Ganoderma, also known as reishi, is a bitter mushroom that is popular in traditional Chinese medicine. Ganoderma grows in damp mountain regions. An extract from this mushroom may be one way to treat the skin condition psoriasis. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests the use of this supplement may help with nail disorders associated with psoriasis, but little clinical research has proven this benefit.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that disturbs the life cycle of cells. According to MayoClinic.com, T lymphocyte cells (T cells) travel through the body to fight off foreign intruders and infection. If you have psoriasis, the T cells will attack healthy skin instead. The result is a cycle of skin growing new cells too quickly. This growth inhibits dead skin from sloughing off. Essentially, new skin grows over old. Symptoms of psoriasis include red patches of skin that appear to have silvery scales. The skin may become dry and crack over time. Victims of psoriasis may have thick, pitted nails that also crack and become sore. It is for these nails beds that ganoderma may offer the most relief.
Ganoderma
Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi mushroom, is a herb that may have a number of medicinal benefits. Botany expert Tom Volk from the University of Wisconsin reports that marketers of products containing ganoderma call it the "fix-it-all" remedy. These manufacturers state that an extract from the mushroom may work as treatment for HIV, cancer, blood pressure problems, diabetes, rheumatism and ulcers, to name a few. As a treatment for psoriasis, the fungal extract may work to stop cell proliferation and be analgesic, or reduce pain. Volk explains that studies conducted on lab animals do show the plant to provide some analgesic relief but reliable human studies do not exist.
Dosage
UMMC reports that herbal supplements may be a safe way to strengthen the body. Ganoderma extract can be taken two to three times daily, in dosages of 150 to 300 mg. The tincture formula dosage is 30 to 60 drops, two or three times daily. You should consult your doctor before beginning treatment. Reishi may affect some medications, specifically those for high blood pressure.
Benefits
Ganoderma has been a staple product for centuries in Chinese medicine. However, it is unclear how effective it may be on skin conditions such as psoriasis. There are a number of possible medicinal applications for this herbal extract, but more research is necessary to confirm its benefits. Tom Volk explains that it may strengthen the body and help with immune system illnesses such as psoriasis, but there is little research to back this up. Medical practitioners in the Far East use it for a variety of treatments, including to help with skin conditions.
Considerations
You should talk to your doctor before taking ganoderma or any supplement. If taking prescription medication, supplements may affect the way the drug works. The healing properties of ganoderma are unsupported by medical science. According to botanist Tom Volk, more human trials are necessary to determine whether ganoderma is an effect medicine for any condition, including psoriasis. Do not rely on herbal supplements to treat serious cases of psoriasis.
