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Letter from the Publisher Amanda Klenner
Reishi is a powerful herbal tonic that has thousands of years of
documented medicinal use, and it is one of the best researched
medicinal herbs. Its earthy flavor, and nutrient-dense powder helps
to support health from the inside out. This wonderful fungus is a
nourishing tonic and an adaptogen, which helps the body moderate
the stress response and stress hormones more efficiently. It has
also been extensively researched for its cancer-fighting effects,
immune system modulation, hormone regulation, as well as
combatting the many conditions underpinned by inflammation, poor
immune response, and hormone imbalance.
The name “reishi” describes a few different species of Ganoderma,
which have similar but slightly different effects. These shelf fungi
are fun to find in the forest, but you might find it easier to purchase
organically grown reishi from a trusted supplier like Mountain Rose
Herbs, or an ethical wildcrafter. Hiking in the forests of Washington
state, I found the occasional Ganoderma, but not enough to supply
even my own daily habit of the mushroom. I rely on purchased
reishi powder for that.
Reishi plays an important role in our family’s life. I have auto-
immune diseases, and my husband also has some chronic health
issues. Reishi, along with some other medicinal mushrooms, play
an important role in supporting our health. We add a tablespoon of
reishi powder to our morning coffee, and take it daily as a tonic and
preventative. We love it, and I hope you will too!
Green Blessings,
Amanda
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Table of Contents
Reishi Herbal Monograph
Reishi Coloring Page
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11
Wildcrafting and Processing 12
Adaptogens for Deep Support 20
Reishi History and Mythology 25
Reishi’s Immunomodulatory Effect 33
Wild Mushroom Bone Broth 38
References 44
Glossary of Herbalism 47
Disclaimer 59
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Reishi Herbal Monograph Kristine Brown
Almost all accounts mention wild reishi to be rare, so imagine my
surprise when, one late autumn afternoon as I strolled out my back
door past the maple tree to my car, I noticed four or five fruiting
bodies of what appeared to be reishi, growing right at my feet! A
few weeks later, I again discovered a colony heartily growing at the
base of a willow tree in the wooded area behind my house. And, so
began my relationship with reishi.
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That was several years ago, and to this day, each autumn I am
filled with excitement when I discover those first few buds bursting
from the roots of the maple tree.
It is often said that the plants come to us when we need them, so
I was not surprised when my dad, who had been diagnosed with
prostate cancer, called me up several years ago to tell me there
were “strange mushrooms” growing on his old English pecan tree
stump—a visit to my parents’ house confirmed my suspicion that
reishi had turned up.
As for its rareness in the wild, those accounts seem to refer to plants
growing in Asia, most likely due to the history of use. It seems much
more common to find reishi growing here in North America.
Latin names: Ganoderma lucidum (most commonly recognized
medicinally), G. tsugae, G. oregonense, G. carnosum, G.
japonicum, G. resinaceum, and G. capense
Family: Ganodermataceae
Common names: reishi, ling zhi
Distribution, growing, native info: Species of Ganoderma are
found throughout the world; G. lucidum is native to Asia, G. tsugae
is found in the northeastern United States, G. oregonense, in the
Pacific northwest, and G. curtisii in the southeast. Others that grow
around the world include G. carnosum, G. japonicum, G.
resinaceum and G. capense. G. applanatum, more commonly
known as Artist’s Conk, also has some medicinal properties as well,
many similar to G. lucidum et al. Most are found growing at the
base of hardwood trees, especially hemlock, elm, alder, oak, and
chestnut. It is less commonly found on maple and willow. In Japan,
they are found growing on plum trees.2
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Parts used: Fruiting body, mycelium (less common)
Herbal actions: adaptogenic, analgesic, antibacterial,
antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor,
antitussive, antiviral, cardiotonic, expectorant, hepatoprotective,
hypotensive, immune stimulant, immunomodulator,
radioprotective, and rejuvenative
Energetics: bitter, warming, and drying
Constituents: Adenosine, bitter triterpenes (ganoderic acid S,
ganoderenic acid), ganesterone, lipids, β-glucans, polysaccharides,
phytosterols, coumarin, ash, protein, riboflavin, ascorbic acid,
calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc1,2,3,4
Multi-Protective Herb
Looking over reishi’s medicinal actions, we can get a good sense
that it is protective in many ways. As an adaptogen, it helps our
bodies to handle stress and normalize body functions. Reishi is safe
to be taken long term, helping to build the body up after long or
chronic illnesses and other debilitating ailments. Reishi works to
nourish, tonify, and remove toxins.
For those undergoing treatment for cancer, many studies are now
showing reishi to be useful for helping kill cancer cells. It is now
added to cancer protocols the world over due to its antitumor
action. Studies have shown reishi to inhibit or have strong activity
against many types of cancer cells including breast, prostate,
gastric, bladder, liver, and lung cancer cells.3,4 Reishi’s antioxidant
action may help to prevent cancer as well.
Not only does reishi help to fight cancer, but it also works to protect
against radiation exposure by protecting normal cells from
radiation-induced damage. According to Donald Yance, it is often
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used in China during chemotherapy and radiation therapy to offset
the side effects.4
Reishi has been used as an antidote for mushroom poisoning, which
may be in part due to the hepatoprotective properties, as some
poisonous mushrooms cause liver and kidney failure.2 As a
hepatoprotective, reishi helps to remove toxins, repair liver
damage, and protect the liver, keeping it healthy and strong.4,5
Those suffering from hepatitis B, as well as eczema, psoriasis and
other skin disorders, which stem from the liver, may find relief
through continued use of reishi.5 In cases of hepatitis that do not
have severe impairment of liver function, reishi has shown
favorable results.5
Immune Stimulant / Immunomodulator
As an immune stimulant and immunomodulator, reishi is wonderful
for working with immune system imbalances, including both hypo-
immune conditions such as HIV or cancer, and hyper-immune
conditions like auto-immune diseases and allergies.4,5 Reishi has
been approved in Japan and China for treating myasthenia gravis.5
Cardiotonic / Hypotensive / Glucose Regulator
Reishi’s cardiotonic and hypotensive actions have been shown to
help with ailments of the heart for health issues such as high blood
pressure, high LDL cholesterol, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular
disease.2,4,5 Reishi also controls blood sugar levels, helping out
diabetics (type 2), reduces stickiness in the blood which can help
reduce the risk of a stroke, and has shown to improve various
symptoms of heart disease such as edema, dyspnea, palpitations,
and precordial pain.2,5,6
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Antihistamine and Anti-Inflammatory
Reishi shows the ability to stop serious allergic reactions including
seasonal allergies, animal dander and pollen allergies, and chemical
sensitivities.7 Reishi seems to have a cumulative effect—the more
you consume, the less you need.5
Those suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory ailments may
find reishi to be beneficial to reducing inflammation with its anti-
inflammatory properties. Reishi has also been shown to inhibit
human papillomavirus (HPV) activity.5
Parasympathetic Nervous System Tonic
Reishi has been shown to help promote more restful sleep and
relieve anxiety.2,5 People who consume reishi on a regular basis
tend to fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and feel more rested upon
waking. Some people report their dreams to be more vivid as well.
During waking hours, reishi gives energy, focus, and calmness, and
reduces the effect of caffeine, which helps to manage mental and
physical stress.5
In Asia, athletes often use reishi to enhance their performance as
well as by mountain climbers to combat altitude sickness, by
oxygenating the blood.2,3,4,5
Respiratory Conditions
With its antitussive and expectorant actions, reishi can be used for
treating respiratory ailments. Those suffering from asthma and
bronchitis may find improvement from taking reishi.5
As an antiviral and antibacterial, reishi is great to take for fighting
off many colds and ailments. It has shown to work well against
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influenza virus type A, herpes simplex virus type 1, Staphylococci,
Streptococci, and Bacillus pneumonia.5
Elixir of Life
Reishi has long been used as an elixir to youthfulness and longevity,
and seems to possess rejuvenative actions.4 Reishi’s other common
name, Ling Zhi, meaning “spirit plant” gives us a clue that it has
long been considered a plant of importance. Others refer to reishi
as the Plant of Longevity and have documented its use in ancient
texts with many references to long life and good health. Given all
the proven uses, it’s not hard to imagine how these actions can
prove beneficial for living a long, healthy life.
Preparation and Dosage
Being a hard mushroom, it’s best to slice fresh reishi as soon as you
get it home before letting it dry, to make it easier to process.
Tincture: Double extraction. Adults: 80-100 drops, up to 6 times
daily. Children ages 2-6: 20-25 drops, up to 4 times daily. Children
ages 7-12: 40-50 drops, up to 4 times daily.
Decoction: For regular consumption, add 2-4 ounces dried reishi
to 1/2 gallon water, simmer for up to 4 hours until the liquid has
reduced to 1 quart. Adults: drink 3-4 cups daily. Children ages 2-
6: 1/2-1 cup daily. Children 7-12: 1 1/2-2 cups daily.
According to Christopher Hobbs, for mushroom poisoning, decoct
4-7 ounces dried G. lucidum in water, and drink 3-5 cups daily.2
Syrup: Prepare as for decoction above, decocting down to 2 cups.
Add 2 cups raw honey after straining. Store in refrigerator. Adults:
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1/2 teaspoon, 3 times daily. Children ages 2-6: 1/8 teaspoon, 2
times daily. Children 7-12: 1/4 teaspoon, 3 times daily.
Cautions
Use with caution if you are taking blood thinners.3
Safety and Contraindications
Avoid using with immunosuppressant drugs, including morphine,
due to potential immune enhancement, including organ transplant
recipients using immunosuppressants.8 Use only with autoimmune
disorders under the guidance of a qualified professional. May
potentiate sedative effects of reserpine and chlorpromazine; may
antagonize the stimulant effect of amphetamines; may increase
sleeping time induced by barbital and pentobarbital while
decreasing the sleeping time induced by hexobarbital.8
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Wildcrafting and Processing
Ganoderma Mushrooms
Nina Judith Katz
If you see a beautiful mushroom in the middle of winter, it’s
probably a polypore. When I teach mushroom hunting, I focus on
teaching my students to recognize the broad groups of mushrooms
first. We start with the question, “Is the mushroom gilled or not
gilled?” This distinction takes minutes to learn and provides a great
deal of safety and reassurance to new mushroom hunters, because
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the deadly mushrooms are all gilled; a mistake made with a
mushroom that is not gilled is more likely to lead to hours of gastric
misery than to liver failure. There are a few other simple rules that
enhance the safety of mushroom hunters.
Always triple check your identification. Use a book or two or
three and check with a more experienced mushroom hunter. In
general, it’s best to use two or more sources to confirm your
identification. The North American Mycological Association has
affiliated clubs in many locations, and these offer not only
affordable mushroom identification classes but also group forays
and identification evenings. On an identification evening, club
members may bring their baskets and spread out their findings
on a table, where the group will sort them by species and identify
them together. It’s a great way to learn new species and gain
confidence in your identification skills.
When in doubt, throw it out. Never sample a mushroom unless
you are 100% certain of its identification and edibility.
Never eat a mushroom raw. (Even the common button
mushroom is safer cooked.)
Eat only a minuscule amount and keep a sample of the
mushroom when trying a new one for the first time. if something
goes wrong and you need to go to the hospital, it will be very
useful to have a mushroom to take with you so that you can find
out exactly what caused the problem. This is equally important
whether you accidentally ate a poisonous mushroom or turned
out to be allergic or sensitive to one that is not ordinarily
poisonous.
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Gilled Polypore
To tell whether a mushroom is gilled or not, look under the cap. Do
you see a series of thin, radial lines arranged a bit like the spokes
on an umbrella? Look more closely. Are they thin and flat? If so,
they may be gills. Are they arranged in a regular pattern? Gills are
regular, but ridges are not. Do they break off easily? Gills do, but
ridges don’t. Is each one attached to the cap or the stem (stipe) in
exactly the same way as all the others? Again, this typifies gills but
not ridges. Are they all attached to the center of the cap? If not,
are they all attached to the stipe? If they’re gills, they should all be
attached to the same part of the mushroom.
Gills produce spores, which are the mushroom’s equivalent of
seeds. They also hold them, and eventually drop them, allowing the
mushroom to reproduce. Ungilled mushrooms have a variety of
other structures and strategies to hold and disperse their spores.
Polypore mushrooms, also known as bracket or shelf mushrooms,
have tubes instead of gills. The tubes end in pores, which give this
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group of mushrooms its name. If you look under the cap, you’ll see
the pore surface, which is flat, relatively smooth, and uniform in
color. The spores come out through the pores. Some polypores
have the traditional cap and stem form we usually think of when
we’re talking about mushrooms, but others look like shelves,
brackets, hoofs, or shells. Polypores tend to be fairly hard. Most
often, they grow on logs, stumps, or decaying trees; sometimes,
they grow on living trees, but cause them to decay. A few are
mycorrhizal; this means that they have a symbiotic relationship to
the trees where they grow.
Identifying and Harvesting Ganoderma applanatum, or Artist’s Conk, ranges from 3 to 15
inches wide. It is usually kidney- or fan-shaped and fairly flat, but
occasionally it becomes more hoof-like. The cap is usually brownish
or burgundy in the summer,
with zones in slightly different
shades of the same colors. Off-
season, it may be brownish
gray. Especially when it’s
young, the outer zone may be
white. It grows on dead, dying,
and stressed deciduous
hardwood trees throughout the
United States and much of the
world.
If you think you’ve found Ganoderma applanatum, turn it over. The
spore surface should be cream-colored or off-white. Pick up a twig
and see whether you can draw or write on it. Whatever you scratch
should immediately turn brown, so that you can use it as a canvass
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or paper if you like. You can use a stick, a needle, or an etching tool
to etch on it. The harder you press, the darker the brown, so you
can achieve different tones. Pressing with your fingers will give you
shading.1 In the winter, it may be harder to scratch, but you can
paint on it. The impressions you make on your fungal canvas will
last; this is what gives the Artist’s Conk its name.
The Artist’s Conk is a cousin of reishi, and the use is very similar.
G. applanatum is both immunomodulant and immunostimulant,
anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-
ulcer. In addition, it both inhibits tumor growth and helps the
immune system attack tumors. It also lowers cholesterol. Both the
mycelium and the fruiting body are medicinally active.2,3 The
mycelium is the rootlike part of the mushroom.
Ganoderma lucidum Ganoderma Tsugae
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The two Ganodermas known as reishi are G. lucidum and G. tsugae.
Their appearance is very similar, but G. lucidum is rarer. It usually
grows at the base or on the roots of living maples and other
deciduous trees, although sometimes it grows on their stumps. G.
tsugae grows on dead and dying conifers, especially on hemlock
trees, which are the tsuga species; G. tsugae means “the
Ganoderma of the hemlock” or “the hemlock’s Ganoderma.” G.
tsugae sometimes grows on pines and spruces as well, and ranges
from Canada to North Carolina to the mid-west; G. lucidum ranges
from New England to Florida to the Pacific coast.
Both G. lucidum and G. tsugae look shiny, as if they were coated
with shellac. G. lucidum ranges from 1 to 14 inches, while G. tsugae
ranges from 2 to 12 inches. They both sometimes have stipes. The
caps often have zones of different colors, which range from yellow
to dark red, and the outer margin ranges from yellow to white. G.
tsugae tends to be darker. G. lucidum ranges from kidney-shaped
to round or semi-circular, and G. tsuage is more consistently
kidney-shaped or fan-shaped. The pores of both range from white
to brown. The flesh of G. lucidum also ranges from white to brown,
while the flesh of G. lucidum is white. When young and soft, they
are both edible, but they soon become too tough to eat. They are
still valuable medicinals, however. Artist’s Conk, in contrast, is too
tough to be edible even when it’s still young.
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Preparation and Extraction In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners either pulverize these
mushrooms or prepare them in very thin slices. You can mix the
mushroom powder with water just off the boil and drink, or use the
slice to prepare a broth to incorporate into a soup or stew. You can
decoct it twice, straining the water from each decoction to use in
your broth.
Most western herbalists prefer to prepare medicinal mushrooms as
a double extract. This means that the material goes through two
complete processes of extraction, one that uses water and heat,
and one that uses alcohol. Opinions vary about the order in which
to do this. The alcohol will help to preserve the water, so tincturing
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first is simpler. On the other hand, lengthy heating is more effective
for extracting some chitins, and that, in turn, facilitates the rest of
the extraction process.
No matter what order you choose to do things in, the first (and
often hardest) step is to break or cut up the mushroom as finely as
possible; this increases the points of contact between the
mushroom and the menstruum. Because Artist’s Conk is so tough,
slicing and pulverizing it may be a bit challenging, but do your best.
If you’re using a blender, try to use one with a good warranty. The
other Ganodermas are a bit softer, especially when young, so they
should be easier to cut.
Once you’ve broken up the mushrooms as finely as seems
reasonable, put them into a pot made of steel, cast iron, glass, or
clay, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and
continue simmering for a couple of hours; the liquid should reduce
at least to half. Strain the liquid into a large jar for storage, and add
a splash of vodka or brandy to preserve it, because the second part
of the extraction will take several weeks. Put it into the refrigerator
as well, just to be on the safe side.
Place the marc, or the mushrooms that are left in your strainer, into
another jar and add slightly more vodka or medicinal grade alcohol
than needed to cover them. The alcohol should be at least 90 proof
(45%). Shake well. Let the tincture macerate for 6 weeks or longer.
Shake daily. When you’re ready, strain the tincture and combine it
with the water that you set aside.
At this point, I recommend decocting the marc again for soup broth.
Sample it before you toss it into your soup. If the flavor is strong,
strain it for broth and then add another round of water to decoct
yet again; if it’s weak, you’re finally done.
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Adaptogens for Deep Support Angela Justis
Adaptogens have become quite popular and for good reason! These
herbs are useful for helping to address a common problem in our
current society—chronic stress and its debilitating effects. What is
an adaptogen? The classification “adaptogen” is a relatively new
one to herbalism. It was first used in the 1940s by Russian scientist
Nikolai V. Lazarev.1 Though the classification is new, the use of
adaptogens in herbal medicine is not new at all. Adaptogenic herbs
such as Asian ginseng, ashwagandha, eleuthero, holy basil, and
reishi have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic
medicine for thousands of years.1
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Herbalist Kiva Rose eloquently sums up the main use of adaptogens
with this statement: “The primary point of an adaptogen is to
actively promote homeostasis.”2 And indeed, adaptogens help us to
better tolerate stress and they aid the body in maintaining healthy
homeostasis. Adaptogens are herbs that have a normalizing,
nontoxic, and nonspecific effect, helping the body to better respond
to stress.1,2,3 Research of adaptogens has found that these plants
support homeostasis through balancing the response of the
neuroendocrine-immunological axis to stress, in particular helping
to soothe and balance both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
(HPA) and the sympathoadrenal system (SAS).4 Chronic stress on
these systems leads to the development of issues such as insomnia,
fatigue, depression, anxiety, and more.4
The health benefits of adaptogens are wide-ranging. Some
particular benefits include:1
Provide support for those dealing with adrenal fatigue and
exhaustion.
Promote longevity and encourage healthy aging.
Soothe anxiety, depression, and sleep issues especially when
associated with cortisol irregularities.
Improve brain function and athletic performance, and decrease
fatigue.
It is important to note that adaptogens are not meant to be used
as a bandage for the injuries that a high amount of chronic stress
brings to our lives. Adaptogens are useful as part of a holistic style
of living, including lifestyle changes, stress management, and
dietary considerations. They should not be used to make it possible
to endure ever increasing amounts of stress. As stated by herbalist
Paul Bergner, “adaptogens do not give you free energy, if you use
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them to support overreaching, instead of to support rest, recovery,
and nourishment, they will enable a deeper level of burnout.”5
Each adaptogenic herb has a myriad of properties as well as
energetics specific to it. Many of these herbs provide a positive
effect on overall health, having beneficial actions such as
immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nervine, and
amphoteric.1 When considering adaptogens, it is useful to
understand the actions the specific herb imparts and to take a deep
look at the constitution of the person who will be receiving the herb.
Five Commonly Used Adaptogens You’re going to learn all about reishi in this issue, so I’ll leave that
one to the other authors to tell you about. Here are five other
common and powerful adaptogens.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The root of this herb has been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic
tradition. This adaptogen is calming and soothing, helping to ease
nervousness and promote sleep in cases of insomnia stemming
from long-term adrenal stress.1,6 Other actions include: tonic,
immunomodulator, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, nervine, sedative.1,7
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)
Astragalus is used to help deeply build the immune system, having
an affinity for the lungs and spleen.8 It is wonderful to include the
root in teas, syrups, and soups during the winter months to bolster
the immune system. However, astragalus is contraindicated during
the acute phase of infection.1 Look to it instead as a useful
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preventative, and while rebuilding during convalescence. Other
actions include: immunomodulator, hepatic, antioxidant,
cardiotonic, antiviral.1,7
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
The original herb studied in Russia for its adaptogenic properties,
this plant can help to increase athletic performance, soothe the
over-stressed individual, and strengthen the immune system.
Rosemary Gladstar says that eleuthero is “one of our best herbs for
increasing endurance and stamina and for building and enhancing
our resistance to stress factors, whether emotional, physical, or
psychological.”8 Interestingly, regular consumption can be useful
for folks who suffer from extreme reactions to heat during the
summertime. Other actions include: antioxidant, immune tonic.1,8
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum, O. gratissimum)
This lovely, vigorous member of the mint family has been used for
thousands of years as a calming herb that that promotes longevity
and is seen as “being capable of bringing on goodness, virtue, and
joy in humans.”1 It finds use in promoting digestive and respiratory
health as well as stimulating the immune system.9 Other actions
include: antimicrobial, carminative, expectorant,
immunomodulator, antioxidant, antidepressant, neuroprotective,
nervine, anti-aging.1,9
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
The berry bears all five flavors: sour, salty, sweet, bitter, pungent—
all at once! Try it—you’ll be amazed. David Winston explains that,
according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the presence of all five
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flavors indicates that schisandra “benefits the five yin organs: the
liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and spleen.”1 Schisandra is used as an
adaptogen that helps to protect and nourish the liver, as well as
bolster the immune system.7 It is both stimulating and calming to
the nervous system at the same time.1 Other actions include:
antioxidant, cholagogue, immunomodulator, hepatoprotective,
anti-inflammatory, nervine, astringent.1,7
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Reishi History and Mythology Gina Gibbons
It has long been said that medicinal mushrooms connect us to the
immortal aspect of their medicine. Though it is primarily the fruiting
body (the mushroom) that we use for medicine, the mycelium
(roots of a mushroom) are essential. They bring nourishment from
dirt and trees and other organic material, to grow the medicinal
mushrooms we cherish so much. Mycelia bring forth Earth’s wisdom
in a way that is accessible to we surface dwellers.
How can tiny mycelia possibly give us such benefits? The truth is
that these itty-bitty thread-like structures are incredibly vast. The
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largest mycelial network that has been discovered to date is in
Oregon and spans over three miles! Mycelia have the ability to
influence the micro-functions of our bodies, while connecting us to
the entire cosmic blueprint of the Earth itself. The medicine that
mushrooms offer us as human beings is simply an extension of the
medicine that they offer the entire ecosystem of our planet.
Incredibly intricate and resilient, mushrooms perform a key function
of alchemy within forests, as they help to decay excess or dead
matter and convert it to a fertile foundation for new life to spring
forth. Without mushrooms, life on earth perhaps would not exist,
or it would look very different at least. On an energetic level, these
earthy little medicines have the ability to connect us to the vast
intelligence contained within the planet and help our bodies to align
with that life force.
Reishi and Immortality
No other mushroom has come to represent the immortal benefits
of fungi more than the vibrantly colored reishi. As far as we know
from historical records, reishi was the first mushroom to be utilized
for its medicinal benefits, and its names across the world can give
us an idea of how special it truly is. The Latin name of one species,
Ganoderma lucidum speaks to its appearance: Gan means “shiny,”
and lucidum means “brilliant.” Reishi has been called by many
names though: In China, it is referred to as Ling Zhi or Ling Chu,
meaning “the mushroom of immortality,” and “the resurrection
plant,” respectively. Other names translate to, “the king of herbs,”
and “spirit mushroom.” The Japanese call it reishi or mannetake,
the latter meaning, “10,000-year-old mushroom.” Beyond Asian
cultures, reishi was used by the Romans, who referred to it as “the
food of the Gods.” In ancient Egypt, it was claimed to be a gift from
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Osiris.1 In Vietnamese, its name translates to “supernatural
mushroom.”3
One key facet to reishi’s long-standing value is perhaps its ability
to improve memory. The ancient Chinese text, Shen Nong Ben Jing,
states that reishi is “useful for enhancing vital energy, increasing
thinking faculty and preventing forgetfulness. It can refresh the
body and mind…”2 Why this is so essential to longevity may lie in
the Taoist belief that illness is caused by past transgressions. The
ability to keep one’s memory clean and clear was directly related to
one’s ability to live a long and healthy life.
Common Species
There are two main varieties of Ganoderma, lucidum and tsugae.
G. lucidum is the more tropical species that prefers harder woods,
while G. tsugae can be found in temperate rainforests, often on
hemlock trees. Research comparing the DNA of the two species,
done in 1995, revealed very little difference between the two. But
to further complicate matters, more recent research has revealed
that Ganoderma lucidum from Asia was in its own separate group
from Ganoderma lucidum, found in Europe and the Americas.2
Within G. lucidum, there are two types of fruiting bodies: one that
is more common, with a wide and shelf-like shape, and the other,
Rokkaku-Reishi, which was highly sought after for its fanning,
antler-like shape. This latter variety was commonly depicted
throughout ancient Chinese art and royal furniture detail. Other
varieties of Ganoderma include G. oregonensis and G. applanatum.
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A Royal Fungus
Ganoderma was once only available to wealthy and high-class
citizens. In early Chinese texts, it is one of the most revered herbs,
with a rich folklore, rare and prized. It was said that if one found a
reishi mushroom, they were meant to keep it to themselves and not
tell anyone about it, a sort of personal magic or talisman. In Asia,
during ancient times, rulers would send out scouts to search among
ancient plum trees looking for these glossy gems. It is said that for
every 10,000 trees they looked upon, only three would contain
reishi.2
Spiritual Medicine
According to Taoist legends, priests would experiment with reishi in
their magical elixirs and potions that were thought to grant eternal
youth and immortality. During the 1st Century, Taoist priests were
known to cast spells and mix up magic mushroom brews, practicing
early versions of alchemy and chemistry. Known to us today more
commonly as shamans, or witches, these priests were summoning
the power of nature to help cure the sick. They were simply known
as doctors then. Wang Chung, a philosopher contemporaneous to
these shaman priests, speaks to their use of medicinal mushrooms
in this poem:
They dose themselves with the germ of gold and jade
And eat the finest fruit of the purple polypore fungus
By eating what is germinal, their bodies are lightened
And they are capable of spiritual transcendence.2
Reishi has been widely used by many in China as a good luck charm
or talisman, and it clearly has enjoyed a long history of spiritual
29
significance. In his highly informative book on ancient and modern
uses for medicinal mushrooms, Healing Mushrooms: Effective
Treatments for Today’s Illnesses, author Georges Halpern explains,
“In pen-and-ink drawings, tapestries, and paintings, subjects
sometimes wear jewelry or jade pieces made in the image of the
reishi mushroom.”2 The curved shape of ruyi, ancient Chinese
sacred and ceremonial “talking sticks” dating back to the Han
Dynasty, was also inspired by the shape of the reishi mushroom
fruiting body. And, Kuan Yin, the Chinese goddess of healing and
mercy is sometimes depicting holding a reishi mushroom.2
30
Folk Tales and Art
China’s first emperor, who was said to have been deeply interested
in the idea of attaining immortality, specifically sought after reishi
as part of his secret medicine. Over 21 centuries ago, Emperor Ti
of the Chin Dynasty heard about the impressive benefits of reishi.
In a heartbreaking folk tale with a surprising ending, he outfitted
an entire fleet of ships to sail east, where he’d heard there was a
large growing population of it. On the ships were 300 strong men
and 300 beautiful women, who were instructed to bring the
mushrooms back to the emperor. Sadly, the ships were lost at sea;
the castaways were washed up on the shore of an uninhabited
island and founded a little nation called Japan!2
Reishi is found spanning many centuries in Chinese and Japanese
art, literature, furniture, clothing, crowns, and even on top of royal
staffs. Often, sculptures of sages and holy men are pictured with it
or pointing to it. Truly symbols of royalty, long life and good health,
reishi is found throughout the Forbidden City (the emperors’
residency from 1420 to 1912) on the doors, archways, and railings.
Topping the emperors’ traditional scepter was no other than a
carving of the reishi, and an image of reishi can also be observed
on one emperor’s robe.
There is a popular Chinese fairy tale known as White Snake, which
refers to a “resurrection plant.” Many believe the plant mentioned
in the story, but not specifically named, is reishi. It is a popular
story known by most all Chinese youth. The story goes that:
Lady White travels to the faraway Kulun Mountain to obtain the resurrection plant and revive her
deceased husband. By demonstrating her love for her husband, she is able to win the plant, and
her husband lives again.2
31
Another legend has it that Reishi is protected by both snakes and
tigers, and can be found only by sages.
Modern Cultivation
The general popularity and historical worship of reishi has led
humans to artificially cultivate it, to give supply to the ever-growing
demand. Finding reishi in the wild, especially in Asia, was extremely
rare, even centuries ago.
Now, reishi is grown on inoculated logs or in plastic bags filled with
sawdust or another waste/salvage material. The log method takes
almost six months to generate a fruiting body, but the spores are
larger, the active constituents greater, and the quality seems to be
32
higher overall. This does ultimately waste wood, though, and is not
ideal as far as deforestation goes. The bag method at least utilizes
waste products that would otherwise be discarded (examples
include corn cobs, sawdust, and cottonseed hulls). The growing
process is much faster in bags, but one must be aware that there
is possibility for contamination—the agriculture waste that is used
may contain heavy metals or pesticides. Another, less time-
consuming process has been developed, in which the mycelium is
grown and fermented in a large tank that contains liquid. It seems
to deliver a much more consistent quality and gives a higher yield
for the time with less production costs and waste.4
The miraculous Reishi has fascinated and hypnotized humans for
centuries. These beautiful organisms gift us with their potent, yet
gentle medicine. Invoking a sense of wonder, mushrooms are truly
the hidden threads that hold together entire ecosystems. Like the
forests they support, they share with us a powerful medicine of a
deep and profound nature that has the ability to address the hidden
or unseen nature of our imbalances. By connecting with and
consuming these literal death-eaters we are connected to their vast
intelligence, as well as our own. We transmute what has served its
purpose and use that as fuel to propel our bodies, minds, and spirits
into a new, fresh way of experiencing the world. Centuries ago,
these shiny beauties represented the royal and life-giving nature of
the forest. Today, they still offer us this medicine, while we can
humbly admit we are still just getting to know their infinite mystery
and truly incredible intelligence.
33
Reishi’s Immunomodulatory Effect Stephany Hoffelt
Reishi is perhaps the most intensely studied medicinal mushroom
(although mushroom is technically the wrong word to use in
describing it). The mushroom, or fruiting, body is only one lifecycle
stage of a fungal organism properly referred to as basidiomycete.
The lifecycle of this fungal organism begins as a spore released by
the fruit body (mushroom) lands in the proper growing substrate.
This spore germinates and sends out thread-like filaments called
hyphae which then grow into the larger mass of filaments we call
the mycelium. The “fruit” the mycelium produces at maturity is the
mushroom.
34
Both the fruiting body and the cultured mycelium of reishi are
categorized as immunomodulators by many herbal clinicians. The
word immunodulator is rather vague, and I am never satisfied when
I see it applied blanketly to an agent that builds protection against
seasonal illnesses. I like to know why something might work.
Also, the research on reishi generally employs the following more
pharmacological understanding of this term: An immunomodulatory
agent simply makes some sort of immunologic adjustment. It can
either stimulate immune function or supress it.
Phytochemicals can be considered immunomodulatory for many
different reasons. Immunomodulators might initiate processes
which boost specific defences or calm overactive immune
responses. Many researchers consider anti-inflammatories and
antioxidants to be immunomodulators.1
β-glucans and triterpenoids are two broad categories of
constituents present in G. lucidum which work together to initiate
or repress a variety of innate and adaptive immune processes. This
is one of those times when we want to appreciate the whole plant
effect. However, as some constituents are believed to have specific
actions, the best way of explaining these actions is to break it down
into small, somewhat manageable chunks.
β-D-glucans
β-D-glucose polysaccharides are naturally occurring in the cell walls
of certain bacteria, yeasts, fungi, algae, lichens, and cereal. They
are shaped quite differently from one another. Fungal β-glucans
have short β 1, 6 glucan-linked branches coming from a β 1, 3
glucan backbone as opposed to oats and barley, in which are linear
chains of β 1, 4 glucan (cellulose) interspersed with β 1, 3 glucans.
35
These chains of D-glucose polysaccharides are linked together by
β-type glycosidic bonds. Simplified, this means they are bonded
together in a way that makes them difficult to denature and
consequently poorly absorbed in the body. It is believed that very
little of the fungal β-glucans are taken in through digestion. They
likely travel through the gastrointestinal system unchanged until
they reach the layer of enterocytes protecting the intestines. Here,
special transport proteins carry them to gut-associated lymphoid
tissue (GALT) cells which bind with fungal β-glucans, triggering
immunological responses. This leads researchers to believe that the
systemic effects of these polysaccharides are a secondary effect of
their influence on epithelial tissue in the gut.2
Receptors on the surface of macrophages (PRRs) bind with
pathogen-associated molecular patterns in the tissue. Researchers
theorize β glucans stimulate immune-system function by binding
with these receptors present on cells of the innate immune system
activating the complement system, and consequently enhancing
the function of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. For
example, β 1, 3 has been shown to bond with a receptor on the
surface of macrophages known as dectin-1.3 Fungal β glucans bonds
with complement receptor 3 (CR3) receptors on neutrophils and NK
cells initiating a similar response. The reason for this might be as
simple as the fact that certain bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, also
produce β glucans.4
Triterpenoids
There are literally hundreds of triterpenoids present in reishi, most
in the form of ganoderic acids and lucidenic acids. These terpenoids
contribute strongly to reishi’s influence on inflammatory pathways.
Some researchers believe that the focus on β-D-glucans in the early
36
years of research has resulted in these constituents being
underestimated.
Ganoderic acids have been known to a variety of actions related to
boosting immunity. Ganoderic acids A and B are probably the most
widely characterized as they are the most frequently attributed with
anti-tumor cancer properties, but others are becoming more widely
discussed.5
Triterpene extracts have been shown to improve humoral immune
response by inducing TNFα production.6 TNFα is pro-inflammatory
cell-signaling protein called a pyrogen which means that it can
provoke the inflammation interleukin-1 (IL-1) which induces TNFα
release by endothelial cells.6 This leads researchers to believe that
the triterpene extracts are triggering an immune cascade that
strengthens the body’s ability to fight off invading pathogens,
independent of the β glucans.
Immune responses are not always pro-inflammatory, ganoderic
acids C & D have been shown to have a stabilizing effect on mast
cells, preventing their degradation and subsequent release of
histamine, which may have the effect of supressing the allergic
cascade and inflammation prompted by allergens.7 Ganoderic acid
C1 has been shown to reduce peripheral white blood cells known as
(PBMCs) in asthma patients.8
The latest research seems to be focusing on these triterpenes’
interaction with orphan nuclear reactors. Nuclear receptors act as a
switch, turning on gene expression when bonded with their ligand.9
The farnesoid X (FXR) is responsible for gene expression related to
the “physiological maintenance of bile acid homeostasis including
the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism,” protecting the body
against metabolic syndrome and its symptoms.10 Researchers have
37
proposed five G. lucidum triterpenes to be ligands to the FXR,
including ergosterol peroxide, lucidumol A, ganoderic acid TR,
ganodermanontriol, and ganoderiol F.11
New research like this may shed more light on the efficacy of
traditional herbal preparations. It is certain that, as research
progresses into the synergistic nature of the way these compounds
work, we will have a clearer understanding of the mechanisms by
which reishi preparations support our immune system.
38
Wild Mushroom Bone Broth Carol Little, RH
Full of nourishing goodness, bone broth is a wonderful healing food.
Add medicinal mushrooms and create a powerful, life-enhancing
broth.
Have you ever heard of it? Have you made it? Save your meat
bones, and get ready for a culinary adventure! I make this at least
twice a year for my family and have recommended it in my herbal
practice for many years.
I first learned of this particular brew, from dear friend and herbalist
Kate Gilday, who lives in the Adirondacks. Kate has been a great
inspiration for me over the last 20 years. She operates an herb shop
called Woodland Essence. Kate and her company collect many of
the mushrooms they sell from the nearby forest, and otherwise use
only top-quality medicinal mushrooms from trusted local suppliers.
39
This kicked up bone broth is a super-nutritious, nourishing,
immune-enhancing broth which herbalists suggest for people post-
chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, or for folks who are
very debilitated due to ongoing chronic illness. My family and I
enjoy this broth with medicinal mushrooms weekly and I believe it’s
another route to supporting immune system health! One doesn’t
need to need this broth to enjoy it and benefit from it.
Medicinal Mushrooms Healing Broth Before we get started, I make this in a large stainless steel stock
pot or in a large crock pot. This particular recipe requires steeping
the bones and mushroom mix for 3 days. When I use this stove-top
method, I simmer all day and turn off for a few hours overnight and
then simmer some more! When I can, I make use of my large crock
pot and allow it to sit on the counter atop a thick board, for the
required 56 to 72 hours. Choose whichever method makes the most
sense to you.
Ingredients
bones from free-range turkey or chicken (or wild venison)
apple cider vinegar (just a splash), or lemon juice if you prefer
pure water
mushroom mixture (see the formula I use at the end of this
article)
organic onions, garlic, carrots, celery
optional: dash of good quality Tamari (low sodium if possible) or
Sea Salt
optional: gelatin from pasture-raised animals
Note: You can purchase gelatin or bones and connective tissue high
in collagen, such as tendon or knuckle bone, from pasture-raised
40
beef. I purchase gelatin online from Vital Proteins, but there are
several others. There may even be a local source near you. Do
ensure that whatever you buy is only from pasture-raised beef.
Crock Pot Directions
1. Put the bones in the crock pot and cover with water.
2. Turn it on high for an hour, and then turn it down to low. Every
crock pot is different, so adjust heat setting as necessary while
the stock cooks. A gentle simmer is okay, but definitely avoid a
'rolling boil'.
3. Add the mushroom mixture and stir.
4. Add water when needed. The liquid should always cover the
bones/mushrooms.
5. Simmer for a minimum of 56 hours.
6. Add the onions and other flavor-enhancing organic veggies.
7. After 72 hours, strain.
8. Reserve the liquid and allow it to cool.
9. Pour the broth into ice cube trays and freeze.
Stovetop Directions
1. Put the bones into a large stock pot and cover them with good-
quality water.
2. Bring it to a quick boil and then turn the heat down.
3. Add the mushroom mixture and stir.
4. Allow to simmer for minimum of 56 hours, adding more water as
needed.
5. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic.
6. Simmer for another 20 to 24 hours.
7. Allow it to cool a bit and then strain.
41
8. Reserve the liquid.
9. Pour it into ice-cube trays and freeze.
10. Once the cubes are frozen, dump them into small freezer bags
with labels, or store them in glass containers.
The therapeutic dose of this broth is one cube per day. Just pop one
into a mug and fill the mug the rest of the way with good quality
just-boiled water. Stir to dissolve the cube and enjoy. Other ways
to use these broth cubes? Add to a soup, stew, sauce, or gravy, or
use it as a part of a tasty stir-fried veggie dish.
Mushroom Mix The blend of mushrooms and roots I like to use for my broth, called
Deep Immune Tonic Soup, comes from Woodland Essence, and it is
“based on a traditional Chinese Fu Zheng formula designed to
support, enliven, and strengthen the immune system.” I am sharing
this particular combination, as both Kate and myself, along with
hundreds of other herbal practitioners, use this specific formula.
You can buy it online, or of course you can purchase the ingredients
to make it yourself, or get creative and make your own concoction!
The 12-ounce package contains three types of medicinal
mushrooms, plus four powerful herbal allies:
Red Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae or lucidum)
Cardiotonic, immunosupportive, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor,
adaptogen, antibacterial, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-
cholesterol. Adenosine, found in Reishi inhibits platelet aggregation
and thrombocyte formation, increasing blood flow through
vasodilation.
42
Shitake (Lentinula edodes)
Immune modulation, tumor inhibition, adaptogen, anti-viral,
hepatoprotective, lowers serum cholesterol and blood pressure,
soothes bronchial inflammation, cancer preventative.
Turkey Tails (Corioulus versicolor)
Immunostimulant—stimuates T-cell and macrophage activity and
induces interferon release, anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory,
antbiotic. Used in hepatitis treatment.
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceous)
Adaptogen, tonifies lungs, blood tonic, adrenocortical restorative,
immune enhancer, liver restorative/protective, anti-tumor,
hypotensive, energy tonic, regulates fluid metabolism.
Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)
Support for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and immune
systems. “Quiets the soul,” respiratory restorative, hypotensive,
anti-tumor, liver restorative, radiation protective, treats fatigue,
nutritive blood builder.
Atractylodes (Atractylodes)
General energy tonic, benefits digestion and regulates fluid
metabolism, liver restorative, immunostimulant (enhances
phagocytic function), enhances white blood cell production and
lymphocyte transformation, and increases serum
IgG.
43
Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
Promotes detoxification, removes lymph congestion, reduces
infection and inflammation, regulates immunity and reduces allergy
response, benefits skin.
Here’s to the bone broth revolution, including reishi and other great
healers. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every sip!
Some other companies selling high-quality medicinal mushrooms
online include:
Willow Harvest Organics in NY, and
Healing Spirits Herb Farm and Education Center
44
References
Monograph
1 Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. (Laguna Beach
Basic Health Productions, Inc., 2007), 251-252.
2 Hobbs, Christopher. Medicinal Mushrooms. (Summertown: Botanica
Press, 1986), 184-187.
3 Winston, David, and Steven Maimes. Adaptogens: Herbs for
Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. (Rochester: Healing Arts Press,
2007), 184-187.
4 Yance, Donald R. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism. (Rochester:
Healing Arts Press, 2013), 538-543.
5 Rogers, Robert. The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to
Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America. (Berkeley: North
Atlantic Books, 2011), 164-185.
6 Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old
World Medicinal Plants. (Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 2008), 272-
274.
7 Masé, Guido. “Medicinal Mushrooms: a brief history and overview of
principal species.” http://www.vtherbcenter.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/04/Medicinal-Mushrooms.pdf
8 Brinker, Francis. Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions plus
Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines. (Sandy: Eclectic Medical Publications,
2010), 275.
Wildcrafting
Hobbs, Christopher. Medicinal mushrooms: an exploration of tradition,
healing, & culture. Botanica Press, 1995.
45
Lincoff, Gary, and Carol Nehring. The National Audubon Society field
guide to North American mushrooms. New York: Knopf, 1981.
Marley, Greg A. Mushrooms for health: medicinal secrets of
Northeastern fungi. Camden, Me.: Down East, 2009.
McKnight, Kent H., and Vera B. McKnight. Mushrooms of North
America. Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, 1987.
Pacioni, Giovanni. Simon & Schuster's guide to mushrooms. New York:
Simon and Schuster, 1981.
Spahr, David L. Edible and medicinal mushrooms of New England and
Eastern Canada. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2009.
Schwab, Alexander, Monika Lehmann, and Roy Mantle. Mushrooming
without fear: the beginner's guide to collecting safe and delicious
mushrooms. New York, NY: Skyhorse Pub., 2007.
Deep Support
1 Winston, David, and Maimes, Steven. (2007). Adaptogens. Herbs for
Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts
Press.
2 "Terms of the Trade: Adaptogen." The Medicine Womans Roots.
Accessed March 02, 2017. http://bearmedicineherbals.com/terms-of-
the-trade-adaptogen.html.
3 Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing
Arts Press.
4 Panossian, Alexander. (2003). Adaptogens, Tonic Herbs for Fatigue
and Stress, Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 9(6):327-331.
5 "Plant Healer Interview: Paul Bergner." The Medicine Womans Roots.
Accessed March 02, 2017. http://bearmedicineherbals.com/plant-
healer-interview-paul-bergner.html.
46
6 "The ancient herb that's been used to fight insomnia for thousands of
years." The Hearty Soul. January 11, 2017. Accessed March 02, 2017.
http://theheartysoul.com/ashwagandha-sleep/?t=THS&W=CC.
7 Tilgner, Sharol. (1999). Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth.
Creswell, OR: Wise Acres Press, Inc.
8 Gladstar, Rosemary. (1999). Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbs for
Longevity & Well-Being. Pownal, VT: Storey Books.
9 "Creating a Local Materia Medica: Holy Basil." Herbal Academy.
September 27, 2016. Accessed March 02, 2017.
https://theherbalacademy.com/creating-local-materia-medica-holy-
basil/.
History and Mythology
1 "The Fisher Clinic™." Reishi Mushrooms - The History of Reishi.
Accessed March 02, 2017.
http://www.fisherclinic.com/article_history_of_reishi.html. 2.
2 Halpern, Georges M. Healing mushrooms. Garden City Park, NY:
Square One Publishers, 2007.
3 "Reishi/Lingzhi - Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae."
Reishi/Lingzhi - Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae. Accessed
March 02, 2017.
4 Saifei Li, Caihong Dong, Hua’an Wen & Xingzhong Liu (2016)
Development of Ling-zhi industry in China – emanated from the
artificial cultivation in the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences (IMCAS), Mycology, 7:2, 74-80
Immunomodulatory
1 Aher, V. D. “Antioxidants as Immunomodulator: An Expanding
Research Avenue.” Int J Curr Pharm Res 3, no. 1 (2011): 810.
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2 Raa, Jan. “Immune Modulation by Non-Digestible and Non-
Absorbable Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan.” Microbial Ecology in Health and
Disease 26 (May 29, 2015).
3 Brown, Gordon, and Gordon, Siamon. “Immune Recognition: A New
Receptor for β-Glucans.” Nature 413, no. 6851 (2001): 36–37.
4 Mennink-Kersten, Monique A. S. H., Dorien Ruegebrink, and Paul E.
Verweij. “Pseudomonas Aeruginosa as a Cause of 1,3-β-D-Glucan
Assay Reactivity.” Clinical Infectious Diseases 46, no. 12 (June 15,
2008): 1930–31.
5 Wang, Guan, Jian Zhao, Jianwen Liu, Yongping Huang, Jian-Jiang
Zhong, and Wen Tang. “Enhancement of IL-2 and IFN-γ Expression
and NK Cells Activity Involved in the Anti-Tumor Effect of Ganoderic
Acid Me in Vivo.” International Immunopharmacology 7, no. 6 (June
2007): 864–70.
6 Watanabe, Kenji, Tsuyoshi Shuto, Miki Sato, Kouhei Onuki, Shota
Mizunoe, Shingo Suzuki, Takashi Sato, et al. “Lucidenic Acids-Rich
Extract from Antlered Form of Ganoderma Lucidum Enhances TNFα
Induction in THP-1 Monocytic Cells Possibly via Its Modulation of MAP
Kinases p38 and JNK.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Communications 408, no. 1 (April 2011): 18–24.
7 Ko, Horng-Huey, Chi-Feng Hung, Jih-Pyang Wang, and Chun-Nan Lin.
“Antiinflammatory Triterpenoids and Steroids from Ganoderma
Lucidum and G. Tsugae.” Phytochemistry 69, no. 1 (January 2008):
234–39.
8 Hapuarachchi, K. K., T. C. Wen, R. Jeewon, X. L. Wu, and J. C. Kang.
“Ganoderma Lucidum-Are the Beneficial Medical Properties
Substantiated?” Mycosphere 7, no. 6 (2016): 687–715.
9 Spelman, Kevin. “The Orphan Nuclear Receptors: Unrecognized
Targets of Botanical Medicines?” In 2015 Symposium Proceedings.
Granby, CO: American Herbalist Guild, 2015.
48
10 Li, Ling, François Bonneton, Xiao Yong Chen, and Vincent Laudet.
“Botanical Compounds and Their Regulation of Nuclear Receptor
Action: The Case of Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Molecular and
Cellular Endocrinology 401 (February 2015): 221–37.
doi:10.1016/j.mce.2014.10.028.
11 Grienke, Ulrike, Judit Mihály-Bison, Daniela Schuster, Taras
Afonyushkin, Markus Binder, Shu-hong Guan, Chun-ru Cheng, et al.
“Pharmacophore-Based Discovery of FXR-Agonists. Part II:
Identification of Bioactive Triterpenes from Ganoderma Lucidum.”
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 19, no. 22 (November 2011): 6779–
91.
49
A Glossary of Herbalism Nina Katz
Do you feel befuddled by all of those terms? Are you curious about what a menstruum might be, or a nervine? Wondering what the exact difference is between an infusion and a decoction? Or what it means to macerate? Read on; the herbalist lexicographer will reveal it all!
Adaptogen n. An herb that enhances one's ability to thrive despite stress. Eleuthero, or Siberian
Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a well-known adaptogen.
Aerial parts n. pl. The parts of a plant that grow above ground.
Stems, leaves, and flowers are all aerial parts, in contrast to roots and rhizomes.
Alterative n. An herb that restores the body to health
gradually and sustainably by strengthening one or more of the body's systems, such as
the digestive or lymphatic system, or one or more of the vital organs, such as the liver or
kidneys. Burdock (Arctium lappa) is an alternative.
adj. Restoring health gradually, as by strengthening one or more of the body's
systems or vital organs.
Anthelmintic n. A substance that eliminates intestinal worms.
Anthelmin adj. Being of or concerning a substance that eliminates intestinal worms.
50
Anti-catarrhal n. A substance that reduces or slows down the production of phlegm.
adj. Being of or concerning a substance that reduces or slows down the production of
phlegm.
Anti-emetic n. A substance that treats nausea. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is anti-emetic.
adj. Being of or concerning a substance that treats nausea.
Anti-microbial n. An herb or a preparation that helps the body
fight off microbial infections, whether viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. Herbal anti-
microbials may do this by killing the microbes directly, but more often achieve
this by enhancing immune function and helping the body to fight off disease and
restore balance.
adj. Being of or concerning an herb or a
preparation that helps the body fight off microbial infections.
Aperient n. A gentle laxative, such as seaweed, plantain
seeds (Plantago spp.), or ripe bananas.
adj. Being of or concerning a gentle laxative.
Aphrodisiac n. A substance that enhances sexual interest or desire.
adj. Being of or relating to a substance that enhances sexual interest or desire.
51
Astringent n. A food, herb, or preparation that causes tissues to constrict, or draw in. Astringents
help stop bleeding, diarrhea, and other conditions in which some bodily substance is
flowing excessively. Some astringents, such as Wild Plantain (Plantago major), draw so
powerfully that they can remove splinters.
adj Causing tissues to constrict, and thereby
helping to stop excessive loss of body fluids.
Bitter n. A food, herb, or preparation that stimulates the liver and digestive organs through its
bitter flavor. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Gentian (Gentiana lutea) are
both bitters. Also called digestive bitter.
Carminative n. A food, herb, or preparation that reduces the
buildup or facilitates the release of intestinal gases. Cardamom (Amomum spp. and
Elettaria spp) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are carminatives.
adj. Characterized as reducing the buildup or facilitating the release of intestinal gases.
Carrier Oil n. A non-medicinal oil, such as olive or sesame
oil, used to dilute an essential oil.
Catarrh n. An inflammation of the mucous membranes
resulting in an overproduction of phlegm.
Compound v. To create a medicinal formula using two or more components.
n. An herbal preparation consisting of two or more herbs.
52
Compress n. A topical preparation consisting of a cloth soaked in a liquid herbal extract, such as an
infusion or decoction, and applied, usually warm or hot, to the body. A washcloth
soaked in a hot ginger decoction and applied to a sore muscle is a compress.
Decoct v. To prepare by simmering in water, usually
for at least 20 minutes. One usually decocts barks, roots, rhizomes, hard seeds, twigs,
and nuts.
Decoction n. An herbal preparation made by simmering
the plant parts in water, usually for at least 20 minutes.
Demulcent n. An herb with a smooth, slippery texture
soothing to the mucous membranes, i.e. the tissues lining the respiratory and digestive
tracts. Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), and
sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Sassafras officinale) are all demulcents.
adj. Having a smooth, slippery texture that soothes the mucous membranes.
Diaphoretic n. An herb or preparation that opens the pores of the skin, facilitates sweat, and thereby
lowers fevers. In Chinese medicine, diaphoretics are said to “release the
exterior.”• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a diaphoretic.
adj. Opening the pores, facilitating sweat, and thereby lowering fevers.
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Digestive n. An herb, food, or preparation that promotes the healthy breakdown, assimilation, and
elimination of food, as by gently stimulating the digestive tract in preparation for a meal.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and bitter salad greens are digestives.
adj. 1 Concerning or being part of the bodily system responsible for the breakdown,
assimilation, and elimination of food.
adj. 2 Promoting the healthy breakdown,
assimilation, and/or elimination of food.
Diuretic n. A substance that facilitates or increases
urination. Diuretics can improve kidney function and treat swelling. Excessive use of
diuretics can also tax the kidneys. Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica), cucumbers, and
coffee are all diuretics.
adj. Facilitating or increasing urination.
Emmenagogue n. An herb or preparation that facilitates or
increases menstrual flow. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is an emmenagogue.
Emmenagogues are generally contraindicated in pregnancy.
adj. Facilitating or increasing menstrual flow.
Essential Oil n. An oil characterized by a strong aroma,
strong taste, the presence of terpines, and by vaporizing in low temperatures. Essential
oils are components of many plants, and when isolated, make fairly strong medicine
used primarily externally or for inhalation, and usually not safe for internal use.
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n. 1 A preparation made by chemically removing the soluble parts of a substance into a
solvent or menstruum. Herbalists often make extracts using water, alcohol,
glycerin, vinegar, oil, or combinations of these. Infusions, medicinal vinegars,
tinctures, decoctions, and medicinal oils are all extracts.
n. 2 A tincture.
Extract v. To remove the soluble parts of a substance
into a solvent or menstruum by chemical means.
Febrifuge n. An herb or preparation that lowers fevers. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ginger
(Zingiber officinale), and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) are all febrifuges.
Galactagogue n. A substance that increases the production or flow of milk; a remedy that aids lactation.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) and hops (Humulus lupulus) are galactagogues.
Glandular n. A substance that treats the adrenal, thyroid, or other glands. Nettle seeds (Urtica dioica)
are a glandular for the adrenals.
adj. Relating to or treating the adrenal, thyroid,
or other glands.
Hepatic n. A substance that treats the liver. Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale) is a hepatic.
Hypnotic n. An herb or preparation that induces sleep.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and valerian (Valeriana officinale) are both
hypnotics.
adj. Inducing sleep.
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Infuse v. To prepare by steeping in water, especially hot water, straining, and squeezing the
marc.
Infusion n. A preparation made by first steeping one or more plants or plant parts in water, most often hot water, and then straining the plant
material, usually while squeezing the marc. An infusion extracts the flavor, aroma, and
water-soluble nutritional and medicinal constituents into the water.
Long Infusion n. An infusion that steeps for three or more
hours. Long infusions often steep overnight.
Lymphatic n. A substance that stimulates the circulation
of lymph or tonifies the vessels or organs involved in the circulation or storage of
lymph.
Macerate v. To soak a plant or plant parts in a menstruum so as to extract the medicinal
constituents chemically.
Marc n. The plant material left after straining a preparation made by steeping, simmering, or macerating.
Menstruum n. (Plural, menstrua or menstruums.) The solvent used to extract the medicinal and/or nutritional constituents from a plant. Water,
alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin are among the more common menstrua.
Mucilage n. A thick, slippery, demulcent substance produced by a plant or microorganism.
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Mucilaginous n. Having or producing mucilage; demulcent. Okra, marshmallow root (Althaea
officinalis), sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Sassafras officinale), and slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) are all mucilaginous.
Nervine n. An herb or preparation that helps with
problems traditionally associated with the nerves, such as mental health issues, insomnia, and pain.
adj. Helping with problems traditionally associated with the nerves, such as mental
health issues, insomnia, and pain.
Pectoral n. A substance that treats the lungs or the
respiratory system.
Poultice n. A mass of plant material or other
substances, usually mashed, gnashed, moistened, or heated, and placed directly on
the skin. Sometimes covered by a cloth or adhesive. A plantain (Plantago spp.) poultice
can draw splinters out.
Rhizome n. A usually horizontal stem that grows
underground, is marked by nodes from which roots grow down, and branches out to
produce a network of new plants growing up from the nodes.
Salve [sæv] n.
A soothing ointment prepared from beeswax combined with oil, usually medicinal oil, and
used in topical applications.
Short Infusion n. An infusion that steeps for a relatively short
period of time, usually 5-30 minutes.
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Sedative n. A substance that calms and facilitates sleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinale) is a sedative.
Sedative adj. Calming and facilitating sleep.
Simple n. An herbal preparation, such as a tincture or decoction, made from one herb alone.
Simpler n. An herbalist who prepares and recommends
primarily simples rather than compounds.
Spp. abbr. n.pl.
Species. Used to indicate more than one species in the same botanical family.
Echinacea spp. includes both Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolium,
among other species. Plantago spp. includes both Plantago major and Plantago
lanceolata.
Stimulant n. An herb or preparation that increases the
activity level in an organ or body system. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is an
immunostimulant; it stimulates the immune system. Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) is a circulatory stimulant. Rosemary is a
stimulant to the nervous, digestive, and circulatory systems.
Sudorific adj. Increasing sweat or facilitating the release of sweat; cf. diaphoretic.
Syrup n. A sweet liquid preparation, often made by
adding honey or sugar to a decoction.
Tea n. A drink made by steeping a plant or plant
parts, especially Camellia sinensis.
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Tisane n. An herbal beverage made by decoction or short infusion and not prepared from the tea
plant (Camellia sinensis).
Tincture n. A preparation made by macerating one or more plants or plant parts in a menstruum, usually alcohol or glycerin, straining, and
squeezing the marc in order to extract the chemical constituents into the menstruum.
v. To prepare by macerating in a menstruum, straining, and squeezing the marc in order
to extract the chemical constituents.
Tonic n. A substance that strengthens one or more
organs or systems, or the entire organism. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a general
tonic, as well as a specific kidney, liver, and hair tonic. Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)
is a reproductive tonic; Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a respiratory tonic.
Tonify v. To strengthen. Nettle (Urtica dioica) tonifies the entire body.
Volatile Oil n. An oil characterized by volatility, or rapid vaporization at relatively low temperatures;
cf. essential oil.
Vulnerary n. A substance that soothes and heals wounds.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an excellent vulnerary.
adj. Being or concerning a substance that soothes and heals wounds.
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Living Magazine, or Herb Box should be considered medical advice.
Nothing included here is approved by the FDA and the information
provided herein is for informational purposes only. Always consult
a botanically knowledgeable medical practitioner before starting
any course of treatment, especially if you are pregnant,
breastfeeding, on any medications, or have any health problems.
Natural Living Mamma LLC is not liable for any action or inaction
you take based on the information provided here.
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Author Bios