Ganoderma, Ling Zhi 灵芝
Ganoderma
Ling Zhi (TCM)
Ling Zhi (TCM)
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Bulk Ganoderma Ling Zhi at the Chengdu Medicine Market (Adam, 2010)
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)
The spore powder in now also available.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Sweet
Classification:
G. Sedate the Heart, Mind and Spirit
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)
The spore powder in now also available.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Sweet
Classification:
G. Sedate the Heart, Mind and Spirit
Uses:
1. Tonifies Qi, Nourishes Blood:
-low energy, poor appetite
-Consumption, Shortness of Breath from deficiency
-traditionally to strengthen the tendons and bones
-Leukopenia; used as an Immune stimulant
-proven effective in Neurasthenia
2. Calms Mind and Spirit, Benefits the Heart:
-Insomnia, Palpitations, Forgetfulness
-Fright
-more recently for Hypertentions, and high cholesterol
3. Strengthens the Lungs, Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-Cough, Wheezing from deficiency or Phlegm
4. Clears Damp, Resists Poison, Resolves Masses:
-Tumors, Cancer
-Scleroderma, Lupus erythematosus
-proven effect in Chronic Hepatitis
DOSE:
Decoction: 6–15 grams
Powder: 1500mg–3 grams.
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.
Decoction: 6–15 grams
Powder: 1500mg–3 grams.
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.
Main Combinations:
1. Insomnia, Palpitations, Forgetfulness:
i. Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Dang Gui, Zizyphus seed Suan Zao Ren
ii. Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Acanthopanax Ci Wu Jia, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi, Zizyphus seed Suan Zao Ren
2. Fatigue and weakness:
i. as a stand-alone herb, 3 grams per day for 1–2 months had an effectiveness of around 85%.
ii. and pale complexion from Qi and Blood deficiency, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Astragalus Huang Qi, Dang Gui
iii. with poor appetite and loose stool, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Poria Fu Ling, Citrus Chen Pi.
iv. in the elderly, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Lycium Gou Qi Zi (Goji), Cornus Shan Zhu Yu, Dodder seed (Tu Si Zi)
v. severe, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Ginseng, Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao), Lycium Gou Qi Zi (Goji),
3. Tonic for the Heart and Mind, to enhance mental function and strengthen in chronic weakness, Ganoderma Ling Zhi, Walnut, Ginseng, Lycium Gou Qi Zi, Achyranthes Niu Xi, Dodder seed (Tu Si Zi), Cinnamon, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi
4. Chronic Cough and Wheezing:
i. from Qi Deficiency, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Codonopsis Dang Shen and Licorice
ii. Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Codonopsis Dang Shen, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi, Ginger, Pinellia Ban Xia
iii. Lung and Kidney deficiency, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao), Walnut
5. Consumption, Wasting, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Ginseng and Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang
6. To increase Immunity, Ganoderma Ling Zhi with with Astragalus Huang Qi
7. Tumors:
i. Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Poria Fu Ling, Astragalus
ii. Ganoderma Ling Zhi with Dodder, Polypody
Cautions:
None noted
Some sources say it should not be used in Excess diseases.
Main Preparations used:
None noted
Some sources say it should not be used in Excess diseases.
Main Preparations used:
Research:
1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Antioxidant
3. Antibacterial
4. Anti-histamine:
5. Anti-tumor, Anti-Cancer
–reduces fatigue, anxiety, depression in cancer patients
6. Hepato-protective; used for chronic Liver disease and Hepatitis
7. Cardiotonic: hypotensive and anti-thrombotic; improves ECG and decreases shortness of breath in heart patients.
8. Immunomodulating: enhances NK cells
9. CNS sedating effect; effective for mild insomnia and anxiety.
10. Neuroprotective.
(Medicinal Mushrooms A Clinical Guide - 2nd Ed., Powell, 2014)
2. Antioxidant
3. Antibacterial
4. Anti-histamine:
5. Anti-tumor, Anti-Cancer
–reduces fatigue, anxiety, depression in cancer patients
6. Hepato-protective; used for chronic Liver disease and Hepatitis
7. Cardiotonic: hypotensive and anti-thrombotic; improves ECG and decreases shortness of breath in heart patients.
8. Immunomodulating: enhances NK cells
9. CNS sedating effect; effective for mild insomnia and anxiety.
10. Neuroprotective.
(Medicinal Mushrooms A Clinical Guide - 2nd Ed., Powell, 2014)