Lingzhi Benefits

The Vietnamese name for lingzhi is linh chi, which literally means supernatural mushrooms, and with the unique qualities and traits that they possess, the name stands so true. This herb has been called by names like the miracle herb, the Celestial herb and what not! The Lingzhi mushroom belongs to the Ganoderma genus and is known to be the oldest form of mushrooms that has been used in the field of medicine.

In fact, the wild Lingzhi, which grows naturally without human interference is known to be grown at the base of the stumps of deciduous trees which grow in densely wooded mountains. The wild Lingzhi is extremely rare because not all aged trees tend to have them.

In fact, sources state that only 2 or 3 trees out of 10,000 are likely to have the growth of wild Lingzhi. Nevertheless, because of their medicinal benefits and values, they are commercially grown in various parts of the world including Europe, Asia, South America, and even the United states.

Lingzhi mushrooms are found in various color categories. As a matter of fact, according to the Shennong bencao jing written in between the first and the second century, classified this miraculous mushroom into six different types based on their colors. Mentioned below is a list defining as to which colored mushroom is beneficial in which way to the body.

• The green mushrooms are beneficial for the liver
• The red mushrooms for the heart
• The white ones for the lung
• The yellow mushrooms for the spleen
• The black ones for the kidneys

The book also mentions the use of purple colored mushrooms as an essence. This can give you a fair idea as to how beneficial are these mushrooms for the overall health of all of us. Mentioned below are some more acknowledged benefits. Have a look.

Talk about the most common health issues and ailments that exist today and you will find the terms like blood pressure, heart diseases and high cholesterol in the list.

Well, here is some good news for those who have these conditions, or who fall under the risk zone. Consumption of Lingzhi is known to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, which means that it reduces the risk factors of developing heart conditions.

Since we are discussing conditions like cholesterol, blood pressure and heart attack, how can we leave diabetes behind? Well, study reveals that Lingzhi also offers medicinal properties that can help in lowering the blood sugar levels in such patients.

As a matter of fact, various studies are still being done in order to come out with a cure of these conditions, but consumption of this mushroom extracts is definitely helpful.

With the number of cancer cases increasing day by day, and people falling under the risk zone of developing cancer in some form or the other, Lingzhi comes as a ray of hope. According to the Japanese Journal of Cancer Research; 59: 155-157, a study was done on mice wherein Lingzhi injections were given to mice with cancer.

It was found that 50% of the cancerous cells were suppressed within 10 days. Ongoing research is being worked on to introduce Lingzhi supplements with radiation therapy to minimize the side effects of these therapies on the patients.

In fact, the extracts of Linzhi is already being used in various pharmaceutical companies for suppressing cancer cells and preventing their migration.

Lingzhi is also known for treating... rather improving memory problems like forgetfulness, mental exhaustion, stress and depression. It is also known to make the mind more active and alert by improving the energy levels in the human body.

Lingzhi tea and black coffee is readily available in the market to serve the purpose. As far as the immune system is concerned, Lingzhi is known to improve the immune system, thereby minimizing the chances of suffering from autoimmune diseases, allergies and infections.

Consumption of this herb can prove to be a blessing for people suffering from respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis as it strengthens the respiratory system. It also improves your metabolism thereby preventing your body from metabolic problems.

This herb is also beneficial for problems related to the kidney and the liver. Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, insomnia and stress are also treated with this medicinal mushroom.

If you go through the pages of ancient Chinese history various scholars have referred to this herb as the source of immortality.

In fact, this herb was also known as the food of the emperor which was famous to promote the 'ancestors powers' to live a long, wise and healthy life...something that was necessary for the emperor. With the benefits as mentioned above, and natural anti-aging properties, who wouldn't live a longer life, right?

Like every coin has two sides, there are certain side effects of Lingzhi that you must go through before consuming this plant extracts. It is advisable to consume not more than 2-10 grams on a daily basis. But because we humans follow the rule 'the more the better', there could be some consequences like nosebleeds and low blood pressure.

Consulting your healthcare specialist or herbalist is therefore strictly recommended. It is better to take necessary precautions beforehand rather than being sorry for it later. Don't you think?