The Mushroom of Immortality
Deep in the heart of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where remedies spring from the earth itself, a world of potent healing is right under our feet. Shiitake, Cordyceps, and the focus of our exploration, Reishi – these medicinal mushrooms hold centuries of knowledge within their humble forms. Let's delve into the intricate healing power of Ganoderma lucidum (reishi, lingzhi), a mushroom so revered it's been dubbed the "Mushroom of Immortality."
Of Names and Ancient Meanings
To grasp the heart of reishi, we must look beyond science to the realm of language. In Chinese, reishi is known as "靈芝" (lingzhi). The first character, "靈" (ling), pulses with meaning. Ancient dictionaries like the Shuo Wen Jie Zi tell us it whispers of the near-magical and miraculous: of dancing, then rain.
"靈" (ling) shares the character for sorcerer or shaman – 巫 (wu). In ancient China, shamans were perceived to bridge the worlds of the seen and unseen, using practices like divination, ritual, and medicinal substances to influence health and fate. The link between ling and wu suggests that reishi (靈芝) was seen as imbued with a power that extended beyond the purely physical.
The connection between the characters 巫 (wu - shaman) and 靈 (ling), with its medicinal connotations, invites a deeper exploration. Some scholars suggest a fascinating link between the shaman's use of altered states of consciousness (perhaps induced by wine) and the concept of healing. Illnesses were seen as disruptions of the normal order, and the shaman's rituals and practices were a way to restore balance.
This is echoed in the traditional explanation of the character for medicine itself: 醫 (yi).
It begins with 匚, a container-like shape symbolizing the storage of medicine or the broader principles of healing. The character incorporates 矢, an arrow, suggesting both the swiftness of treatment and perhaps a reference to the precision of acupuncture. A hand in water, represented by 殳, hints at the diagnostic practice of pulse-taking or the soothing power of therapeutic massage. Wine appears as 酉, a possible nod to its use in rituals or as a medicinal ingredient itself. Finally, the shaman, 巫, stands as a core element, emphasizing the spiritual and ritualistic practices that were deeply intertwined with early Chinese medical philosophy (1).
Additionally, the related, essential term shenming (spirit brilliance 神明), can be seen to embrace the whole of medicine within it. Shenming connotes the light of presence, of a healthy heart, imbued with the eminence of peace. Lingzhi (reishi), as a heart-centered medicinal, is quintessentially a promotor of this mysterious presence. Shenming is essential in the treatment space—it is a therapeutic actor itself, aiding and guiding the herbs, needles, hands, and attention of both practitioner and patient.
Ma Shi: “廣明 (guanming) refers to the heart. The position of the heart is the South; it is controlled by the position of the fire. The yang qi is rich and brilliant [there]. Hence it is called ‘broad brilliance.’
(2)
Reishi – Multifaceted
Reishi works on multiple levels to support health. The science surrounding it is exciting. Reishi appears to be a powerful immune modulator. Studies point to its ability to increase the production of interleukins, promote the activity of hunter-killer immune cells, and boost the function of macrophages – the cells that clean up and eat debris and pathogens. Imagine reishi conducting a symphony for your immune system, harmonizing and bolstering defensive mechanisms and vital substances.
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Calms the spirit, augments the Heart qi, and tonifies the Heart blood: for insomnia, fright and palpitations, and forgetfulness associated with insufficient Heart qi and blood failing to nourish the spirit.
Tonifies the Lung qi, transforms phlegm, and stops coughs and wheezing: for cough and wheezing in patients with cold from deficiency or phlegm-dampness.
Can be used as a stand-alone herb.
(3)
Hormonal Health, Deep Nourishment
Reishi's talents don't stop at immunity. It may balance our hormones too.
Research suggests it can hold back enzymes that affect androgen levels (think hormones like testosterone). This hints at possible benefits in conditions influenced by androgens. We need more studies on its effect on human testosterone levels, but the overall effect on hormonal balance is exciting.
The triterpenoids in Ganoderma possess 5α-reductase inhibitory potential, inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and a triterpenoid concentrated ethanolic extract (10-50mg/kg) in rats can reduce the effects testosterone has on prostate growth with a potency between B-sitosterol (stronger than) and Finasteride (weaker than).
(4)
Additionally, reishi is capable of protecting the liver from oxidative stress (5), and it may also lend a hand with two modern-day woes: sleeplessness and exhaustion. Some studies point to calming effects, likely tied to its impact on the nervous system. It seems to encourage the activity of certain relaxing neurotransmitters. This makes reishi a gentle hand to guide you toward better sleep, which then naturally improves your energy levels.
A new triterpenoid, 4,4,14α-trimethyl-5α-chol-7,9(11)-dien-3-oxo-24-oic acid (1), together with seven known triterpenoids, were isolated from the dried fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses. Bioassay results revealed that compounds 1 and methyl ganoderic acid B (5) had nerve growth factor-like neuronal survival-promoting effects, whereas compounds 1, and 4–7 showed brain-derived neurotrophic factor-like neuronal survival-promoting activities.
(6)
A Force from the Past, a Remedy for the Future
From its name steeped in ancient traditions to its modern-day promise backed by science, reishi stands as a testament to the power of natural medicine. As healthcare professionals, the more we understand its potential, the better equipped we are to incorporate this fascinating mushroom into integrative treatment plans. Of course, responsible use means continuing research, but what we know so far paints a compelling picture. Perhaps the ancients were right when they named reishi the "Mushroom of Immortality." While it may not grant eternal life, it has the potential to infuse our years with better health, vitality, and resilience.
References:
1. Lan, F. (2015). Metaphor: The weaver of Chinese medicine. With an introduction by Friedrich Wallner. Traugott Bautz.
2. Unschuld, P. U., Tessenow, H., & Zheng, J. (2011). Huang Di nei jing su wen: An annotated translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic – Basic Questions: Volume I, Chapters 1 through 52. University of California Press.
3. Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stöger, E., & Bensky, L. L. (Illustrator). (2015). Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica (Portable 3rd ed.). Eastland Press.
4. Examine.com. (n.d.). Interactions with hormones: Testosterone. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://examine.com/supplements/reishi/research/#LQVVqQb-interactions-with-hormones_LQVVqQb-testosterone
5. Examine.com. (n.d.). Reishi research. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://examine.com/supplements/reishi/research/#LQVVqQb-hepatology-the-liver
6. Zhang XQ, Ip FC, Zhang DM, Chen LX, Zhang W, Li YL, Ip NY, Ye WC. Triterpenoids with neurotrophic activity from Ganoderma lucidum. Nat Prod Res. 2011 Oct;25(17):1607-13. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2010.496367. Epub 2011 Jun 13. PMID: 21671206.