< previous page | page_55 | next page >
Page 55
| has been used in Chinese folk medicine for thousands of years. It is often called the mushroom of immortality and is considered to promote longevity and benefit the heart. Stories about reishi abound, including tales of people traveling long distances to find it and even corpses coming back to life after reishi was placed upon their lips! The cloud-like motifs which adorned the robes of the emperor and even the Great Wall of China are said to be representative of this mushroom. |
| A number of clinical studies have been done over the past 20 years showing reishi's benefit for many disorders including heart and lung ailments, insomnia, allergies, duodenal ulcers, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It contributes to pain relief, protects the liver in hepatic disease and is a powerful scavenger of free radicals, thereby slowing the aging process. Its effectiveness seems to be due to the collective action of many of its components including the polysaccharides which have immunostimulating activity. |
| Reishi has been shown to raise T-cell levels and is used as a superior immune tonic, especially in Asia. It is considered a specific for chronic fatigue syndrome, has been used as a treatment for immune disorders such as AIDS and cancer, and can protect against the effects of radiation. Its adaptogenic qualities make it useful for stress. Its antimicrobial effects inhibit bacteria, fungi and viruses. |
| One of its more unique features is its ability to treat altitude sickness by oxygenating the blood. Although not clearly understood, research shows that reishi's antiallergic effects stem from compounds which inhibit the release of histamine. |
| In Medicinal Mushrooms, Christopher Hobbs gives the following method for preparing a liquid extract of reishi (or other dried medicinal mushrooms). Reishi's tough, woody consistency lends itself to this method of preparation, and it makes a good tonic for long-term use. |
< previous page | page_55 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!