Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Ganoderma General Health Benefits

Ganoderma Lucidum Health Benefits

Ganoderma Lucidum, has many nicknames, including: the “King of Herbs”, "Herb of Immortality", "Medicine of Kings and Emperors". Ganoderma lucidum's official names include: "Red Reishi" (Japanese) or "Lingzhi" (Chinese), this herbal mushroom has been used in Japan and China for over 5000 years, making it the oldest recorded medicinal mushroom. In ancient times it was reserved for emperors and royalty and was revered as nature's most rare and beneficial herb.

According to the Shen Nung Ben Cao Jing, the oldest and most famous medical text on Oriental herbal medicine, is Ganoderma Lucidum is ranked as 'Superior', above Ginseng. Around 2800 BC, the Chinese medical text documented three classes of treatment:
Superior: Rare herbs that could prolong life, prevent aging and boost chi (energy)
Short term tonics: and boosters (not for prolonged use)
Potent, sometimes toxic: for very short-term use in acute cases.

Of 365 identified herbs and substances, Ganoderma lucidum was listed as the #1 Herb in the Superior category (above #2 ranked Ginseng).

General Health Benefits (in vitro & in vivo) of whole Ganoderma lucidum extracts:

1. Analgesic
2. Anti-allergy
3. Bronchitis preventative
4. Anti-inflammatory*
5. Anti-viral
6. Anti-bacterial
7. Anti-oxidant
8. Anti-tumor activity
9. Supports healthy bone marrow
10. Anti-depression
11. Supports cardiac health, improving coronary-artery blood flow
12. Balances and supports the immune system
13. Improves adrenal function

*All degenerative conditions have a chronic inflammatory component, which are caused by alterations, weaknesses defects of the immune system.

In general, Ganoderma functions as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance found in a few rare plants and herbs that shield the body against the impacts of stress. They are unique nutrients that work at a cellular level to restore, re-balance and re-energize stressed cells and organs. They are powerful agents that reverse abnormal function to normal. Adaptogens are not drugs and they have no adverse side effects. They are not available in the food we eat, and must be taken as supplements. Among natural supplements available, adaptogens are considered as the most important in their role to improve health and longevity. Ganoderma is considered to be the most powerful adaptogen ever discovered.

Stress; in all of its forms (emotional, financial, metabolic, oxidative, chemical) bombard our lives 24/7 and produce cumulative adverse effects on our health.

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