Ganoderma is the common name for a species of fungus, Ganoderma lucidum , also known as lingzhi or red mushroom. The mushroom is used in many forms of traditional Asian medicine and is believed to have considerable healing powers. Medical studies done on the fungus suggest that it has some medicinal applications, but understanding why it works or what it treats remains a mystery.
The fungus grows parasitically on the lower trunk of trees, particularly deciduous varieties such as maples. Although it grows throughout the world, it is extremely rare in the wild, although it is now cultivated for commercial use. In appearance, ganoderma transforms from growth to growth. It is usually brown or red-brown in color, but many other shades have been observed.
For thousands of years, the fungus has been considered by Asian doctors to be one of the most superior medicinal plants in the world. Once reserved for use by royalty, it is said to increase longevity. It is also believed to be anti-inflammatory, immunotherapeutic, and even antitumor. A Japanese study injected mushroom extract into mice with cancer, resulting in a 50% tumor shrinkage after ten days of treatment.
Dozens of medical studies have been conducted on lingzhi to determine its true abilities, with remarkable results. According to studies, it increased respiratory performance in asthma patients, reduced the side effects of chemotherapy, and, as in the Japanese study, showed a significant anticancer effect in animal tests. Some medical experts even suggest that it may be useful in the fight against AIDS, although few studies have looked at this possibility.
While almost all studies have shown that the fungus strengthens almost all areas of the immune system, experts remain puzzled as to why. It is the only known producer of chemicals called ganoderic acids which, along with various other proteins and amino acids present in the mushroom, may be responsible for its positive effects. Ongoing studies hope to isolate the exact compounds in ganoderma that make it work the way it does. The researchers hope that by better understanding the structure of ganoderic acids, they will be able to develop more effective treatments using the properties found in the fungus.
Studies have shown that the most effective way to release the medicinal properties of ganoderma is to soak the mushrooms or add powdered solutions to boiling water and let it simmer for long periods of time. The fungus is also available as an additive to various foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, or even ganoderma-enriched chocolate. You should be aware that without prolonged exposure to hot water, studies have shown the fungus to be much less effective.
Although the side effects of daily mushroom use are mild and rare, consult your doctor before using this or any other complementary medical treatment. Western medicine has long scoffed at traditional home remedies, but studies suggest that ganoderma is a serious exception with real medical applications. You can find ganoderma in Asian import stores as well as some health food stores. With new studies constantly showing its effectiveness, this magic mushroom is likely to become more widely available very soon.