Ganoderma applanatum
(Tea & Extract)

Contents

The use of certain mushrooms in folk medicine occurs in the records of European, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Native American cultures. When reviewing historical data, it is often difficult to determine the exact mushroom that is being discussed. Many Ling Chi products sold as Ling Chi are a mixture of Ling Chi (Ganoderma lucidum), Ancient Ling Chi (Ganoderma applanatum), Song Shan Ling Chi (Ganoderma tsugae) and other ling chi species that are locally available in areas where they were collected from the wild. Often it is the incomplete knowledge of the collector of wild mushrooms and the subsequent members of the supply chain that results in this confusion. Another cause of confusion results from mushroom complexes, that is, mushrooms that appear to be the same from location to location but may actually be slightly different in chemical composition and DNA. The Phellinus igniarius complex is one good example of this. Phellinus igniarius grows on hardwood trees throughout much of the world.

While the mushrooms appear to be the same, isolated populations or populations that grow only on one certain type of tree may develop differences in DNA and chemical makeup over time. Phellinus igniarius that grows on willows may have a different chemical composition than P. igniarius growing on birch. While they look very similar, Phellinus tremulae (formerly P. igniarius var. populinus) is found only on trembling aspen, Phellinus linteus grows on mulberry trees and Phellinus arctostaphyli grows on Arctostaphylos manzanitae. Although these mushrooms share many of the same chemical properties, each is slightly different since the mushrooms concentrate chemical compounds that are found in the trees on which they grow.

Most of the wood-decaying mushrooms are very hard and functionally inedible unless ground into powder. It has been found that making tinctures and hot water extractions is beneficial for the utilization of woodier medicinal mushrooms as the active ingredients are contained in the cells that are very lignacious. The body does not break down the lignin, so the beneficial elements are not released from the cells when the mushrooms are eaten dried and ground in capsules. The softer mushrooms, such as Miatake, Oyster and Hericium (Pom Pom du blanc) (which are all factory grown and available in gourmet markets in many areas of the US) are digestible and the body is able to assimilate the beneficial nutrients.

Medicinal mushrooms and isolated extracts are increasingly being investigated in clinical human studies, in vivo studies on other animals such as guinea pigs and mice, and in vitro studies on specific cells in the laboratory. While studies using mushroom extracts in vitro show activity against the target cells of, for example, certain types of cancers, these studies do not always translate into the same effects taking place in the human body. In vivo studies conducted on animals often give a better picture of the possible activity of the compounds against diseases in humans. Favorable results in animal studies often lead to studies conducted on humans. Research into the uses of mushroom food supplements that have been traditionally used as drugs has been taking place for at least fifty years. An extract of Inonotus obliquus extract was approved as Befungin, a cancer drug, in Russia in the 1950s to treat Breast cancer, cervical/uterine cancer, gastric/stomach cancer, and lung cancer. Teas and tinctures of Inonotus obliquus have shown activity against HIV and influenza.

Some of the most successful drugs that have been developed are from Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tails). Tea and tincture extracts of Trametes versicolor mushrooms and mycelium are currently used for tumor inhibition, hepatitis, immune system activation, chronic fatigue, HIV, herpes and as an antibiotic. Compounds isolated from the extracts of the fruiting bodies and mycelium, PSK and PSP are being used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat breast cancer, cervical/uterine cancer, gastric/stomach cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lung cancer and prostrate cancer.

Much of the recently available data on the efficacy of mushroom products is from research conducted on mushrooms that are grown on various media in bags, trays and bottles or in huge vats. The companies that are growing the mushrooms and the companies investigating the mushroom products for use as drugs sponsor this research. Many of the mushrooms that have been traditionally used in folk medicine are not readily adapted to growing in factory environments or the types of media that the factories have readily available in large quantities (rice, grains, etc.). Other mushrooms commonly relied upon by herbalists grow too slowly to be commercially viable for the drug or supplement producer. These mushrooms are generally overlooked in many studies because of the lack of economic viability for those sponsoring the study or the mushrooms are not available to the potential producers of the end products in large enough quantities to gain a large market share. Consequently, many very beneficial mushrooms are not investigated thoroughly, if at all, in the current research. Several examples of this are Fomitopsis pinicola, Phellinus igniarius, Ganoderma applanatum and Ganoderma tsugae.

Fomitopsis pinicola (Teaga Tea) has traditionally been used as a cancer preventative, immune activator, and tumor inhibitor. Recent research has shown to Fomitopsis pinicola to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti- parasitic properties as well as the ability to protect and enhance the function of the liver.

The Ganodermas (Ling Chi) . . . Due to the extensive historic use of “Ling Chi” and the ease and speed of factory production Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, Ling Chi or Ling Zhi) has been studied more than other Ling Chi. More study is currently being undertaken for G. applanatum (Ancient Ling Chi), G. oregonense and G. tsugae (Song Shan Ling Chi). Ganoderma applanatum is currently being used and tested for tumor inhibition, immune stimulation, hemostasis, esophageal carcinoma, rheumatic TB and as an anti-viral for HIV.

Ganoderma applanatum also exhibits antibacterial (including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus), anti-inflammatory, and anti- tumor properties and has been used traditionally to aid the lungs and respiratory system. The Reishi mushroom, also known by its formal name of Ganoderma and its Chinese name Lingzhi, has attained an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance. For over three thousand years it has been the most sought-after product of nature by mountain sages and by the emperors and empresses of all Eastern nations. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong’s Pharmacopeia) written about 2400 years ago, Reishi was classified as a "superior herb" which is defined as one that "serves to maintain life, promote radiant health and long life because of its normalizing action, and to cause no side effects, even when used continuously."

That ancient book said that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Thus Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."

The Reishi Mushroom grows wild only upon old trees and roots of certain types of trees in remote mountain forests of China, Japan and Korea. Only in the fifteen years have we seen the cultivation of Reishi, and thus the commercial availability of this amazing health product. Reishi has been the object of intensive scientific studies to discern its many health functions from a modern perspective. Traditionally, Reishi is believed to be a tonic to all of the body's energies. It was revered as a major tonic to each of the three Treasures, Jing, Qi and Spirit.

As a Jing (Essence) tonic, Reishi is believed to have major life lengthening effects when consumed over a long period of time. It is believed to build primal power and to replenish energy spent handling stressful situations.

As a Qi tonic, Reishi is used to build energy, although it is slightly sedative in the short run. It is most famous as an herb used to build the immune system. Many studies done in Japan have shown Reishi to have a powerful effect on the body’s overall resistance to disease. Reishi is believed by Japanese and Chinese researchers to have a regulatory effect on the immune system, bringing up immune functions in cases of immunodeficiency and reducing the excesses associated with auto-immune conditions. Reishi is a superb tonic for people who suffer from chronic allergies. Reishi is also believed to have major benefits on the lungs and liver. Studies done in Japan have shown that Reishi protects the liver from damage due to toxic chemicals, including pharmaceutical metabolites. Furthermore, studies done in Japan and elsewhere have also demonstrated that Reishi is beneficial to the cardiovascular system, since it appears to help regulate coronary and cerebral blood flow and also seems to help reduce levels of blood lipids and in lowering elevated cholesterol.

As a Spirit tonic, nothing compares to Reishi. It is simply the greatest Spirit tonic of them all. It is believed by the Chinese to protect the Spirit and to nurture the growth of intelligence, wisdom and spiritual insight. Reishi is a superb anti-stress herb. Everyone who takes Reishi notices the peacefulness that seems to accompany its use. Many people are able to stop using chemical drugs. And Reishi seems to be cumulative, gradually strengthening the nerves and actually changing how we perceive life. It has routinely been used by mountain hermits, monks, Taoist adepts and spiritual seekers throughout Asia because it was believed to help calm the mind, ease tension, strengthen the nerves, improve memory, sharpen concentration and focus, build will power and, as a result, help build wisdom. That is why it was called the "Mushroom of Spiritual Potency" by these seekers. The people of Asia believe more than ever in Reishi's power to improve the quality of life by improving the inner life of a human being. All the scientific validation only explains the physical nature of Reishi, but it is the profound ability of Reishi to improve one's life on every plane that makes it so incredible.

Studies done in Asia indicate that Reishi is a supreme health food supplement that has virtually no toxicity or side effects.

There are many Reishi products coming to the market at this time, but very few are truly excellent. Reishi must be extracted to be digestible and assimilable. Unfortunately, most Reishi products are not extracted and most are made from inferior quality hot house mushrooms or use inferior cultivated Ganoderma mycelium.

Reishi has been classed as the highest value healing herb in China for thousands of years.

• Increases disease resistance and normalizes bodily functions
• An excellent tonic part of any healing program
• Beneficial for healing the nervous system and for fatigue, including CFS & M.E.
• Potent anti-allergy effects
• Excellent for treating bronchitis and asthma
• Aids liver function and circulation

Ganoderma Extract Instructions

Our Extract is intended as a more convenient alternative to brewing the mushroom parts at home. The 4-ounce eyedropper bottle is convenient for carrying in a purse or pocket and can be easily administered during the day. In preparation, we use both a water and alcohol extraction process to maximize the beneficial properties available.

One dropper-full of extract can be taken directly in the mouth and held for approximately one minute. Or you can simply add a dropper full to a glass of water or juice.

The Extract should be taken on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes prior to meal.

Servings:

For prophylactic or maintenance uses - 1 dropper daily

For maximum effect - 1 dropper 2x daily

Higher doses have been taken safely.

Your may drink the tea hot, warm, room temperature or cold, whatever you prefer. Drink your daily serving all at once, sip it throughout the day or in several servings…your choice. DO NOT add anything to reduce the bitterness. The bitter tritererpenes are important to help flush toxins from the liver.

Drink the tea for four days and then take three days off. In the case of critical conditions, you may simply want to reduce your serving for those three days rather than stopping.

For general wellness, drink 4-6 ounces of tea per day. For short-term conditions like flu or cold symptoms, take 8-16 ounces while condition improves. For serious health challenges, 16 ounces a day is recommended.

What is Reishi?

Hailed in ancient Eastern medicine as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "medicine of kings," you'd expect reishi to offer you some pretty astounding health benefits, right? Your assumptions are correct. This prized fungus may be able to boost your immune system, fight cancer, ward off heart disease, calm your nerves and relieve both allergies and inflammation. "Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all," writes Rebecca Wood in her book "New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." She goes on to explain reishi's wide range of uses: "An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky-gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis and other infectious diseases. It is used as an aid to sleep, as a diuretic, as a laxative and to lower cholesterol." It almost seems too good to be true.

How can one fungus help the human body in so many ways? Traditional Eastern medical science explains reishi's wide range of medicinal applications better, perhaps, than mainstream medicine ever could. According to Eastern thought, the body needs to defend itself against threats to its "equilibrium." These threats can be physical, such as viruses and bacteria that cause infection; emotional, such as stressors that cause anxiety; or energetic, in that they reduce alertness. Whatever the threat, reishi helps the body maintain its defense against these threats to its equilibrium, helping the body to maintain balance. In this sense, diseases like heart disease and cancer mean that the body is out of balance, which is why an equilibrium-enhancing remedy such as reishi can help so many diverse ailments.

Skeptics can doubt the previous explanation as Taoist "mumbo jumbo," but laboratory research proves many of reishi's medicinal applications. As Dr. Andrew Weil writes, reishi "has been the subject of a surprising amount of scientific research in Asia and the West." Research shows that the polysaccharide beta-1, 3-D-glucan in reishi boosts the immune system by raising the amount of macrophages T- cells, which has major implications for people suffering from AIDS and other immune system disorders. This immune-boosting action also works wonders in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as the T-cells are then able to fight cancer cells more effectively. However, reishi may help the body defeat cancer in not just one, but four ways. In addition to boosting the immune system, the glucan in reishi helps immune cells bind to tumor cells. Many experts believe that it also actually reduces the number of cancerous cells, making it easier for T-cells and macrophages to rid the body of them. Another substance in reishi, called canthaxanthin, slows down the growth of tumors, according to "Prescription for Dietary Wellness" author Phyllis A. Balch and other experts. As a result of these amazing anti-cancer abilities, laboratory research and traditional medicinal usage of reishi to fight cancer is so positive that the Japanese government officially recognizes it as a cancer treatment.

Besides cancer, reishi can help and treat another of America's top killers: cardiovascular disease. The protection reishi offers against heart disease and stroke is truly remarkable because it helps prevent so many different risk factors, due to its high content of heart-saving substances like sterols, ganoderic acids, coumarin, mannitol and polysaccharides. Experts believe that the ganoderic acids in particular lower triglyceride levels, remove excess cholesterol from the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce platelet stickiness and even help correct arrhythmia. In fact, for 54 people with hypertension unresponsive to medication, taking reishi extract three times a day for four weeks was enough to significantly lower blood pressure, according to a study reported by Burton Goldberg in "Heart Disease." Just imagine how the incidence of cardiovascular disease could be reduced if using reishi really caught on in the Western hemisphere.

While you protect your body against infectious disease, cancer and heart disease, your use of reishi can also help relieve your everyday discomforts. Do you have allergies? Japanese researchers discovered that the lanostan in reishi acts as a natural antihistamine. Do you suffer from muscle aches or arthritis? Dr. William B. Stavinhoa of the University of Texas Health Science Center found that reishi is as powerful as five milligrams of hydrocortisone, but with minimal side effects. What about anxiety or insomnia? According to Mind Boosters by Dr. Ray Sahelia, the reishi mushroom can calm the mind, as well as improve memory, concentration and focus. With all these benefits, reishi truly is the "medicine of kings."

Over the centuries various species of Ganoderma were classed as Reishi, and we are finding Teaga has many of the same characteristics.

Reishi for Longer Life, More Energy and Higher Spiritual Intelligence

The Reishi mushroom, also known by its formal name of Ganoderma and its Chinese name Lingzhi, has attained an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance. For over three thousand years it has been the most sought-after product of nature by mountain sages and by the emperors and empresses of all Eastern nations. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong's Pharmacopeia) written about 2400 years ago, Reishi was classified as a "superior herb" which is defined as one that "serves to maintain life, promote radiant health and long life because of its normalizing action, and to cause no side effects, even when used continuously." That ancient book said that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Thus Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."

The Reishi Mushroom grows wild only upon old trees and roots of certain types of trees in remote mountain forests of China, Japan and Korea. Only in the fifteen years have we seen the cultivation of Reishi, and thus the commercial availability of this amazing health product. Reishi has been the object of intensive scientific studies to discern its many health functions from a modern perspective. Traditionally, Reishi is believed to be a tonic to all of the body's energies. It was revered as a major tonic to each of the three Treasures, Jing, Qi and Spirit.

As a Jing (Essence) tonic, Reishi is believed to have major life lengthening effects when consumed over a long period of time. It is believed to build primal power and to replenish energy spent handling stressful situations. As a Qi tonic, Reishi is used to build energy, although it is slightly sedative in the short run. It is most famous as an herb used to build the immune system. Many studies done in Japan have shown Reishi to have a powerful effect on the body's overall resistance to disease. Reishi is believed by Japanese and Chinese researchers to have a regulatory effect on the immune system, bringing up immune functions in cases of immunodeficiency and reducing the excesses associated with auto-immune conditions. Reishi is a superb tonic for people who suffer from chronic allergies. Reishi is also believed to have major benefits on the lungs and liver. Studies done in Japan have shown that Reishi protects the liver from damage due to toxic chemicals, including pharmaceutical metabolites. Furthermore, studies done in Japan and elsewhere have also demonstrated that Reishi is beneficial to the cardiovascular system, since it appears to help regulate coronary and cerebral blood flow and also seems to help reduce levels of blood lipids and in lowering elevated cholesterol.

As a Spirit tonic, nothing compares to Reishi. It is simply the greatest Spirit tonic of them all. It is believed by the Chinese to protect the Spirit and to nurture the growth of intelligence, wisdom and spiritual insight. Reishi is a superb anti-stress herb. Everyone who takes Reishi notices the peacefulness that seems to accompany its use. Many people are able to stop using chemical drugs. And Reishi seems to be cumulative, gradually strengthening the nerves and actually changing how we perceive life. It has routinely been used by mountain hermits, monks, Daoist adepts and spiritual seekers throughout Asia because it was believed to help calm the mind, ease tension, strengthen the nerves, improve memory, sharpen concentration and focus, build will power and, as a result, help build wisdom. That is why it was called the "Mushroom of Spiritual Potency" by these seekers. The people of Asia believe more than ever in Reishi's power to improve the quality of life by improving the inner life of a human being. All the scientific validation only explains the physical nature of Reishi, but it is the profound ability of Reishi to improve one's life on every plane that makes it so incredible.

Studies done in Asia indicate that Reishi is a supreme health food supplement that has virtually no toxicity or side effects. There are many Reishi products coming to the market at this time, but very few are truly excellent. Reishi must be extracted to be digestible and assimilable. Unfortunately, most Reishi products are not extracted and most are made from inferior quality hot house mushrooms or use inferior cultivated Ganoderma mycelium.
R. Teeguarden

Effective Use of Medicinal Mushrooms

If you can find a thousand year-old lingzhi, you can save a dying person. -Ancient Chinese Saying

Sang Hwang mushrooms have been used for centuries in different Asian countries and have proven effective against various cancers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, stomach ailments, arthritis of the joints, and other ailments. Sang Hwang increases the body's ability to fight off disease and illness. There are no known side effects, even after many years of use.

Throughout Chinese history people searched the forest for a certain type of thousand-year-old "Lingzhi" that was reputed to revive a dying person and increase the longevity of a person in good health. It is recorded that in ancient China Emperor Chin sent 3,000 children to search for this medicine. Although Lingzhi or Ling Chi mushrooms (the Ganodermas) are used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine, most Ganodermas are annual mushrooms, so they only grow for one season. Scholars now believe that the ancient proverb used the term "Lingzhi" as a generic term for wood decaying mushrooms. It has also been suggested that this particular mushroom was actually Sang Hwang, since they are perennial mushrooms, and to the casual observer the appearance of Sang Hwang is very similar to Ganoderma.

Sang Hwang mushrooms are from the Phellinus igniarius complex of mushrooms. In recent times this mushroom complex has been split by scientists into different species depending upon the type of tree on which they grow. Phellinus linteus grows on mulberry trees, Phellinus tremulae grows on Aspen trees, Phellinus pini grows on pine, spruce and fir trees, Phellinus arctostaphyli grows on manzanita and Phellinus igniarius grows on willow.

Notes on Using Medicinal Mushrooms to Improve and Maintain Health Teaga Tea, the Ganodermas, Sang Hwang and Turkey Tail mushrooms have been recognized for centuries as medicine in many cultures including Traditional Chinese Medicine. These mushrooms and extracts are used daily to maintain good health and are taken in larger amounts to control and fight illness. Investigation by Western scientists and doctors have "discovered" that this is probably due to the antioxidant and immune system regulation properties of the unique compounds that are contained in these mushrooms. In addition to directly attacking mutated and undesired cells, these substances help regulate the body's immune response activity.

Many people prefer using an extract blended from several mushrooms for daily health maintenance. A blend of the Ganodermas, Teaga Tea, Sang Hwang and Turkey Tails offers the active compounds of each. These blends are usually consumed in fairly low amounts on a daily basis. Patients are taking maintenance amounts of the blended mushroom extracts to help with allergies, arthritis, hypoglycemia, and diabetes as well as to help prevent cancer and other diseases. Persons taking blood thinners on the advice of a physician should not use medicinal mushroom extracts without first consulting with their doctor.

To get the most benefit from medicinal mushrooms it is important to use a product that combines the water extraction method and the alcohol extraction method. Blended together these extractions offer both sets of the unique active compounds in the medicinal mushrooms. The water extraction method removes the polysaccharides from the medicinal mushrooms, and the alcohol extraction method removes the triterpenoids.

For the body to more effectively use the active compounds in medicinal mushrooms, 1,000 mg of vitamin C (preferably an ester C) should be taken at the same time the mushroom products are eaten. This helps the body break down and more effectively absorb the compounds in the medicinal mushrooms.

Research suggests that in the beginning stages of cancer, the increased intake of Ganoderma extracts show great promise as they are particularly effective against inflammation, offer protection against viral and bacterial disease and suppress excess antibody production. For cancers in later stages of progression (III and IV), the extracts from Teaga Tea, Turkey Tails and Sang Hwang are preferred as they attack the cancer cells directly and balance the effects of the bodily systems that cause inflammation and antibody production. These mushrooms tend to lessen the effects of chemotherapy and decrease pain for most of the cancer patients that tried them. Some cancer patients are unable to keep any food down during chemotherapy. The liquid extracts of medicinal mushrooms may be applied to the skin of these patients for best absorption of the active compounds.

Rex S., Truffle Zone

• Ganoderma Applanatum is usually considered to be under the Reishi umbrella and shares many of the aspects and benefits of the other members of the Ganoderma Reishi family. I think the Video is about the Ganoderma lucidum called Red Reishi, and ours is the brown or black Reishi . . . just about the same difference, if you know what I mean. The loose mushroom parts are priced the same as the Teaga, and the Extract is priced the same as the Teaga Extract. We feel, and the literature supports, that it can be very wise and beneficial to combine the Teaga and the Ganoderma. If you have the "C" issue going on in your life, please consider working with the Teaga and the Ganoderma. It is so affordable, and remember our guarantee.

• The demand for the new Ganoderma Extract is also picking up. Wow! The secret about mushrooms is starting to get out. We continue to sell a lot of the dry mushroom parts for people to be able to make their own Teaga Tea, and that is great. But, I do want to point out that our DOUBLE EXTRACTION process with both boiling water and alcohol greatly expands the nutrients that are made available. Thus the advantage of the Extract is more than just convenience; it is also about greater efficacy and much longer shelf life. We will always support those who prefer the old way of doing it, but we strongly suggest that you consider the Extracts. BTW, the Ganoderma loose parts and Extract are on the Shopping Cart under Alternative Health.

• Over the centuries, several of the Ganoderma family have been classed as Reishi. Tori also included a link to a YouTube video about the Reishi. All of this is by way of background education about an important new addition to our product line, the Ganoderma extract and the Ganoderma loose parts so that you can make your own tea. The more you learn about the mushrooms we carry, the more you will understand why we consider them to be so important. Throughout this year we will begin offering more and more varieties of mushrooms to cover a broader spectrum of health and cancer issues.