Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum)
Continuing my series on medicinal mushrooms, today I’d like to introduce you to the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). It’s quite an amazing looking mushroom.
For thousands of years, mushrooms have been used in Japan and China for their medicinal benefits. The Reishi mushroom is prized above all other varieties. Once reserved exclusively for members of the royal family, Reishi is often referred to as “the King of Mushrooms” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, modern medical science is affirming the health benefits that Eastern cultures have known and enjoyed for generations.
Reishi’s Potential for Beneficial Impacts on Cancer Treatments
Reishi is used for a wide range of health conditions. An overall Qi (energy) enhancer, Reishi is said to sharpen the mind and promote longevity. Extensive research done on Reishi is proving that it has an abundance of positive benefits. Recently, several Japanese studies have confirmed that Reishi can be responsible for arresting metastatic cancer, and The Japanese Cancer Society has found Reishi to be effective against sarcomas, according to Terry Willard, internationally renowned clinical herbalist.
In clinical studies at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Raymond Chang reported that applications of Ganoderma should be considered for:
- Chemoprophylaxis of cancer in individuals at high risk for developing cancer;
- Adjuvant use in the prevention of metastasis or recurrence of cancer;
- Palliation of cancer related cachexia;
- Adjunctive use with concurrent chemotherapy to reduce side-effects, maintain leukocyte counts and allow a more optimal dosing of chemo or radio therapeutics.
So what is it that makes Reishi the most potent herb on the market today? The active ingredients responsible for its healing, rejuvenating and beneficial implications are the polysaccharides, which are expressed at their highest power in the mushroom’s spores.
A study conducted by S. Zhao, G. Ye, et al found that Reishi has proven to be successful in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, Terry Willard writes that Reishi has the ability to stop the proliferation of many cancer cell lines in vitro, including:
- Lymphocytic leukemia
- Lung carcinoma
- Hepatoma
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cervix uteri tumor
- Bladder cancer
Reishi is found to be effective in cancer when used as a supplement. It helps reduce side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, reduces pain, prolongs survival and minimizes metastasis, while improving overall quality of life and preventing occurrence or recurrence. Reishi alone is not a cure-all for cancer but has been shown to be beneficial in most cases of malignancy, according to Chang’s research.
I have found a company here in the United States named True Reishi. I do not receive any benefits from recommending their product, I just wanted to share with you that this company offers the first 100% pure Reishi spore oil product cultivated from mushrooms grown on self-managed farmlands in China. Because they own the farmlands, that provides a controlled environment that allows the company to grow the Reishi mushrooms in a way that upholds their strict standards. Even the water used to feed these plants is carried through a pipe from a pristine mountaintop to ensure purity from the source. The company has spent years cultivating the mushrooms and researching the best production methods to enhance their product’s healing benefits.
For more information on medicinal mushrooms, see my recent articles Medicinal Mushrooms: Fungi That Fight Cancer Cells and The Benefit Of Mushrooms and 6 Tips For Taking.
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com). It is my honor to help you through this.
Thank you Marnie!! My Mother had a recent flare up with her arm from lyphedema. I was educating her about Reishi, but she seems very scared to take it. I use it since it grows here where we live and it has done wonders for my cyatic nerve pain and my overall health. How can I explain or show her tat it is helpful for her in a non-frightening way? I love her so much and want her just to be well to enjoy her life.
God bless you and the work you do,
Ernesto Moran
Ernesto,
Thanks so much for your comment and question. I have sent you a private email asking a few more questions about your mother. I look forward to hearing from you and blessings to you as well.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
hi Marnie,
For anyone wanting support and supervision in the UK when using Reishi there is a Dr Kate James who i am working with. People can search for her on Google x
Bets wishes
Liz x
Dear Liz,
Thanks for sharing that info with us, much appreciated. I’m sure my UK readers would want to know that.
Warmest wishes,
Marnie
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Hello Marnie –
I know this post is a few years old, so I wanted to ask if you have read anything new about reishi mushrooms and breast cancer. I read on a site (https://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/mushrooms) that while reishi mushrooms have shown some ability to fight ER+ breast cancer, it has also been shown to have some estrogenic effects, so it might be better to avoid reishi if one has had ER+ breast cancer. I don’t know what study they are referring to or if this site is credible, and I wanted to check with you to see if you have heard or read the same.
I cannot thank you enough for all that you do for the breast cancer community. The information you have provided has empowered me to feel like there are things I can do to reduce the risk of recurrence. The support you have provided has given me hope and strength. I know it is the same for countless others.
Best wishes to you!
Hi Lisa — I do know quite a bit about reishi mushrooms and breast cancer – it’s something I’ve studied quite a bit. I’m also familiar with the website that you linked to, however, all due respect to the author of that website (learned person that she is), we sometimes disagree about certain things. Reishi mushrooms being one of them. There are several studies (which I will send to you via email) which indicate reishi mushrooms are amazing for the immune system – they are immunomodulators. Several studies have shown that they inhibit the rapid growth of several different types of breast cancer, including ER+. I normally recommend people take a blend of mushrooms, my favorite brands are Host Defense “Stamets 7” and “My Community”. These are something I take myself and recommend for many of my coaching clients. Look out for my email, with you shortly.
Warmest regards
Marnie