From a basket of a Nepali medic: Reishi
Dried mushrooms are sometimes available in the offer of street sellers.
One of these experts – with whom communication was carried out with the help of sign language and the little of my Nepalese – asked “what it is” answered only “chiau”, meaning mushrooms. I got more information about the species somewhere else. I learned, however, from the man another interesting thing.
It was his knowledge that this orange mushroom affected primarily the work of the brain. This seems obvious, since it is known that it supports the work of the respiratory system and the absorption of oxygen.
Characteristics
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum – named in China ‘ling zhi’ – this is the arboreal mushroom that has been used for the longest time in the ancient medical systems of humanity. It is also commonly called the “mushroom of immortality”. It has been used by the Japanese for a long time, therefore it is believed that this is its origin, although it occurs all over the world and its breeding does not have special requirements.
The reishi mushroom grows on trees and old tree stumps. The hat has cylindrical circles colored in colors from orange to brown. Fresh is shiny, dried mushrooms gain a slightly matte, pastel color.
Effects
Reishi strengthens the immune system, but also induces a state of relaxation. Mushroom extract provides a mild effect by loosening the muscles and regulating the endocrine system. Reishi can improve the quality of deep sleep, alleviate fatigue and make you better deal with anxiety and stress. It also reduces the state of tension in the chest. According to Chinese medicine, this fungus has a positive effect on your chi, life energy.
Its anticancer properties have also been found. Substances contained in reishi help reduce the spread and prevent the growth of cancer. The Japanese have long known about its use in the treatment of cancer, as well as diseases associated with muscle weakness.
It is also known about its properties for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol and asthma problems.
Application
Traditional medicine doctors in Asia often prescribe reishi as a “general medicine” because the fungus affects the body as a whole. This holistic approach does not, of course, fit into our western medical trend called allopathy. However, we know for certain that every disease has many causes and almost always, weakness of the body, is in this pool.
These mushrooms are traditionally consumed in the form of tea or decoctions that allow the extraction of active ingredients. The content of therapeutic polysaccharides, however, varies depending on the batch – both in the extracts bought in the store and naturally dried mushrooms.
I bought mushrooms from a street seller of Nepalese specifics. 5 grams of mushrooms per one liter of water is enough to prepare the infusion.
