Reishi Musrooms

The image above is from the class class lesson.  They come in different colors, the red variety being from Japan.

My daughter only ate her eggs this morning because they had cheese on them...  I think my son was a big help there...  His plate was empty then hers was, pretty quick actually. 

I was quite pleased with the mushroom book I used for this research.  I also discovered it has lichten in it!  I'm almost done with the appendices.  There are a few actions to discuss tomorrow and I imagine the same will go for the constituents as well.  I'll have the herbarium posted at some point today. Love and Light!

On to reishi mushrooms!

Constituents: Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucan – water-soluble), triterpenoids (lucidumol A, ganoderic acid), adenosine, germanium, sterols (ergosterol), riboflavin, ascorbic acid, amino acids (Petersen, 2018, p. 57).Rogers (2011) breaks these down as below:
            Fruiting body: carbohydrates, amino acids (adenosine), steroids (ergosterola), protease, lysozymes, lipids, triterpenes, alkaloids, Vitamin B2 and C, beta-glucans and minerals such as zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and germanium (p. 175).
            Mycelium; sterols, alkaloids, lactones, erogone, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, lanostane-type triterpenoids (ganoderic acid, ganoderenic acid, ganolucidic acid, lucidenic acid, lucidone)
            Spores: choline, betaine, palmitic acid, stearic acid, ergosta-7,22-dien-3b-ol, tretracosanoic acid, behenic acid, nonadecanoic acid, ergosterol, beta sitosterol, pyrophosphatidic acid, hentriacontane, and tetracosane (p. 175).
Winston (2007) says immunostimulaing polysaccharides (beta-glucans), bitter triterpenoids (ganoderic acid, ganoderenic acid) and ling zhi-8 protein (p. 232).

Therapeutic Actions: Adaptogen, analgesic, anti-allergic, anticancer, anticonvulsive, antihistamine, antimutagenic, anti-obesity, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, Astringent, cathartic (especially the juice), demulcent, emollient, hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, hyperglycemic, hypolipemic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, laxative (can be purgative), sedative, vulnerary, and vermifuge (Petersen, 2018, p. 59). Rogers (2011) says astringent, adaptogen, warming, nourishing, detoxifying, and tonifying (p. 174). Rogers has pages of summaries that expand on more actions based on scientific studies. They go from page 175-184. Winston (2007) says this is a bitter and warming. He adds adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, cardiac tonic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, immune amphoteric (enhances cells that make up white blood cells), and nervine (p. 232).

Indications: Aging, attitude sickness, Alzheimer’s, asthma, blood pressure (reduction), bronchial disease, cancer (breast, colon, prostate), cardiovascular disease, chemotherapy, cholesterol, prevent fatigue, gastric ulcers, chronic hepatitis, herpes zoster pain, HIV, enhance immune system, inflammatory disease, insomnia, kidney tonic, liver disease, longevity, neuralgia (post-herpetic), neurasthenia, obesity, poisoning, tumors, reduce stress, uterine fibroids inflammation, viral infections – support and prevent, yeast infections (Petersen, 2018, p. 59).  Rogers (2011) says traditional uses include liver ailments (chronic hepatitis), lung conditions (asthma, bronchitis), nephritis of the kidneys, nerve pain, hypertension, gastric ulcers, and insomnia (p. 174). He continues that is has also been used to stimulate sexual prowess/endurance. It helps with endocrine and hormone levels (p. 175). Winston (2007) says it restores the heart (Chinese medicine), prolonged life, improved cognition, helps downregulate the immune system to help with autoimmune illnesses, cancer, asthma, allergic rhinitus, hepatitis B/C, autoimmune hepatitis, improves cholesterol, triglycerides, inhibits blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, angina, arrhythmia, prevents arteriosclerosis, improves adrenocortical function, relieves stress, and altitude sickness (p. 234-5).

Safety: Unknown on whether it’s safe for pregnancy or lactation to avoid. In rare cases, may cause dry mouth, throat, sinuses, itchiness, upset stomach, nosebleeds, bloody stools – extended use id 3-6 months. (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). If you experience diarrhea using this, Rogers (2011) says to add some vitamin C, ginger, or pineapple to your regimen.  Do not use before surgery, do not use during a heavy period, and use with caution if taking ACE inhibitors (p. 185). Winston (2007) says to avoid if you have an allergy to mushrooms or if using blood thinners (p. 235).

Have a Great Day!