Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom that is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. Also known as Lingzhi, it naturally grows as a parasite on trees in the tropics and temperate zones throughout the world. It is most commonly found on maple and oak trees due to its strong affinity to them. It feeds off of dead leaves from these broadleaf trees.

Ganoderma lucidum is the first recorded mushroom that has been used for health benefits. Employed for over 4,000 years, the Chinese regard Ganoderma lucidum as a complete herb.

Ganoderma lucidum has many pores through which it releases its spores into the environment. It typically has a reddish color and is soft in texture when it is not dried for preservation and preparations.

Ganoderma lucidum functions as a preventive medicinal herb. It works to aid the body’s immunity, as well as overall health of its internal organs. It acts as an anti-fungal, anti-hypotensive, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agent. It also functions to block the spread of tumor or cancerous cells as a part of its anti-tumor properties.

There are two forms of Ganoderma lucidum. The form common to North America has a very short stem. The other form, which is common in other parts of the world, including tropical climates, grows with a longer stem.

Ganoderma lucidum has many health benefits. It is used to treat insomnia, asthma, chronic bronchitis and heart disease and is used in skin care. As a total herb, it also has systemic benefits in treating tumors, detoxifying the body through liver cleansing, as well as treatment for heart disease. Its antioxidant properties allows it to reduce the signs of aging, and it also treats hypertension.

Ganoderma Facts Found in Gano Excel