REISHI – [Ganoderma lucidum]

An ancient healing mushroom, used by the Chinese for over 4000 years, who revered it as the mushroom/herb
of immortality. An adaptogen of renown; superior to Ginseng.

Reishi is an adaptogen, adaptogens: Increase the body's resistance to adverse influences by a wide range of
physical, chemical and biochemical factors. Adaptogens have an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds
of conditions and aggravating none. Adaptogens must restore balance to the system regardless of the
direction of the illness (for example, an adaptogen would work equally well in a depleted condition as it would
in a condition of excess). Finally adaptogens must have minimal effects on the body's physiological functions.

Reishi has many benefits and has been hailed as an elixir of great importance; current applications:
 Immune system support.
 Cancer support – Reishi limits tumour aggressiveness, activates the immune system and is reported to
reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy (higher doses are required for effective cancer support).
 Blood sugar stabilizer – in experiments reishi has been shown to reduce glucose, increase insulin
release and enhance glucose metabolism in the liver.
 Anti-oxidant – with radical scavenging activity it is able to assist in detoxifying the liver.
 Liver protection and support - in treatments lasting from 2 to 15 weeks, the overall rate of efficiency
was 70 to 98%.
 Anti-allergy/anti-inflammatory – significantly inhibits all four types of allergic reactions, including
positive effects against asthma and contact dermatitis
o During an eight-month study of Alzheimer's disease, patients taking a Reishi mycelium
product demonstrated significant improvement.
o Stiff joints are also treated with Reishi.
 Anti-aging tests with reishi have shown that it is limits skin DNA damage.
 Anti-cholesterol - reishi showed significant preventive and therapeutic action against plaque build-up
in the arteries which leads to atherosclerosis.
o A study in China found that low density lipoprotein (LDL, the harmful cholesterol) levels
dropped in 68% of 90 patients, following one to four months of Reishi use.
 Improves memory and reduces forgetfulness
 Relieves the symptoms of lack of energy, stress, exhaustion, strain and short-term insomnia.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

 Reishi should be used with caution during immune-suppressive treatment for example after organ
transplant surgery.

Reishi has very few side effects. Prolonged use may lead to:

 Drying of nasal mucosa, this is remedied by halting the use of Reishi for a month followed by
resumption of treatment.

 Prolonged clotting time, the use of Reishi should be stopped one week prior to surgery.

DOSAGE

20 drops per day (if desired 40 drops per day for the first week and thereafter 20 drops).