HERBARIUM

Reishi

Ganoderma Lucidum

NATURAMEDICIN HERBARIUM

Reishi

A fungus with a varnished-looking surface.

Its glossy cap and tough flesh tell us that this fungus has a different story from the boletes we gather in a basket. Ganoderma fungi live in association with wood. Under the name reishi, they gained a prominent place in Asian tradition and, later, in today's formulas.


Reishi fruiting body in the original herbarium photograph
A WOOD-DWELLING FUNGUSFRUITING BODY

DISCOVER THE FUNGUS

What makes Ganoderma lucidum interesting?

The Czech name lesklokorka reflects its glossy appearance. In Ganoderma lucidum, the cap surface looks almost varnished and the flesh gradually becomes woody. In herbal tradition, attention focuses on the fruiting body.

01 / DISCOVER THE FUNGUS

The story begins in wood

Ganoderma fungi can be found near the roots or on the wood of living and dead trees. The tough fruiting body is only the visible part of the fungus; its mycelium forms a network of filaments within the wood. This is why descriptions of the material distinguish the fruiting body from the mycelium.

02 / ASIAN TRADITION

A familiar name, several species

Reishi has a long tradition in China, Japan and Korea. However, the name is used for different Ganoderma fungi. The European Ganoderma lucidum and the Asian Ganoderma lingzhi are different species; their shared name sometimes obscures this distinction.

03 / CONSTITUENTS

Polysaccharides and triterpenes

Groups of compounds studied include beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes. Polysaccharides are complex sugars; triterpenes are another group of natural compounds. Their proportions vary with the material and processing. Research on one extract therefore does not guarantee the same result with every preparation.

04 / BEFORE USE

Reishi and medication: when to seek advice

If you take medicines that affect blood clotting or suppress the immune system, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using reishi. Fungal preparations can also interact with treatment.

NATURAMEDICIN

Reishi in EQINIL

EQINIL contains an extract from the reishi fruiting body. Discover the purpose of the complete formula, its ingredients and recommended use.

Discover EQINIL →

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Follow the recommendations and warnings for the specific product.

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