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
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
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, Increases Immunity, Resolves Masses:
-used as an Immune stimulant
-Tumors, Cancer
DOSE:
6–15 grams in decoction;
1–3 grams in powder; the spore powder is used in similar doses.
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.
6–15 grams in decoction;
1–3 grams in powder; the spore powder is used in similar doses.
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, Ganoderma with Dang Gui, Zizyphus seed Suan Zao Ren
2. Cough from Deficiency, Ganoderma with Codonopsis Dang Shen and Licorice
3. Consumption, Wasting, Ganoderma with Ginseng and Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang
4. To increase Immunity, Ganoderma with Astragalus Huang Qi
5. Tumors:
i. Ganoderma with Poria Fu Ling, Astragalus
ii. Ganoderma with Dodder, Polypody
Cautions:
None noted
Main Preparations used:
None noted
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)