

Ganoderma
In China, for over 2,000 years, the mushroom known as
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been called “God’s Herb.”
Also recognized by its Chinese name, Ling Zhi, Reishi’s
reputation for being effective in treating a wide range of
ailments moved Chinese Emperors throughout the various
Dynasties to order servants to search for wild Ganoderma
lucidum mushrooms found atop distant mountains, believing
that the consumption of Ganoderma lucidum would grant
them eternal youth and enhanced health. Because of the
mushroom’s remote habitat and the scarcity of high-quality
specimens, the use of Ganoderma lucidum for medicinal
purposes was reserved primarily for royalty and wealthy
individuals. It was not until the late 20th century, that this
once-rare plant, through diligent cultivation by the Japanese,
was made widely available to the general public.
The original textbook of Oriental medical science, “Herbal Pharmacopoeia,” was compiled by the founding father of Chinese medicine, Shen Nong (Han Dynasty, 206 BC ~ 8 AD). In it, the legendary herbalist-emperor documented 365 species of plants and classified them into three categories: superior, average and fair. These classifications were based on two main criteria: its benefits, based on consumption on a continual basis, and side effects. For those plants graded as “superior,” the power to harmonize the functions of the body, mind and spirit and the range of ailments they could treat were greater and broader than those of weaker specimens. In addition, they had to have little or no longterm side effects. Among the specimens in this class, G. lucidum was ranked the highest in this classic medical text, even superior to the well known ginseng. In the “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Ben Cao Gang Mu), which contains hundreds of natural medicines the Chinese have used for thousands of years, celebrated physician and naturalist Li Shi Zhen (1518~1593) described the benefits of G. lucidum: "It benefits the life energy, or "qi" of the heart, repairing the chest area and benefiting those with a knotted and tight chest. Taken over a long period of time, agility of the body will not cease, and the years are lengthened to those of the Immortal Fairies.”
Over the ages, Ganoderma lucidum has become ingrained in Oriental art and culture because of its prestigious status in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since the first Chinese dynasty, paintings, embroideries, buildings, and sculptures of the gods and immortals have depicted G. lucidum as a symbol of divinity, longevity and good fortune. Depictions of G. lucidum are displayed throughout the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing as a testimony to its value, and the mushroom’s distinctive shape was a favorite ornamental design feature used by royalty and the wealthy. Even the traditional scepter of the emperors of China was a stylized Reishi, called a "Ru Yi.”
The 5 Main Components of Ganoderma
1. Polysaccharide
The amazing nutrients that are known to help strengthen cell membranes, boost anti-oxidant levels, and cleanse toxins from the body. Polysaccharides also moderate cholesterol and blood sugar levels, regulates digestive healthy and aids in the prevention of degenerative diseases.
2. Ganoderic Essence
The "Rejuvenator" as it assists in the detoxification and nourishment of the skin, the largest organ and "protector of body.” Helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals while boosting the natural nourishment of the skin. Studies have shown that Ganoderma extract helps in the recovery of certain skin diseases.
3. Triterpenoid
Known as Ganoderma's cholesterol-busting super adaptogens! Found to be the most important active substances in Ganoderma with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Adenosine
Referred to as the "Building Block of Life.” These properties have been found to improve the functions of the adrenal glands cortex to maintain hormonal balance. Found to help regulate and balance the metabolic rate, increasing energy. Found to assist in the suppression of blood clots, improving blood circulation. Also supports liver function.
5. Organic Germanium
Germanium's powerful potential healing capabilities are centered on three major changes it makes in your body's overall balance. Research suggests that Germanium is shown to discharge abnormal electrical impulses around cell abscesses, enhance your body's overall "effective" oxygen levels, and regulate your body's complete electrical system.
Qualities of Ganoderma
The Reishi mushroom, also known by its formal name of Ganoderma lucidum and its Chinese name Ling zhi, has attained an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance. For over three thousand years it has been the most sought-after product of nature by mountain sages and by the emperors and empresses of all Eastern nations. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong's Pharmacopoeia) written about 2400 years ago, Ganoderma lucidum was classified as a "superior herb" which is defined as one that "serves to maintain life, promote radiant health and long life because of its normalizing action, and to cause no side effects, even when used continuously. That ancient book said that "continuous consumption of Ganoderma lucidum makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Thus Ganoderma lucidum was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality.”
The Ganoderma lucidum mushroom grows wild only upon old trees and roots of certain types of trees in remote mountain forests of China, Japan and Korea. Only in the last fifteen years have we seen the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum, and thus the commercial availability of this amazing health product. Ganoderma lucidum has been the object of intensive scientific studies to discern its many health functions from a modern perspective. Traditionally, Ganoderma lucidum is believed to be a tonic to all of the body's energies. It was revered as a major tonic to each of the three Treasures, Jing, Qi and Shen. As a Jing (Essence) tonic, Ganoderma lucidum is believed to have major life-lengthening effects when consumed over a long period of time. It is believed to build primal power and to replenish energy spent handling stressful situations. As a Qi tonic, Ganoderma lucidum is used to build energy, although it is slightly sedative in the short run. It is most famous as an herb used to build the immune system.
Many studies done in Japan have shown Ganoderma lucidum to have a powerful effect on the body's overall resistance to disease. While medical research and individual case studies have shown red Ganoderma lucidum to be effective in treating numerous conditions and diseases, it is important to emphasize again that the greatest proven benefit of regular red Reishi consumption is the enhancement of your body’s overall health.
Through purification, improved blood flow, immune modulation, detoxification, rejuvenation, and revitalization, red Reishi can enhance the body's ability to combat a myriad of diseases, particularly those that occur more frequently with advanced age.
Obesity can affect one's self confidence and have a negative impact on one's self-image. In addition, it can lead to diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that regular consumption of red Reishi helps the body cleanse itself of accumulated toxins and excess lipids (fat).
In addition to regulating the body’s way of handling fat, red Reishi products can also improve the condition of the skin. The anti-aging properties of red Reishi may be related to improved blood flow and increased delivery of nutrients to the skin. It may also help in the reparation process of sun-damaged skin. People who have taken Ganoderma lucidum regularly have noticed a decrease in pimples (acne) and other blemishes. Control acne breakouts, enhanced skin complexion, minimize fine lines and lighten age spots.
Regular consumption of red Reishi also has a calming and stress-reducing effect on the body, and appears to improve sleep patterns, without the sedation commonly seen with medications. It should be clear to the reader that these benefits combined, will improve one's physical appearance. Regular red Reishi intake combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, can effectively facilitate your body’s return to a normal, healthy state.
On the Road to Better Health with Red Reishi
If we do not actively maintain a healthy lifestyle, our bodies will deteriorate, and we will gradually become accustomed to this state of declining health. We may lose track of weight that we have gained and not notice the decline in our natural well being until a significant problem arises. It is thought that over time, an inactive body accumulates toxins, and this contributes to the deterioration of overall wellness.
Consuming a red Reishi product on a regular basis is thought to clear some of these toxins. In the beginning, a user may experience a “resetting” period, where his or her body will exhibit signs of “cleansing.” The excretion of accumulated poisons and an increase in various metabolic activities are normal signs of recovery and they indicate that the regulatory properties of red Reishi are taking effect. Common symptoms of "recovery" may include dizziness, sore bones, skin irritation, change in bowel movements, including diarrhea and constipation, and pimple-like blemishes appearing on various parts of the body. The time frame for these symptoms may vary from person to person, but they generally last only a few days - until the body adjusts to a higher state of wellness and becomes accustomed to the regular intake of red Reishi. Daily consumption of large amounts of water is recommended. It is important to point out again that these physiological reactions are only temporary, unlike side effects from medications.
The curative and rejuvenating herbs from Celestial, are not a substitute for treatment prescribed by your doctor. Nor is the information intended to diagnose or prescribe. State and Federal Food and Drug laws prohibit representing that herbs, though reported successful in other countries, treat, cure or alleviate any disease. If you have a medical problem, don't hesitate to seek advice from a competent medical practitioner.