Common Name: |
Laquered Bracket Fungus |
Other Names: |
Reishi |
Botanical Name: |
Ganoderma lucidum |
Genus: |
Ganoderma |
Family: |
Polyporaceae |
Native Location: |
Warm and temperate regions |
Cultivation: |
On living or dead wood of deciduous trees, often Quercus spp. (See, oak), often near the base. |
Propagation: |
By spores. |
Harvest: |
Fungi are collected when mature and sun-dried for use in syrups, powders, tablets, and tinctures. |
Height: |
15-30cm (6-12in) |
Width: |
15-30cm (6-12in) |
Hardiness: |
Z4-10 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant (ling zhi). |
Properties: |
A tonic, sedative herb that is expectorant, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, controls coughing, relieves pain, and stimulates the immune system. It improves heart and liver function, and has anti-allergenic, antiviral, and anti-bacterial effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for bronchitis, asthma, liver disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, palpitations, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, nervous disorders, insomnia, and debility. |
Culinary Uses: |
Extracts are made into a tonic candy. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright ©: 1995, 2005 Dorling Kindersley Limited, pp.219-220
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