Ingredient Name: Red Lingzhi, Lingzhi, Lucid Ganoderma
Traditional Chinese Name: 靈芝 (Língzhī)
What is this?
- A type of mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) that is harvested and dried
- Commonly found in Asia and known as a medicinal mushroom in Chinese medicine
- Mushroom has a kidney shaped cap that is spongy and soft to the feel when fresh and has different varieties have different colors (Red/brown, purple, green, white, yellow, black)
- Each different type of color affects a certain part of the body
- Naturally bitter in taste
- It is also used in western medicine in health supplements that aid in anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue
How do I prepare it?
- For soups, soak and wash in warm water before usage
- Since it is a relatively bitter component, do not use too much in soups (4-5 slices are sufficient)
Where can I buy this?
- Available in most herbalist and specialist stores (dried sliced or whole mushrooms)
- Not common in supermarkets (even Asian ones)
What is the cost?
- Price range varies for different colours and species
- Can be affordable or very expensive
Any benefits?
- The red type used is beneficial to the lungs (cough, asthma, shortness of breath) and heart
- Improve liver health and lower bad cholesterol
- Considered an effective anti-oxidant and anti-cancer
- There are numerous articles and reading all over the web regarding the benefits of lingzi
Any precautions?
- Take caution when purchasing and be sure you’re buying from a reputable source (there are many fakes on the market)
- I would limit exposure to children below 2 years to a minimum as lingzhi can be a potent ingredient when taken in great amounts and there are no known effects to children (either good or bad)
References:
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