Name: Reishi, Ganoderma lucidum
Other names: Polyporus lucidus, Ling Zhi
Family: Ganodermataceae (lacquer fungus relatives)
Harvest months: Jul-Nov
Usable plant parts: Fruiting body, cap, stalk
Appearance: Young specimens appear like a small reddish column with a pale apical base. Only with age does the cap, which sits on the stalk, develop in a fan or kidney shape.
The cap of the Reishi can reach a diameter of 15 centimeters.
It has a shiny, red to purple shimmering resin layer on the upper side.
The flesh of the mushroom is whitish in young specimens, brownish in older ones, and very hard. The reddish to blackish brown stalk is sometimes longer, sometimes flatter, depending on environmental conditions.
Habitant: Worldwide on hardwood
Danger of confusion: Dark lacquer fungus, Copper red lacquer fungus, Painters' fungus
Toxicity: non-toxic
Warning: temporary detoxification reactions such as dizziness and diarrhea may occur when taking Reishi. Caution is advised when taken concurrently with blood thinners.
Ingredients: beta-glucan, iron, essential amino acids
Properties: antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, blood pressure regulating
Helps with: asthma, bacterial diseases, high blood pressure, chronic hepatitis, inflammation