Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is a popular mushroom species from China and Japan being available in several colors (red, black, blue/green, white, yellow and purple) but the most widespread is the red Ganoderma. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture and is known as “Lingzhi” in China and Reishi in Japan. Red Reishi benefits are numerous. First of all it is known to increase energy levels and immunity.
It has been commonly referred as the “mushroom of immortality”, “mushroom of spiritual potency” and “spirit plant”. This mushroom contains over 200 active elements, the most important being polysaccharides, triterpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, ganodermic acid, oleic acid, nucleic acids and vitamin A. This mushroom increases the body’s vitality, strength and endurance, prolonging life. It has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for promoting good health, perpetual youth, vitality and longevity for thousands of years.
This fungus grows in nature on the bark of several trees, but sometimes is difficult to find, which is why it is grown commercially in several countries in the world including Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea other parts of Asia and the US.
In the past because it was rare only the rich had access to it. In Ancient China only emperors could enjoy the beneficial effects of reishi mushroom. Was revered as a medicinal plant by the emperors of the great Japanese and Chinese dynasties being the first to have the chance to discover its miraculous effects. They consumed it together with their special teas and boiled mushrooms making a hot water extract which was used to obtain an increased vitality and a long life. For years, reishi mushroom has been included in the history of folk medicine for its contribution to the positive effect in boosting the immune system and by that to the promotion of good health.
Modern medicinal studies have demonstrated that this mushroom possesses a broad range of bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-glycemic, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer and immunostimulating effects. Hence, reishi has been used to treat a variety of chronic diseases such as hepatopathy, nephritis, hypertension, arthritis, migraine, insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes and cancer. Research in cancer patients has shown that some of the molecules found in the Reishi mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. Natural killer cells fight infections and cancer in the body. Some research showed that one year of treatment with reishi mushroom decreased the number and size of tumors in the large intestine.
Preliminary studies have shown that reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve quality of life in those with certain medical condition. Some other studies have shown that reishi mushroom could improve good cholesterol or blood sugar. Reishi mushroom has been prescribed for centuries to people suffering from stress and angina. People also take reishi mushroom for health conditions such as: high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, respiratory diseases (such as asthma), viral infections (such as the flu), HIV/AIDS, pain during and after a shingles outbreak, building strength and stamina, fatigue, diabetes, insomnia, prostate cancer, stomach ulcers, stress, alzheimer disease and more. For more info on medicinal effects check out mushrooms and their medicinal properties
Traditionally, reishi was grated into a fine powder and brewed as an herbal tea. Nowadays, it’s not only available as a tea but also as a powdered or capsuled supplement. Currently there it is part of products such as: cream for face, extract, powder used for palpitations and shortness of breath, for tonic breath, calm cough, asthma, immunity, insomnia, memory loss, etc.
Administration with this fungus is recommended in the morning, on an empty stomach, with plenty of water. Consumed together with vitamin C helps the body to assimilate the active ingredients in its composition. Reishi mushroom powder can also be added to drinks, juices, smoothies, and dishes. The recommended daily dose of powder with this mushroom is between 1-3 g. Reishi mushroom is non -toxic and can be used by most people without side effects. If not used properly it can cause some side effects such as: dry mouth and throat, upset stomach, nasal bleeding.
Red Reishi mushroom is cultivated and sold also as a food (the tender young fruitbodies), but it is tough and bitter. When taken for health reasons, it is usually dried or taken as an extract, such as in the form of liquid, capsule or powder. This mushroom can be found in powdered or pill form in pharmacies, or local herb shops or can be ordered online.
The cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum is easy and may be done by using substrates such as grain, sawdust, wood logs, cork residues, etc. The spawn is added to the substrate which is a nutrient rich substrate prepared in sterile conditions. The fungus may be grown simply but the yield is affected. The process is described in detail in the Low-tech Small-scale Mushroom Farm Setup. Once you get fruitbodies you may want to prepare yourself a magic potion –an energizing cocktail which when used in conjunction with healthy food, and other health and wellness promoting habits has the ability to visibly boost your immune system, energy, stamina, endurance and strength.
Cordyceps militaris cultivation for fruitbodies
Growing this fungus requires one to keep rules and narrow down particular factors in order to get best results. However, with proper guidance this may be achieved. This training will explain you some general aspects about this fungus including its yield potential and how it’s grown in general but the instructional video will show you what kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare the recipe and how you should do it.
In order to grow this fungus you’ll need a clean air flow-hood that ensures the sterile environment necessary for fungus tissue transfers and Cordyceps militaris spawn.
The main challenge for any startup is to make sure that Cordyceps takes over the nutritious substrate and not bacteria or mold competitors, therefore you’ll be shown how to avoid such complications. The strain to be used is another important factor, therefore these instructions must be matched with a strain that is known to fruit.
Here’s a list of some trouble that startups might run into without proper guidance when growing this fungus:
- the substrate gets colonized by the mycelium but doesn't fruit
- the substrate gets bacterial or moldy
- the substrate dries out
- the fungus starts to fruit but the final result is very few fruitbodies
This training is part of the Low-tech Small Scale Mushroom Farm Setup Training and it explains you in detail what you’ll need to grow this fungus including recipe and its ingredient composition together with the necessary microclimate for optimal development. This grow method uses low-tech tools and equipment showing you how to cultivate this fungus with low investment.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga is a species of parasitic fungus with an unattractive appearance, of a woody consistency, dark-brown to black in color like a piece of burnt coal. Despite its unattractive appearance, it has miraculous health properties. It is known to increase the immune system and fight against diseases such as cancer, ulcers or cardiovascular problems. In the composition of this mushroom are found active substances beneficial to health.
Chaga grows in the cold climate of the northern regions. from Siberia, but may be found also in Scandinavia or North America. If you live in the northern part of the US or Canada you might be tempted to forage for this wonderful mushroom; however, first you have to invest in knowledge. Foraging For Wild Mushrooms is a training program dedicated to total beginners where Chaga is discussed in detail.
Due to its parasitic nature, this fungus cannot be grown by mushroom growers, it develops on trees, especially birches, anines and beeches. For medicinal purposes, only the fungus found on the bark of birch it is used.
Chaga has been an important part of Nordic folk medicine and healthcare for hundreds of years. In the past Chaga was often used to prepare an infusion by hunters and foresters. For centuries, Chaga has been used as a traditional medicine in Russia and other Northern European countries, mainly to boost immunity and overall health.
It has also been used to treat diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease. Since the 16th century, this fungus was used in traditional East European medicine as a remedy for gastritis and ulcer. Also in traditional Chinese medicine, Chaga it is used for health, longevity and beauty and in Siberia people have been making tea from this mushroom since ancient times.
Replacing the consumption of black tea and coffee with Chaga tea in Siberia has shown a much lower cancer rate than in other neighboring regions. The same was found in the case of stomach diseases following the consumption of tea with this miraculous mushroom.
Currently this mushroom is used to fight hypertension and viral infections, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Chaga contains melanin, thus ensuring the beauty of nails, skin and hair. In a study in mice with cancer, Chaga supplements resulted in a 60% reduction in tumor size. This mushroom has anticancer, cytostatic, anti-inflammatory, sweating-reducing, body-protecting, analgesic and pain–relieving properties for cancerous tumors.
Research has shown this fungus to help fight malignant diseases, cardiovascular, lung in the treatment of viral infections and gastrointestinal diseases. In the composition of this fungus are present: potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, aluminum, manganese, fiber, phenols, organic acids, and steroid compounds.
Traditionally, Chaga was grated into a fine powder and brewed as an herbal tea. Nowadays, it’s not only available as a tea but also as a powdered or capsuled supplement. Currently there are products such as: Chaga cream for face and body, Chaga cream for skin rejuvenation, serum tundra Chaga for ultimate nutrition and firming, eye cream with Chaga, toner and mist formulated with Chaga extract, hydration cream with antioxidant Chaga, Chaga mushroom soap, mushroom drink elixir with Chaga, herb and spice powder, Chaga capsules antioxidant and DNA support, Chaga enhance cellular immunity, mushroom coffee mixt with Chaga, etc.
A traditional way to use Chaga is to prepare a hot water extract by heating a liter of water to a temperature of 50 C (122 F) and add 2-3 tablespoons of mushroom powder, then cover the container and leave it to simmer somewhere for 10-12 hours. The decoction prepared this way has to be kept in a dark glass container and stored in a dry place away from light. This decoction may be consumed for 14 days and the remaining spent Chaga fruitbody may be reused up to 5 times. Very hot water is not recommended as it would destroy the complex of melanin and polysaccharides found in this fungus.
The dry fungus fruitbodies may be stored for up to 2 years if kept in a dry, dark place. According to literature, the use of this mushroom by pregnant or lactating women, people allergic to aspirin or those suffering from kidney attacks or heart disease is not recommended.
Chaga has a tonic effect on the body and is considered to be a valuable adaptogen. This fungus is known to boost your energy, stamina, endurance & strength especially when combined with other healthy habits of a healthy lifestyle. Much is to be said about this wonderful fungus and its fantastic therapeutic properties; however, if you’ll find it in the woods you may miss identify it with regular tree tumor growth for the first time (which may be seen on random other type of trees than birches. Once you train your eye for it you’ll find it easily in the affected birch tree communities of the northern areas.
An article by Madalina Naciu
References
- Hobbs, C., Medicinal Mushrooms : An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and cultures, Interweave Press, 1995
- Wasser, S. and Weis, A., Medicinal Mushrooms: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), (Curtis: Fr.), P. Karst, Haifa, 1997
- Denisova, N. P., Lechebnye svoistva gribov : Etnomikologicheskii ocherk (Curative Properties of Fungi: An Ethnomycological Essay), St. Petersburg: SPGMU, 1998
- Krasnopol’skaya, L. M., Antimonova , A. V., Belitskii , I. V., Bukhman, V. M., Isakova, E. B., Libenzon, A. V., Zav’yalova, L. A., and Garibova , L. V., Medicinal Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum ( Curt: Fr.) P. Karst: Submerged Cultivation and Anticancer Properties , in Netraditsionnye prirodnye resursy, innovatsionnye tekhnologii I produkty ( Natural Substances, Products, and Innovation Technologies in Traditional Medicine ), Moscow, 2003, issue 9, pp. 46-55
- “Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát 1942” MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- Mushroom Expert.Com. “Inonotus obliquus” www.mushroomexpert.com. Retrieved 15 August 2017.