Reishi Mushroom
灵芝 · Língzhī
Ganoderma lucidum
Family: Polyporaceae · Part used: Fruiting body · Origin: Dabie Mountains, Anhui, China
Nature
Neutral
Flavor
Sweet, slightly bitter
Meridian
Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney
The legendary 'Mushroom of Immortality' (Ling Zhi, 'spirit plant'), reishi has been depicted in Chinese art for two millennia as a symbol of longevity and spiritual potency. Modern cultivation makes this once-rare fungus available as slices for decoction, with a deeply earthy, slightly bitter profile best extracted slowly.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Calms the spirit (shen) and eases the mind
- •Nourishes heart qi and blood
- •Stops cough and calms wheezing
- •Supports immune resilience
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Insomnia and restless sleep
- •Palpitations and anxiety
- •Chronic cough and wheezing
- •Fatigue and debility
- •Poor concentration
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–12 g slices in decoction, simmered 40–60 minutes; the bitterness is part of the medicine. Also taken as dual-extract powder 1–3 g daily.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Reishi Sleep Decoction
Reishi 10 g + sour jujube seed 10 g + red dates 5 pcs, simmered 45 minutes, taken warm before bed.
Reishi Immunity Broth
Reishi 10 g + astragalus 15 g + goji 10 g simmered with chicken for 90 minutes.
🔬 Modern Research
Reishi triterpenes (ganoderic acids) and beta-glucan polysaccharides are heavily researched for immunomodulation, sleep quality, and cardiovascular support in preliminary and some clinical studies.
⚠️ Contraindications
Use caution with anticoagulant therapy and before surgery. Occasionally causes digestive dryness in sensitive individuals.
