Wild Ganoderma

Wild Ganoderma

　　Ganoderma, full name Ganoderma herb, according to China's first pharmacopoeia, the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), records that there are six types of Ganoderma: purple, red, blue, yellow, white, and black. However, modern literature and observed specimens mostly refer to the whole plant of either purple Ganoderma (Ganoderma sinense) or red Ganoderma (Ganoderma lucidum) from the Polyporaceae family. Its nature and flavor are sweet and neutral. Purple Ganoderma mainly contains ergosterol, organic acids, glucosamine, polysaccharides, resin, mannitol, and other components such as polysaccharide alcohols, along with alkaloids, lactones, coumarins, water-soluble proteins, and various enzymes.

Animal pharmacological studies have shown that Ganoderma has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and enhances cardiac contractility in the circulatory system, and has an expectorant effect on the respiratory system. In addition, it also protects the liver, boosts immune function, and has antibacterial effects.

It is used to treat deficiency fatigue, cough, asthma, insomnia, indigestion, malignant tumors, and more.

The "Shennong Bencao Jing" classifies Ganoderma as a top-grade herb. It states that purple Ganoderma “treats deafness, benefits the joints, nourishes spirit and essence, strengthens tendons and bones, improves complexion, and with prolonged use lightens the body, prolongs life and delays aging.” Red Ganoderma is said to “treat chest congestion, benefits heart qi, supplements the middle and increases wisdom and memory, and with long-term consumption lightens the body, prolongs life, and leads to immortality.”