Ganoderma lucidum. Several species of Ganoderma have been used in traditional Asian medicines for thousands of years and are still in use today. The medicinal effects of the mushroom are thought to be due to triterpenes like ganoderic acid, as well as beta-glucan compounds. The reishi mushroom is a symbol for health and wellness, and is depicted in the Emperor's residences in the Forbidden City which is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum as well as the Summer Palace which is located northwest of Beijing.

Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms, or mushroom extracts, used in the practice of medicine. Many species of mushrooms have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years and of recent times they are gaining in popularity. The use of mushrooms, and hot water mushroom extracts, in folk medicine is best documented in the East. There have been claims that some mushrooms inhibit tumor growth and enhance aspects of the immune system and thus they have been a subject of research for approximately 50 years.
 
Modern scientific research examining reishi mushrooms has revealed a variety of potential health benefits. Cellular and animal research has shown reishi may contain anticancer and immune system enhancing properties. Neither of these claims has been substantiated by human clinical trials as I believe that the drug companies have slowed down the research due to the fact that these mushrooms cannot be patented. There are some drugs on the market that do actually contain mushroom extract. Researchers have noted reishi appears to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Animal studies have noted reishi may protect the liver and protect against radiation. A randomized clinical study noted reishi improved urinary tract symptoms in men. Research has shown that reishi contains compounds that may act as ACE inhibitors, inhibit blood platelets, and fibrosis, although none of these possible effects have been validated with clinical trials.

Many people are at the present time are taking supplements and drinking tea and coffee that contain these mushroom extracts and powders. With that in mind I bring to you this website.