Ganoderma, Ling Zhi 灵芝

Bulk Ganoderma Ling Zhi at the Chengdu Medicine Market (Adam, 2010)

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Botanical name:
Ganoderma lucidum, G. sinensis (syn. G. japonicum)
Other species reportedly used synonymously include G. tenue and G. capense.
A number of different Ganoderma are available on the Chinese market, all sold as varieties of Ling Zhi.

Parts used:
Dried sporophore (Fungii)

Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Sweet

Uses:
1. Tonifies Qi, Nourishes Blood:
-low energy, poor appetite
-Consumption, Shortness of Breath from deficiency
-traditionally to strengthen the tendons and bones

2. Calms Mind and Spirit, Benefits the Heart:
-Insomnia, Palpitations, Forgetfulness
-Fright

3. Strengthens the Lungs, Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-Cough, Wheezing from deficiency or Phlegm

4. Clears Phlegm-Damp, Resolves Masses: 
-Tumors, Cancer


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DOSE:
6–15 grams in decoction; 1–3 grams in powder
The spores of Ganoderma Ling Zhi are also used similarly, given in doses of 1–3 grams

COMMENT:
Ganoderma Ling Zhi has similar effects to other wood-rot fungii including Phellinus spp., Ganoderma applanatum, Fomes formentarius etc. It has immuno-stimulating and anti-tumor activity. While this is not a traditional use of Ganoderma Ling Zhi, it is important to note this correlation.

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Main Combinations:
1. Insomnia, Palpitations, Forgetfulness, with Dang Gui, Zizyphus seed Suan Zao Ren
2. Cough from Deficiency, with Codonopsis Dang Shen and Licorice
3. Consumption, Wasting, with Ginseng and Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang
4. Tumors, with Dodder, Polypody


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Cautions:

Main Preparations used: