What is Japanese lingzhi?
A type of mushroom, the Japanese lingzhi originated in Asia and is large and orange. Herbalists use the Japanese lingzhi as an herbal remedy to treat a variety of conditions.UsesReported uses include the treatment of herpes, viral infections, cancer, inflammatory diseases, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, HIV, chronic fatigue and insomnia.Clinical EvidenceA 2009 study at the Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan and published in the journal Cancer Letters found Japanese lingzhi interferes with a chemical in cancer cells that causes the disease to grow. More research is needed to prove its effectiveness before it used as treatment for cancer patients, however.Other NamesJapanese lingzhi has a number of other names, such as ganoderma, reishi, spirit plant, mannentake, basidiomycetes and ling chih.RisksPossible side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nose bleed and stomach problems.
