infuse and divide it to drink several times a day. This remedy helps support the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, and coughing.
Reishi mushroom is widely used in folk remedies (Source: Internet)Considerations When Using Reishi Mushroom
When using this type of mushroom, it is important to consider the following to avoid health risks while achieving the highest treatment effectiveness.
Safety Level of Reishi Mushroom
Ganoderma can be used for up to a year if used correctly. However, using it in powdered form for 1 month may not be safe for health.
Important Side Effects to Note
This herbal remedy may cause some side effects such as skin allergies after 3-6 months of use, which can lead to dry skin and affect the mouth, throat, and nose.
Other adverse effects when using mushrooms incorrectly:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Orange-colored stool
- Using powdered mushrooms can adversely affect the liver.
Consult a Doctor Before Use
It is important to consider and consult a doctor when you encounter the following issues:
- Bleeding disorders/clotting disorders
- Low blood pressure
- Recent surgery or preparing for surgery
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Some considerations when using reishi mushroom (Source: Internet)
