Lacquered polypore (Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma): medicinal properties and contraindications, photos and descriptions, reviews from doctors in oncology

Reishi mushroom is found in sources under different names. Its popularity is due to the presence of incredibly healing properties. Mushrooms are difficult to find growing wild, so they are often grown independently on sawdust or stumps.

What is reishi mushroom and what does it look like?

In scientific sources, the medicinal type of mushroom is called Ganoderma lacquered. In Japan there is another name - Reishi mushroom. The literal translation means – mushroom of spiritual power. The Chinese gave it a name - Lingzhi, meaning “sacred mushroom” or “mushroom of immortality”. On the territory of the post-Soviet space, the mushroom is better known as Lacquer tinder fungus.

The lacquered skin of the reishi lives up to the name of the mushroom.

Varnished tinder fungus grows on dry and dying trees. Most often found in deciduous forests on birch, oak, alder, and beech.Occasionally, reishi can be found growing on pine trees. The tinder fungus grows on the lower part of the trunk or stump. Sometimes mycelium settles on the roots of an old tree. It seems that mushrooms simply grow from the ground. One-year fruiting bodies are more common, but there may be two- and three-year-old reishi.

Description of the cap

Reishi has an unusually beautiful brown cap with a diameter of 3-18 cm. The rounded shape looks like a loose fan. The edges of the reishi cap are slightly wavy, thin, and can bend down. The glossy skin adds beauty. The shine is reminiscent of a lacquered finish. On the surface of the cap, growth zones are clearly visible, each of which has a different shade.

The shades of the fungal growth zones vary from brown to orange, and the edge may be white.

The flesh of young reishi resembles a cork. As it ages, it becomes hard, almost wooden. The taste and aromatic substances of the mushroom are not expressed. The spore-bearing layer consists of many tubes, maximum 1.5 cm long. Reishi pores have a round shape and are small in size. The color of the spore-bearing layer of a young tinder fungus is white. Over time, it acquires a brown color.

Description of the leg

Externally, reishi may have slight differences when comparing mushrooms grown on different substrates. However, the structure of the stalk remains common among tinder fungi. It grows on the side of the cap, and not in its center.

The tinder fungus has a leg located on the side of its cap.

Among similar species, Chinese reishi mushrooms differ in that they grow on tall stalks. The length varies from 5 to 25 cm. The thickness of the leg is 1-3 cm, which depends on age. The shape resembles an uneven cylinder.The structure of the skin and color are similar to the cap.

How and where does the reishi mushroom grow in Russia?

The homeland of the tinder fungus is considered to be China, Japan, and Korea. The mushroom is widespread in southern Asia. For this reason, it is believed that the high cost is associated with the place of growth.

In other countries, reishi lives more in subtropical and less often in temperate latitudes. In Russia, Ganoderma has chosen the forests of the Krasnodar Territory, Altai and the North Caucasus.

Healing tinder fungus is found in deciduous forests of Russia

It is difficult to find reishi in the forest. Only experienced mushroom pickers know the places. There is no point in looking for mushrooms on fresh trees. You need to go to areas where there is a lot of moisture, dry trunks, stumps and the sun warms up well.

Rules for collecting reishi mushrooms

They go hunting for mushrooms in the summer. The optimal period is considered to be July - early November. Searching for and collecting reishi requires a lot of time and effort. This results in high product costs. For medical purposes, Ganoderma artificially grown on a substrate or stumps is often used.

How to dry reishi mushroom

Ganoderma is sold dried. When collecting reishi yourself, the fruiting bodies are first wiped with a dry cloth. They cannot be washed. The caps and legs are cut into large pieces and dried in the oven in two stages. For the first time, the mushrooms are laid out on a baking sheet with parchment and cooked at a temperature of 45 ^OC for 3 hours. At the end of the first, the second drying stage begins immediately. The parchment on the baking sheet is replaced, the dried fruit bodies are laid out, and they continue to dry in the oven for another 3 hours, but at a temperature of 75 ^OWITH.

Is the mushroom edible or not?

Reishi is not poisonous, but it is not an edible mushroom either. Ganoderma is used only for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Infusions, extracts, powders, tablets and other preparations are made from tinder fungus.

The beautiful tinder fungus is not an edible mushroom

What does reishi mushroom taste like?

Ganoderma has a distinctly bitter taste. It is because of this, as well as the hard structure of the pulp, that the mushroom is not eaten.

Doubles and their differences

Polypores have many varieties. All of them are parasites, as they grow on a tree and feed on it. However, only the Ganoderma lacquered mushroom has a long stalk. All other tinder fungi grow to the tree with their caps.

Agaricus is the only mushroom that can be confused with reishi

The counterpart of Reishi can be called Agaricus. People call it agarik. The tinder fungus is inedible and is similarly used for medicinal purposes. Only an inexperienced mushroom picker can confuse agaric with reishi. It grows similarly on a tree, only without a stem, and loves larch, fir, and cedar. Less commonly, agaric is found on birch. The mushroom cap grows into the wood. Agaric has a rough surface. The growth zones are white, gray with brown areas. The tinder fungus grows weighing up to 10 kg and length up to 30 cm.

What are the benefits of reishi mushroom?

Due to the unique healing properties and richness of vitamins, it is customary to use reishi mushroom only for medicinal purposes. The fruiting body contains:

• polysaccharides that help strengthen human immunity;
• amino acids that remove toxins;
• acids that destroy tumors.

The mushroom of immortality is full of useful substances and vitamins

The mushroom pulp contains vitamins B, C, D, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and other trace elements. Ganoderma has phytoncides, saponins, and alkaloids.

Reishi contains several times more nutrients than popular foods

Medicinal properties of Ganoderma

Buddhist monks knew about the medicinal properties of the mushroom. He was an integral part of their lives. Now reishi is used by medical centers in France, Japan, America and other countries.

What does reishi mushroom cure?

Polypore is considered the best antioxidant of natural origin. It has been established that after taking drugs based on the mushroom, the body, liver and other human organs are rejuvenated.

If we look in more detail, Reishi accepts:

• for weight loss;
• against diabetes, allergies;
• for diseases of the kidneys, joints, gastrointestinal tract;
• during a cold;
• to strengthen the immune system, improve mood, normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• for benign and malignant tumors, nodular goiter, pathologies of the central nervous system.

Reishi-based preparations are taken as a general tonic that helps normalize sleep and lead an active lifestyle.

How does reishi mushroom affect blood pressure?

Preparations based on tinder fungus normalize blood pressure. Improvement in the patient's condition occurs after 1-2 weeks of use.

How to prepare reishi mushroom for treatment

In order for Ganoderma to help cure a specific disease, you need to prepare the drug correctly from the mushroom.

Reishi is used to make infusions, extracts, and brew healing teas.

How to make reishi mushroom tincture with vodka

For an alcohol medicinal tincture, you need 500 ml of vodka or medical alcohol, diluted with distilled water to 70 ^O. Place 50 g of crushed mushroom in a glass container. You can use a dark glass bottle as a container. The contents are poured with vodka or alcohol and left for 2 weeks in a dark place.Shake the bottle periodically. When the alcohol tincture of the reishi tree mushroom is ready, there is no need to strain it. Usually take 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals, but it all depends on what ailment is being treated.

Lacquered tinder powder

Powdered mushroom is used as a food additive. A pinch of reishi spice is added to tea. The powder can be used to prepare medicinal products, such as ointments or rubs.

Oil hood

The oil extract has effective healing properties. To prepare the extract you will need 50 g of dry mushroom powder and 500 ml of linseed oil. Crushed reishi is poured into a bottle. The oil is heated to a temperature of 45 ^OC, pour into a container with powder, seal and shake. Reishi extract is infused for 7 days. Use 1 tbsp oil. l. 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

Infusion

The water infusion is prepared immediately before use. There are several recipes. The first option involves infusing 50 g of reishi powder in a thermos with water heated to a temperature of 45 ^OC, throughout the day. Infusion 1-2 tbsp. l. Add to regular drinking water and consume on an empty stomach three times a day.

The second option is based on placing 1 tbsp in a thermos. l. tinder powder. Boil two glasses of water, pour in the raw materials, and leave to infuse for 8 hours. Drink the finished infusion 1 tbsp. l. 3 to 4 times a day.

How to make a reishi mushroom tincture with wine

Among alcoholic tinctures, the preparation prepared with wine is famous. It helps cure asthma, heart disease, and nervous system disorders.To prepare the wine infusion, take 3 tbsp. l. mushroom powder. The raw materials are poured with 500 ml of red wine and left in a cool place for two weeks. The finished infusion is not filtered. Take from 1 to 3 tsp. half an hour before meals. The frequency and duration of taking Reishi depends on the treatment of the specific ailment.

How to use and take reishi mushroom for medicinal purposes

There are no general instructions for taking Ganoderma-based medications. It all depends on the form of release, the treatment of a specific ailment and other factors. It is important to remember that reishi mushroom can bring benefits and harm, so you should consult your doctor before consuming it.

Products based on tinder fungus are used internally and externally

How to take reishi mushroom for cancer

Mushroom-based drugs are included in general therapy only with the permission of the doctor. Self-medication can lead to bad consequences. In the fight against tumors, 4 recipes are often used:

1. 1 tbsp. l. ground mushroom pour 500 ml of water. Cook for 30 minutes. Drink 1 tbsp decoction before meals. l.
2. Alcohol infusion is taken 20 drops before meals 3 times a day.
3. Ground mushroom flour is added to food during cooking a couple of minutes before it is ready.
4. A glass of boiling water is poured into a thermos with 1 tbsp. l. crushed reishi. After 12 hours of infusion, drink 1 tbsp of tea. l. before eating.

There are other options, but positive reviews from those who have used reishi mushroom are more common about these recipes.

For gout

The disease is associated with the deposition of salts in the joints. Pain in the legs and arms begins to appear more often in older people. The disease cannot be completely cured. However, the use of drugs from Ganoderma helps relieve inflammation, swelling, redness, and relieve pain.Ganoderic acids, as well as substance C 6, are responsible for the pain relief process. All substances contain mushroom extract.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system

Preparations from tinder fungus are used clinically to treat cardiovascular diseases. Reishi triterpene ganoderic acid reduces the level of triglycerides and lipoproteins in the blood in patients by up to 74%, leading to active inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. Taking the capsule drug "Lin Chi" for 10 days helps reduce blood pressure by 42.5%.

For bronchopulmonary diseases

To treat the respiratory system, the pharmaceutical industry produces capsules containing reishi extract. However, medications are less effective compared to fresh decoctions and infusions. The beneficial substances of the mushroom speed up the recovery of patients with tuberculosis. To prepare and take the decoction, use the following recipe:

1. Add 1 tbsp to a saucepan with 700 ml of water. l. chopped mushroom. Cook for 30 minutes over low heat.
2. The resulting broth is filtered through cheesecloth. Drink 1 glass before meals 3 times a day.

The decoction can be heated before use. To make the drink more enjoyable, add a little honey.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Reishi is taken by people with gastrointestinal diseases. The substances contained in the composition relieve inflammation and improve the functioning of the digestive organs. The mushroom helps well in treating the pancreas. A decoction is prepared from 500 ml of water and 2 tsp. ground mushroom. The drug is brought to a boil, after which it is left to infuse for 30 minutes.The decoction is drunk before meals, warmed, 1/3 cup.

For liver diseases

If liver disease is associated with excessive alcohol consumption, Ganoderma will help remove toxic substances and speed up their metabolism. Reishi extract is taken for treatment. The patient will know that his condition has improved by the disappearance of weakness and dizziness. In addition, the extract protects the liver from destructive biological and physiological factors affecting it.

For diabetes

Ganoderma polysaccharides help lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. An aqueous decoction is prepared for patients, which acts as an adjuvant to medications. The decoction enhances the properties of insulin and prolongs its action.

For allergies

Allergic reactions often manifest themselves as skin itching and swelling. Ganodermic acids and other active substances eliminate symptoms and alleviate the patient’s condition. Extracts, ointments and other preparations from the mushroom help in the treatment of almost all manifestations of skin dermatitis.

Against viruses, infections, fungi

Lacquered polypore is able to stop the spread of a viral infection or fungus throughout the human body. According to reviews, the medicinal properties of reishi mushroom are well demonstrated in the fight against herpes. The decoction is taken 30 minutes before meals. To prepare 2 tsp. crushed mushroom, pour 1 glass of water, boil for 5 minutes. After cooling, the broth is filtered through cheesecloth.

For immunity

To prevent the development of any disease, preparations from tinder fungus are taken simply to maintain immunity.Studies have shown that after a month of taking reishi, the immune system was restored to normal levels and maintained for a year.

Against depression and fatigue

Initial manifestations of depression and fatigue eventually develop into neurasthenia and complex neurological diseases. Reishi mushroom decoction, extract, capsules, and tincture have a calming effect and help relieve stress.

How many days to take Ganoderma

In each individual case, the duration of taking the drug is determined by the doctor. Recommended doses should be followed and self-medication should not be done. Typically, any drug from tinder fungus is used for no more than a month. Repeated use of Reishi begins only after a two-week break. For cancer patients, the continuous course is extended to 2 months.

Is it possible to take reishi mushroom during pregnancy?

Doctors do not recommend taking reishi preparations to pregnant women or mothers breastfeeding babies.

Benefits of reishi mushroom for weight loss

Ganoderma is useful not only for treatment. The mushroom helps to get rid of excess weight, restore balance in the body, thereby improving the overall well-being of a person.

Lacquered polypore helps reduce appetite, which is useful for overweight people who decide to lose weight

Various sources contain truths and lies about the reishi mushroom, so weight loss enthusiasts need to carefully check the information so as not to harm their body. The truth is that tinder fungus preparations help:

• remove excess fluid from the body that causes swelling;
• reduce appetite;
• dissolve fat deposits;
• strengthen metabolic functions;
• improve the elasticity of the skin;
• feel a surge of strength.

The action of the drugs is aimed at blocking the absorption of fats by the human body. After reaching the norm, the weight is kept in one position for a long time, and there is no tendency to gain extra pounds.

Special preparations made from the mushroom are sold for weight loss. The most popular are capsules. However, there are also reishi teas for brewing tea, specialty coffee and hot chocolate.

The use of lacquered tinder fungus in traditional medicine

In the east, the mushroom is considered the best on the list, which includes 365 of the most effective medicinal plants. The Chinese consider Ganoderma more valuable than even ginseng.

Chinese pharmaceutical industry produces Ganoderma capsules

Medical institutions in developed countries such as America, Canada and France are studying the medicinal properties of the mushroom. Pharmaceutical companies in Japan sell Ganoderma dry extract, considered the best anticancer drug. Chinese industry has launched the production of weight loss capsules.

Use of Ganoderma for cosmetic purposes

Polypore is rich in polysaccharides and polypeptides that slow down skin aging. The effect is achieved due to increased nucleic acid synthesis. As a result, cell division increases.

You can learn more about rejuvenation from the video:

Polypore extract restores the water balance of the skin, gives the body elasticity and smoothness. Additionally, a barrier is created that prevents infections from penetrating the skin. The pure extract is not usually used but added to skin care products.

Contraindications to taking reishi mushroom

Reishi mushroom has beneficial properties and contraindications that you need to know before taking medications.First of all, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 1 year should not take tinder fungus. The mushroom is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, people with hemorrhagic diathesis, if there is a tendency to bleeding.

How to grow reishi mushroom at home

Thanks to artificial cultivation, Geoderma is not worth its weight in gold, since the mushroom is difficult to obtain in nature. The tinder fungus is grown on stumps and sawdust. One sowing is enough for 5 years of harvesting.

More information about growing reishi is shown in the video:

On the stumps

If there are old stumps from fruit trees on the site, they will become an excellent basis for growing tinder fungus. You just need to purchase mycelium. Coniferous tree trunks are not suitable for this purpose.

Polypore grows well on the stumps of fruit trees

If there are no stumps, you can place dry logs in nutritious, moist soil. To seed the mycelium, holes are drilled in the wood with a depth of 7 cm and a diameter of 1.2 cm. Mycelium is sold on wooden sticks. They just need to be inserted into the holes and covered with paraffin. The area with stumps is covered with film. You can sprinkle the logs with slightly damp soil. Germination will begin at a temperature of 20-26 ^OWITH.

On sawdust

The most popular method is growing tinder fungus on sawdust. The substrate is poured into bags. To sawdust from the total volume add 20% barley or oat husks and 2% chalk or gypsum.

Growing tinder fungus on sawdust is reminiscent of cultivating oyster mushrooms

The substrate is not used dry. First, it is soaked in water and sterilized at a temperature of 90 ^OC. After cooling, the prepared mass is placed into bags. The mycelium is sown in layers.The bags are installed in a ventilated area. The air temperature is maintained at 18-26 ^OC, humidity – minimum 75%. Germination will begin in 15-20 days. By this time, you need to make slits on the bags with a knife for the fruiting bodies.

Interesting facts about the lacquered tinder fungus

The first mention of the miraculous power of the mushroom was found in the treatises of Chinese doctors dating back 2000 years ago. A similar reference is made in the ancient medical literature of Japanese healers. Here the mushroom is mentioned as a remedy that gives eternal youth and longevity.

Reviews of reishi mushrooms

Treatment with tinder fungus should not be carried out without consulting a doctor. There are many reviews on this topic. They are worth studying for general information.

Reviews from real people about the use of Ganoderma

Reviews from doctors about the use of reishi mushrooms for oncology and more

Conclusion

Reishi mushroom will only be beneficial if taken correctly. You must not forget about the recommendation of your doctor and, if something goes wrong, you must go to an appointment immediately.

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