Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms (Ling Zhi)

Reishi mushrooms have been used longer than any other mushroom in Japanese and Chinese medicine for centuries, due to their healing and therapeutic properties. Also referred to as Ling Zhi, these shrooms are non toxic and a fungal gem for anyone suffering from a variety of ailments and diseases. With such a wide range of medicinal uses, this "mushroom of immortality" also aids in restoring the body and organs to a natural state for optimal, all-around health.

Ling Zhi is an extremely course, wood-like mushroom with a smooth and shiny finish. They are very hard to cut or slice with every day utensils and usually require a heavy duty machine. Typical colors are red and black and are covered with tiny spores instead of gills. They may come in liquid, powder, or whole form; sometimes made into a tea or coffee, and easily purchased online or at some health food stores.

Reishi contains polysaccharides; works on the immune system, and triterpenes; contains hormone qualities. These two constituents allow it to be an "adaptogen", meaning Reishi allows a person to adapt to a multitude if environments, both physically and mentally. Here are some proven health benefits of taking this "medicinal king". Loads of amino acids and B vitamins are also found.

HIV/AIDS

Known to contain immunostimulants, Reishi, taken on a regular basis, can fight against one of the most deadly and debilitating diseases known to man; AIDS.

Cancer/Tumors

Numerous, in-depth studies world wide have scientifically proven that by ingesting Ling Zhi regularly, dramatic tumor shrinkage and the disappearance of several cancers have transpired. Polysaccharides stimulate and boost the immune system, in turn helping the body attack foreign cells and the prevention of any harmful cells forming and multiplying.

Cardiovascular Disease

Reishi has a cardio tonic effect and significantly lowers a main killer in the United States; Cardiovascular Disease. It has also shown to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and strokes.

Longevity

These mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, which are essential in retarding the aging process. Aging is a natural course everyone must endeavor, but a steady routine of Reishi can slow it down dramatically.

Allergies

An active ingredient, known as triterpene, helps to alleviate allergies by inhibiting histamine release in the body.

Upon initial supplementation of Reishi, detoxification symptoms may occur. These include, but are not limited to nausea, diarrhea, dry throat and nose, and muscle aches and pains. These symptoms should not last any longer that about a week. There are no known side effects for long term usage, so ingesting Ling Zhi can easily be taken for many years.

Someone suffering from insomnia, depression, or eating disorders can greatly benefit from Ling Zhi, as well. You could call these mushrooms a "cure-all" for a broad span of ailments. By including Reishi in an "All-American-Diet", much of the daily toxins and chemicals consumed by the average person can be counteracted.

Sources:
http://www.reishi.com/
http://www.healthcastle.com/herb_mushroom_reishi.shtml