Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been revered in China for over 2,200 years as a tonic herb that balances and enhances body’s yin and yang, stimulates and regulates immune system, improves oxygen utilization and liver metabolic efficiency and supports free radical degradation, while simultaneously increasing energy, relieving anxiety, stress and depression.

Ganoderma fungi are widespread fungal genera found on an extensive variety of arboreal hosts [29, 30]. Within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Ganoderma species have been observed residing predominantly in tropical Laos, Myanmar and Thailand with hardwood forests being their favorite host [30]. Ganoderma can cause significant economic losses as it affects landscape plants as well as economically vital fruit trees and timber trees that provide food.

Reishi can be easily identified by its brownish red powder that covers its surface when mature. Harvested mushrooms should wait until their white edges have dissipated and maroon caps turn maroon; at that point the reishi has released its spores, and only take what you need from each site, leaving the rest behind for growth.

Where to Find Ganoderma White Tea

Lingzhi or “Ling Zhi” is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine for various species of Ganoderma that are widely cultivated and processed into various herbal products used for medical uses, including dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Taxonomy of Ganoderma can be complex. A combination of high levels of phenotypic plasticity and lack of holotypes has contributed to nomenclatural confusion; hence the abuse of “Lingzhi” for non-Ganoderma species as well as products manufactured using non-Ganoderma raw materials has caused it. Nonetheless, an exhaustive genetic study on Ganoderma species provided an avenue to clarifying nomenclature.