GANODERMA LUCIDUM (REISHI)
Dr. S. Ranjan M.D., D .M.( Cardiology),
Cardiologist Consultant.
City Hospital, Chennai, Madras, India.
Email – sranjan28@yahoo.co.in
Reishi
or Ganoderma Lucidum is a powerful herb and has been used for more than 5000 years for its medicinal effects. It has more
than 200 active ingredients which makes it unique in its positive effect on health. It has been used as a supplementary form
of therapy to any form of treatment. The benefits of Reishi are broad, virtually non-toxic and absolutely safe.
The major effects of Reishi are:
ANTI-OXIDANT: Reishi is a powerful antioxidant,
rated 7 times more
potent than Ginseng.
Antioxidants are substances which detoxify the body from the harmful effects of "free radicals" . Antioxidants delay the ageing
process and this effect is translated into protection of health in old age. By Oxidation, LDL cholesterol is converted into
atherogenic LDL which is deposited in the blood vessel wall to promote atherosclerosis, which causes blockages in the blood
vessels leading to heart attacks, stroke etc. Reishi being a powerful antioxidant prevents the conversion of LDL to atherogenic
LDL there by preventing vascular disorders. Reishi also decreases the LDL cholesterol levels, and can be taken regularly to prevent the vascular disorders.
IMMUNOMODULAION: Reishi has
a powerful effect on the immune system and helps to enhance immunity .It increases both hormonal and cell mediated immunity
and helps us to fight against very many infections( Viral & Bacterial). Reishi is a powerful immunomodulator and regulates the hyperimmune state and helps to control autoimmune disorders. A group of chemicals known as
Ganoderic acids
and polysaccharides have immunoregulating effect and help to fight autoimmune diseases. The enhancement
of immuune system is very useful in the treatment of cancer to destroy cancer cells. Reishi increases the production of lnterleukin
I & II which are potent anticancer substances. Reishi increases the production of Interferon which mediates various immune
reactions and helps in fighting infections. The increased immunity plays a vital role in children in prevention of many viral
and bacterial infections and Reishi can protect children from various lethal infections. Reishi has been used in infections
like HIV and Hepatitis B and there are various studies available to support their use .
ANTI-CANCER EFFECT: In 1977 it was discovered in
Japan that Reishi has anticancer effect. The polysaccharide fraction has the anticancer effect. Reishi has been approved as an anticancer drug in Japan
and is being used as a supplementary therapy in cancer treatment. Reishi can be used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and to relieve pain. It may help to prevent metastasis as well as recurrence
of cancer. Even in terminal stages of cancer it may help to relieve the pain and give a sense of well being and quality of life.
It is very useful in Psoriasis where there is rapid turn-over of cells in tile skin.
ANTl-INFLAMATORY EFFECT: Reishi has an effective anti-
inflammatory agent and it is useful in many painful diseases especially in various types of Arthritis. Reishi inhibits the production of COX-2 and it is
a natural pain
killer. It helps to give excellent remission in chronic arthritis
e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis and connective tissue and collagen vascular disorders and autoimmune diseases. With its anti-inflammatory
effect it can be used in various painful conditions. Reishi can be can be used for long periods without any side effects and
can also help to reduce the intake of pain killers which are potentially dangerous. The anti-inflammatory effect has been
used in treating
Alzheimer’s disease and degenerative disorders of the brain.
VASODILATING EFFECT: Reishi is
a powerful vasodilator and this is mediated by Adenosine. It increases the blood supply to the vital organs e.g. heart, brain,
kidney, liver etc. Adenosine also has
anti platelet
effect and tl1e combination of the two actions improves macro and micro- circulation. Reishi is used in diseases related to
blood vessel like heart attack, stroke etc. to improve the blood flow and help to recover from these diseases. By improving
tile blood supply to various tissues Reishi protects
the tissues
from injury, regularizes their functions and helps to heal chronic ulcers ego Diabetic foot ulcers .In old age many organ
functions are reduced due to reduction in blood supply and Reishi by improving
the blood supply to various organs can preserve those functions.
ANTI-ALLERGIC EFFECT: Reishi has excellent anti allergic
properties. LANOSTAN found in Reishi can inhibit the production of allergens. It also stabilizes mast cells there by preventing the
liberation of factors responsible for allergic reactions. Reishi is very useful in various allergic disorders e.g.: sinusitis,
bronchitis, Allergic Asthma, Dermatitis etc. By acting on the immune system also Reishi helps to control allergic reactions.
Many asthmatic patients have excellent control and remission of asthmatic episodes and their dependency on medications will
come down.
Reishi has other important actions on our body:
A) It helps to control High blood pressure by its ACE inhibiting Effect.
Ganoderic Acid-fraction F has this ACE inhibiting effect.
It also helps
to stabilize low blood pressure. The ACE inhibiting effect also helps the heart to improve its pumping function.
B) Reishi helps to reduce high blood sugar and useful in Diabetes. It increases the pancreatic blood flow and improves
its function. Many Diabetic patients will be able to reduce their Insulin or medications and even stop Insulin. It may stimulate
the production of Insulin by B-cells of the Pancreas. Ganodelan
A & B is responsible for blood sugar reducing property of Reishi. Many of the vascular complications of
diabetes can be prevented or postponed by taking Reishi.
C) Reishi helps to reduce the Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in the blood.
D)
Reishi induces normal sleep and this effect has beneficial effect to our brain and body.
E) Reishi produces calming effect in our mind and Reishi has been called as the "Herb of Spiritual Potency". This effect is very important in helping Stress related /induced diseases-psychosomatic
disorders.
F)
Reishi improves digestion function and regularizes the bowel Activity and helps in constipation.
G) Reishi
normalizes various Hormonal levels and helps in over-a]} body function.
DETOXIFICAION FUNCTION: The major function of Reishi is detoxification and helps Liver and Kidney to eliminate toxins from our
body. When the toxins are removed from the body our health is preserved and the disease is cured.
Reishi is a powerful Liver, Brain
tonic and Cardio-tonic. It has been used effectively in Brain and Liver disorders(Hepatitis). It is particularly useful in Chronic Renal Failure
and Hepatic failure and improves kidney and liver functions. It improves brain
function in children so that they do well in school and helps them to grow as heal1JlY children.
Reishi is an ADAPTOGEN -which
is non-toxic, not limited to special organs or tissues and has overall normalizing effect. Reishi normalizes various organ
functions. It can be used as a preventive medicine. The
best way to take Reishi is for the "prevention of diseases”, especially in
old age.
REGENERATION FUNCTION: The ultimate aim of taking Reishi
is to improve
the regeneration of cells. Every tissue has this ability and Reishi
stimulates this function. In old age this regeneration capacity reduces and the effect of Reishi is to increase this function.
This translates into maintenance of body functions and good heath in old age. To get this effect one has to take Reishi for
3 years or more. TAKE GANODERMA(REISHI) FOR PREVENTION !
GANODERMA AND HEART
By Dr. S. RANJAN, M.D, D.M.(Cardiology)
City
Hospital, Chennai, Madras, India. Email – sranjan28@yahoo.co.in
Reishi or Ganoderma Lucidum is a very powerful herb and it has been used for more than 5000 years for its medicinal
effects. It has more than 200 active ingredients which makes it unique in its positive effect on health. The health benefits
of Reishi are broad, virtually nontoxic and absolutely safe.
Reishi has been used as a cardio tonic and bas many beneficial effects on
the heart .The important effects on the heart are due to Triterpine Compounds. The following effects are documented by researches
and the following is a comprehensive summary of effects of Reishi on the heart.
Anti-oxidant effect: Reishi being a powerful anti-oxidant helps to scavenge
the free radicals which are injurious to cells. Antioxidants are helpful in retarding the progression of atherosclerosis and
reduce the COl1version of LDL to atherogenic LDL. Col1Sumption of Reishi can help in the prevention of heart diseases, especially
heart attacks by its powerful antioxidant effects. Reishi has been proved to reduce cholesterol levels.
ANTIPLATELET EFFECT: Reishi contains Adenosine and
Guanosm which are a platelet inhibitors. This action is due to the activation of phospholipase. This anti platelet effect
prevents clot formation regularizes blood flow in the blood vessels, especially in the microcirculation there by preventing
heart attack
ACE INHIBITION: Lanostane triterpines with ACE
inhibiting effects have been identified in Ganoderma. Ganoderic acid F exhibited the highest effect. This effect lowers and
normalizes the blood pressure and helps to reduce the load on the heart and improve pumping function, especially in a failing
heart. Reishi balances the blood pressure and helps to maintain blood pressure within normal limits.
Vasodilator
effect Adenosine is a powerful vasodilator and it improves the blood supply and oxygen delivery to various organs. By improving
the oxygen supply to the heart Reishi is useful in Coronary artery disease and helps to overcome angina.
All the organs and tissues
:in our body require adequate blood supply for their function .Reishi regularizes blood flow in both macro and micro circulation
by its vasodilator and anti-platelet effect This has a very powerful effect in improving the organ functions especially in
the old age. In old age the body function is critically dependant on the blood supply and Reishi helps in age related disorders
by increasing the blood supply and oxygenation of cells and tissues.
The
other effects of Reishi on the body, like balancing blood sugar, sleep function and helping to attain mental calmness also
have positive effect on the heart All the above mentioned effects of Reishi have a beneficial effect on the heart .Reishi
not only helps the heart affected due to various diseases but also protects the heart .
GANODERMA LUCIDUM ( REISHI)
Reishi is
a powerful herb and it has many beneficial effects in our body. The effects are due to the Alkaloids present in Ganoderma
(more than 200 ingredients)
· Reishi acts
on the body and regulates various body (organ) functions and detoxifies the body (Detoxification)
· It is a powerful
anti-oxidant (7 times more potent than -Ant ageing effect Ginseng)
· It is a natural
pain killer( COX 2 inhibitor)
· Anti-inflammatory
effect -Effectively controls. Pain and inflammation due to any disease
e.g. Arthritis
· It is anti
allergic -Helps in Asthma and other allergic Disorders & Skin disorders.
· .It is a
vasodilator- improves blood circulation and oxygen Supply to all the
organs(Adenosine effect)
· It has powerful
anticancer effect- supplement in cancer treatment.
· It helps
to reduce High blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, control Blood sugar, and improve digestive function (Age related illnesses)
· It bas anti
platelet effect and improves micro-circulation.
· It is an
excellent Neuro tonic and Cardio tonic.
· It heals
chronic ulcers- e.g.-Diabetic foot ulcers.
· Reishi has
powerful detoxification effect and it helps Kidney, Liver and lungs to detoxify our body thereby protecting health.(Cleansing
Function)
· It is a powerful
immuno-modolator and helps our body. To fight against infections and kill cancer
cells. It also helps To control Auto-immune diseases.
· Reishi is
a skin beautifier and helps in various skin ailments, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema etc.
The unique
effect of Ganoderma is that it stimulates regeneration of cells and tissues. This function helps us to protect our health
and body especially in old age.
I would say that ONE APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR
A WAY!
ONE ASPRIN
A DAY KEEPS THE HEART ATTACK AWAY!!
ONE REISHI
POWDERA DA Y KEEPS THE CARDIOLOGIST AWAY!!!
Dosage of
Reishi Powder:
Dosage: There is no specific
dosage for Reishi Powder. The usual dosage schedule is as follows:
1st Week
½ Teaspoon of REISHI POWDER
2nd Week
1 Teaspoon of REISHI POWDER
3rd
Week 2 Teaspoons of REISHI POWDER
4th Week
3 Teaspoons of REISHI POWDER
The dosage has to be taken for
6 months and may be reduced there after.
Maintenance dose of ½ to
1Teaspoon must be taken continuously for chronic diseases and for prevention.
To be very simple and practical
in dosage: Healthy people ½ to 1Teaspoon.
Unhealthy people 2-3Teaspoons.
In severe
illness MEGA dosage has to be given e.g.:
3-5 Teaspoons
of REISHI POWDER 3 times a day or diet therapy. In children one may use GL only as it contains more of polysaccharides and organic germanium
which helps to build immunity and improve brain function.
