Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum

Synonyms: Ling Zhi / Chi, Jong Siryongji, Mannentake, The Panacea Polypore

The chinese name of this fungus is Ling Zhi, in Japan it is called Reishi. Ganoderma lucidum has been used as medicine for more than 4000 years. It is traditionally a symbol of good health, physical and mental recovery, long life, high sexual activity, wisdom and fortune. Reishi is rich in micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, manganese and germanium. The most valuable compounds of Ling Zhi are polysaccharides and triterpenes such as ganodermic acid, ganolucid acid or lucidemic acid.

The Ganoderma lucidum is a saprophyte, which prefers growing on hardwood such as oak-trees, birch-trees, beech-trees and alder-trees. He prefers warm oak-woods, copper beech-trees but also other hardwood-meadows. He can also be found on hedges, parks and waysides, if the conditions are given.