Archaeological evidence indicates that humans have used the Reishi mushroom for over 7,000 years. In ancient times, this little mushroom was considered so auspicious that its medicinal superiority was highlighted in the Chinese Materia Medica, the oldest Oriental medical text. The Materia Medica describes and classifies 365 herbs into three categories: superior, average and fair. Of the 120 medicines this ancient text lists as superior, Reishi mushroom is ranked number one. It is still used in China today to boost energy, help the body resist disease and stress, treat illness and promote longevity.

Until the late 20th century Reishi was available only to Asian royalty and the wealthy. The mushroom was crowned by Chinese emperors as the “King of Herbs” and believed to bring Imperial Chi – the life force that would create an eternal dynasty. It was said that after continuous use of the Reishi, a person begins to appear “God-like and glowing”.

For over 4,000 years, the Chinese and Japanese have used the Reishi mushroom to treat liver disorders, hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, hepatitis and cancer. Reishi is a powerful adaptogenic immune system stimulant. As an adaptogenic herb, Reishi strengthens internal organs and normalises body functions by helping increase resistance to a large range of biological, environmental, psychological and chemical stresses. Adaptogens generally work by strengthening the immune system, nervous system and/or endocrine system. Studies show that Reishi doesn’t only stimulate the immune system, but also regulates it. 

With about 400 different bioactive compounds, the Reishi mushroom both detoxifies the body and boosts its natural healing ability. In fact, the Reishi mushroom is believed to be a universal medicine for treating all diseases. It is known to have the power to cleanse and adjust the function of all the internal organs of the human body.

Preparation and Dosage – Tea is the favoured form of ingestion. Fresh or dried mushrooms are boiled in hot water for five minutes, allowed to steep for 30 minutes and then reheated. The tea is then strained and served. A daily dose of 3-5 grams is recommended.

NOTE: According to the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica … as a “superior” medicine, any amount of Reishi mushroom can be taken as desired on a continuous basis with no known side effects.

INSIGHT (lesson) Reishi teaches

The ancient Chinese regarded the Reishi mushroom as the elixir of life, capable of bestowing the gift of immortality. They gave the mushroom the name Ling Zhi, meaning “herb of spiritual potency”. In China, the Reishi mushroom is known to benefit the chi or life force energy (prana). It can induce almost immediate calming and serenity … a feeling of letting go of the old and of renewal or rebirth. The lesson Reishi teaches is considered extremely auspicious as this herb opens the heart energy and allows the prana to flow. In yogic terms it relates to the heart chakra. This chakra increases insight and the ability to grow on a higher spiritual level. When the heart chakra is balanced and the prana is flowing, all the meridians connected with the immune system and thymus gland are open in support of this life force energy. Then the mind can connect to the heart energy and tune in to a higher level of awareness so that the body, mind and soul are not separate.

Excerpt from Nature’s Creation – Knowledge & Guidance through Healing Plants: carolinew26.sg-host.com