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"Mushroom of Immortality",
"Spirit Plant", "Mushroom of Spiritual Potency" (Ling-Zhi, Ling, Chih
mushroom, Mannentake) |
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History:
This mushroom dates back more than 4000 years. It has been used in folk
medicine in China and Japan especially in the treatment of hepatepathy, chronic hepatitis,
nephritis, hypertension, arthritis, neurasthenia, Insomnia, Bronchitis, asthma, gastric
ulcers, and loss of memory. China's most famous history book explains continued use
"will lighten weight and increase longevity". History also indicates Reishi
being used by Taoist monks as an aid for meditation, claiming they produced a centered
calmness.
Pharmacology:
The active ingredients, polysaccharides and triterpenes should be
standardized to ensure quality (4% triterpenes and 10% polysaccharides). Research
indicates a polysaccharide enriched fraction of the Reishi demonstrates antitumor and
immunostimulating activities. Other research indicates that administration of Reishi
Extract restores interleukin-2 production and promotes DNA polymorase production in 2 year
old mice. There is also indication that it is effective in inhibiting the angiotension
converting enzyme (ACE) and its effect on cholesterol in the body. this function of the
triterpene ingredients in Reishi have been shown to also inhibit an important step in the
body's process of making cholesterol. These cardiovascular benefits are said to bring
about varying degrees of improvement in symptoms such as palpitations, dyspnea, precordial
pain, and edema. Hypertensive patients with hyperlipidema have experienced a reduced blood
viscosity and plasma viscosity which indicates an increased blood flow through the heart.
Similar studies have shown benefits related to the lowering of blood pressure.
- Toxicity:
- There is little data reported on long-term side effects of Reishi Mushroom and its
derivatives. High doses of unextracted powder may lead to loosening of stools, dry mouth,
skin rash, slight digestive upset.
- Dosage:
- General Tonification and Protection: 150 mg - 350 mg or more 10:1 between meals (10
grams of dried Reishi powder makes 1 gram extract)
- Therapeutic Use: 3 to 9 grams divided into 3 doses for several months then taper back to
1 to 6 grams (10:1 Extract)
- High Blood Pressure: 750 mg - 2 X daily (10:1 extract) (Maximum benefits may take 2
weeks or more.)
- Other Synergistic Herbs and Vitamins:
- References:
- "Guide to Standardized Herbal Products", by Rebecca
Flynn, M.S. and Mark Roest, forwarded by Daniel Mawrey, Ph.D.
- "Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition,
Healing, and Culture - Reishi, Shitake, Maitake, Kombucha, and
more.", by Christopher Hobbs, L. Ac.
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