Ganoderma or Reishi Mushroom – Hype or a Healing Miracle?

For over a year now I’ve seen the words ganoderma or reishi and decided to perform my own research to see if the Ganoderma or Reishi Mushroom was Hype or a Healing Miracle like it is being advertised. If you are like me, MLMs come by your way quite often and many of them you should not pay a dime for a dozen. Being somewhat skeptical yet an inquisitive individual, I’m not easily impressed by the words, “healing miracle."  After all these words have been used over the years to sell everything from snake oil to placebo pills only to take money from trusting individuals. With that said, please allow me to share with you the information I’ve found.

The Ganoderma mushroom is not recommended to be used for cooking, however, for over 2,000 years it has been used in Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) for the medicinal purposes of promoting health and longevity. Ganoderma Lucidum is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as the “Miraculous King of Herbs” and is highly regarded for its medicinal properties that assist in helping to improve the body’s healing abilities.

The ancient Taoists believed this mushroom to be the “elixir of eternal youth.” Ganoderma, commonly known as reishi is a hard bitter mushroom that is said to relieve fatigue, lower high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, reduce inflammation, while building stamina, and improving the immune system.

Japanese and Chinese emperors for years have drunk herbal tea and mushroom concoctions to achieve virility and vitality. Because it was rare and very expensive the commoners did not get to partake of this natural herb until later years when growth and cultivating became easier. This mushroom is recorded in the 2,000 year old Chinese medical text and is known for curing cancers and various diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, and liver disorders.

This medicinal fungi is commonly know by many names such as Ling zhi (meaning the herb of spiritual potency) Mannentake, and Reishi. Ganoderma is a folk medicine that has been in existence since ancient times and can be found in six different colors of hues with red being the most commonly used. The six reishi colors are:

• Akashiba ( red )
• Aoshiba ( blue)
• Kishiba ( yellow)
• Kuroshiba ( black)
• Murasakishiba ( purple)
• Shiroshiba ( white)

It is believed to be the oldest medicinal mushroom and is said to help build the immune system, maintain one’s physical shape, and promote longevity. Reishi is commercially grown in China, Japan, Korea, North America, and Taiwan. In order to decide whether or not the Ganoderma or Reishi Mushroom is Hype or a Healing Miracle, one must take a look at the health benefits, side effects, case studies performed, and personal testimonies.

Like many alternative herbal medicines, this magical mushroom works with the body to promote one’s natural immune system, helps the body to balance and harmonize itself, which in turn treats a wide range of health problems. Ganoderma or reishi consists of the “anti” properties of being anti-allergen, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-tumoral, anti-viral and analgesic. Having an increased level of antioxidant compounds within one’s body is believed to help protect against aging and diseases.

Ganoderma is often used as a cancer treatment by assisting in eliminating impurities and toxins to cleanse the body and help make the immune system stronger. It stimulates cell regeneration by promoting the detoxification of the liver to improve its functions. In addition to possessing anti-cancer agents of Germanium and polysaccharides, that helps to produce anti-tumor effectiveness, protect against degeneration of skin cells while reducing the appearance of aging.

Reishi or Ganoderma has 23,500 I.Us and is considered to be one of the most potent antioxidants known. These antioxidants neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and assist in promoting normal metabolism and normal cellular respiration. Having such qualities enables it to be versatile with many uses such as the treatment of allergies, altitude sickness, chemotherapy support, diabetes, fatigue, hepatitis, hypertension, high triglycerides, kidney cleanser, nerve tonic, and sexual enhancer.

If you’ve ever taken natural or herbal medicine especially those that qualify as TCM (Tradition Chinese Medicine), there is a risk that some minor discomforts might occur during the healing process. An example would be if you've experienced acne, you know there is usually a phase where it seems the acne is getting worst before it gets better. Another example would be how a healing wound begins to excessively itch while repairing itself. Ganoderma can cause negative side effects that cause temporary reactions within the body during the healing process.

Common side effects that occur when Ganoderma is ingested includes increased breakouts of acne, reddish pimply dots, and/ or other skin rashes, dizziness, digestive issues, higher blood pressure, stomach ache, or swollen legs. However, an individual may experience some or none of these temporary adverse reactions as circulatory blockage or toxins are being removed from the body.

Warnings: If you are a diabetic taking hypoglycemic drugs please do not take Ganoderma or any other TCM without consulting with a medical professional before doing so. Ganoderma can possibly cause fluctuations in blood sugar that could cause a problem with diabetes. Individuals on blood pressure medications should monitor pressure levels consistently as well since this product may cause temporary higher blood pressure until the end results of a lowered pressure is attained.

Ganoderma or Reishi  Mushroom – Hype or a Healing Miracle?

As the first video stated the Chinese have been conducting research on the ling zhi since the ’50s. However, other eastern and western studies are being conducted on this mushroom. Most of the studies will not give a ‘concrete finding'  which is true with many alternative medicines.  However, many are stating ‘it appears’ to assist in all the benefits named before such as reducing skin inflammation, increasing the immune system, treating blood and circulatory conditions, and preventing some cancers. You can find more reading on these case studies at the end of this section.

I cannot provide much of a personal experience with ganoderma because I’ve only been drinking the coffee for a short time. However, I can share personal testimonies of friends and family that have been using the products of Organo Gold for some time now. One individual suffers with psoriasis and she has seen an improvement in her overall skin condition. Another friend has had a pretty serious skin discoloration for over 25 years and now since taking these products his skin is beginning to even out to one skin tone. Many individuals I know have reported improvements in digestion and bowel movements, while others are reporting being able to move with ease without joint pains and getting restful quality sleep at nights.

As we grow older, while living longer in today's society, it becomes important to develop a healthy lifestyle that will assist in having a fuller productive life free for illness whenever possible. While the side effects mentioned sound irritating and uncomfortable; they are usually temporary and minor. Keep in mind that many alternative/natural products work to cleanse and eliminate toxins during the overall healing process. For my family and me, it has become important to make small lifestyle changes such as using alternative and natural medicines or TCM instead of prescription drugs whenever possible.

Now-a-days prescription drugs in my opinion may assist in smoothing over one ailment only to cause some times a more severe ailment to occur. The more I research, the more I'm learning the importance of honoring one's body by providing it with foods and herbs from nature as much as possible in order to create balance. As a conclusion to Ganoderma or Reishi Mushroom – Hype or a Healing Miracle, I want you to just imagine how it would feel to know that by doing something as simple as drinking a cup of coffee; you’ll be able to possibly ease an aliment like, fatigue, hair loss, loss of appetite, improve skin conditions and blood circulatory functions, lower the risk of infections, help to suppress bone marrow, and fight some types of cancer.

While I have not joined this MLM business I do know several entrepreneurs that are doing extremely well. For more information about this business opportunity just click on this link for Organo Gold. Needless to say, I’ve performed the research and heard the testimonies that convinced me to continue drinking the coffee and partaking of other products while supporting a friend with her business.

I love the convenience of being able to have my own coffee at the office without having to worry about the cleanliness of the individual that made the coffee or whether the strength or taste will be good. Although I've chose to use the instant packets of coffee instead of brewing a pot the strength is still strong, robust, and very flavorful.

Because I'm a writer and not really a salesperson, as time permits I will continue to provide updates via my research and or experiences concerning this natural herb. My thoughts are that for many the Ganoderma or Reishi Mushroom has proven not to be hype and that many might just consider it a healing miracle. There are so many scientific studies and testimonies that can be found on the internet that one can believe that this mushroom just might hold some of nature's magical secrets to healing. I sincerely hope this hub has been useful and full of information that perhaps can assist one in having a healthy lifestyle. If you’ve used the ganoderma, reishi, or ling zhi mushroom and would like to share your experience you can by leaving a comment below. Genuine comments are always welcomed and will be allowed; spammers or comments that do not adhere to HP’s rulings will be deleted.

Disclaimer: This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should do your own research, and then consult your present physician. If your doctor does not believe in alternative medicines and you would like to give them a try then find a reputable doctor, TCM specialist, certified herbalist or naturopathist familiar with alternative medicines that can assist you in deciding what treatments might meet your specific needs.

Namaste!