Ganoderma lucidum is the scientific name for a wild red mushroom that grows on trees in the forests of Asia. Despite the massive number of trees that grow in these forests, the ganoderma lucidum mushroom is actually quite rare and difficult to find in large quantities. The mushroom also has several purported health benefits. You should, however, speak with a medical professional before using ganoderma lucidum as a health supplement.
High in Antioxidants
Ganoderma lucidum is a powerful source of antioxidants and contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in any food, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." In fact, through supporting antiviral action in your body, the antioxidant properties of this mushroom can benefit your cardiovascular and immune systems, according to an article in the 2007 "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition."
Promoting Healthy Systems
Ganoderma lucidum can also give your body a general boost through promoting the healthy functioning of many of its systems, according to the "Therapeutic Herb Manual." Some of the processes that show improved functioning include the circulatory and respiratory systems, the nervous system and the digestive system. In addition, ganoderma lucidum can boost your energy level and metabolism. These boosts also contribute to the overall feeling of well-being.
Helping With Major Conditions
As a result of the high antioxidant content of ganoderma lucidum, herbalists recommend this mushroom to promote a healthy, functioning immune system and to treat patients with cancer and HIV. Individuals with HIV who have taken ganoderma supplements regularly for a period of time show increased immune responses, according to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments." Additionally, ganoderma lucidum may slow the growth of certain types of cancers. However, further clinical research is needed to support the use of this mushroom as an herbal remedy to treat cancer and HIV.
Anti-inflammatory
Ganoderma lucidum can also function as an anti-inflammatory, particularly in the airways. Herbalists often recommend ganoderma lucidum to treat allergies and some of the symptoms associated with asthma, according to "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." Medical professionals, however, do not generally recommend using herbal remedies, including ganoderma lucidum, to treat asthma or severe allergies.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phylis A. Balch and James Balch; 2000
- "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition"; Indian Medicinal Mushrooms as a Source of Antioxidant and Antitumor Agents"; K. Janardhanan et al.; 2007
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