Ganoderma is the name given to a genus of polypores, which can be found growing on wood. The word is derived from two Greek words namely ‘ganos’ and ‘derma’, which means brightness and skin respectively. Essentially a fungi, there are 80 species of its kind. Ganoderma are popularly called as reishi mushroom and are found in the United States, China, Japan and many tropical areas. These grow on tree stumps and logs This genus can easily be differentiated from the other polypores, since it has a double walled basidiospore. Ganoderma genus can be divided into two sections, namely, ganoderma (with a shiny cap surface, like Ganoderma lucidum) and elfvingia (with a dull cap surface, like Ganoderma applanatum). The recognition of ganoderma can be credited to the fact that it boasts of a number of healing properties and has been known to accord a number of health benefits to its users. Read on to know more information about Ganoderma and its many health properties.
Main Species
After knowing what ganoderma is, check out the main species of the polypore:
-
Ganoderma applanatum (Known as Artist's conch)
-
Ganoderma lucidum (Known as Reishi, Lingzhi or Red Mushroom)
-
Ganoderma philippii (Plant pathogen)
-
Ganoderma tsugae (Polypore that grows on conifers and is known as Hemlock Varnish Shelf)
Health Benefits and Healing Properties of Ganoderma
-
Ganoderma has been found to have anti-aging properties and is believed to aid longevity. This mushroom promotes in cell rejuvenation, which leads to younger skin and healthier body.
-
Ganoderma strengthens the immune system of an individual. The polysaccharides present in this herb helps to build immunity.
-
Ganoderma has been found to be effective in fighting against various types of cancer. The components present in the herb can destroy cancer cells and strengthen macrophages and T-lymphocytes, which are important immunity cells in the body.
-
Ganoderma helps the body fight against cerebrosis (an organic disease of the brain) and coronary diseases.
-
Ganoderma aids the improvement of the blood circulatory imbalance of the body.
-
Ganoderma has been found to be useful in detoxification of the body and rejuvenation of the cells.
-
Ganoderma has anti-oxidants properties and also helps in maintaining the metabolism of a person. This detoxifier expels toxins from the body and this encourages skin to become clearer.
-
Ganoderma prevents tissue degeneration and in turn, avoids the occurrence of various diseases.
-
Ganoderma protects and regulates a number of organs in the body, like liver and intestine.
-
Ganoderma has been found to be good for people suffering from high blood pressure.
-
The best part of Ganoderma is that it does not lead to any side effects regardless of amount and period of its usage.
-
Ganoderma helps in energizing and building stamina for the body.
-
This herb regulates blood sugar level and blood lipids in the body. It improves peripheral tissue utilization of glucose, the metabolism of glucose in the liver and it raises the body’s plasma insulin levels, which controls the body’s blood sugar level.
-
This unique mushroom reduces stress, nervous exhaustion and increases concentration levels and focus.
-
Regular intake of ganoderma results in deeper and more delightful sleep.
-
Respiratory problems including asthma can be effectively cured.
-
Ganoderma is capable of curing autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory problems including arthritis. This is due to the fact that this herb contains immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat such diseases.
-
Ganoderma also helps in reducing altitude sickness by oxygenating the blood.
Also known as reishi mushroom or ‘Miraculous King of Herbs’, ganoderma has several health properties and is used extensively in Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine. Because of its strong and popular medicinal benefits and having no known side effects, this mushroom is one of the highly demanded medicines in the world.