Reishi / Lingzhi

Ganoderma lucidum is the most emblematic fungus of the Chinese pharmacopoeia, celebrated for more than two thousand years in the Taoist texts as the “mushroom of immortality”.

Its reddish-brown caps under a glossy varnish resemble lacquered fans — their silhouette became a token of long life and good fortune in Chinese culture, drawn in painting, in calligraphy and on the imperial sceptres (Ruyi).

Gathered or cultivated from wild strains, dried whole or cut into slices, it is hard and woody under the knife. Its taste is intensely bitter.

The reference mushroom-herb of the register attached to the Spirit (Shen), gently supplementing the Qi of the three upper Phases (Fire, Metal, Earth) and preserving the root breath (Yuan Qi).

Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient Qi with an unsettled Spirit, one that struggles to settle at nightfall, or as a background companion for constitutions under rebuilding.

The Taoist mushroom above all others.

• Long decoction: 6 to 12 g, to be broken into small pieces before cooking, simmer for 1 to 2 hours (the fungus is hard and the extraction slow)
• Fine powder: 1 to 3 g of fine powder taken separately in a spoonful of honey, the method preferred by some practitioners
• Steeped liquor (Ling Zhi Jiu): slices steeped in 40° grain spirit, 3 months minimum
• Extended use: a tradition of use over 3 to 6 months

To be used with care when taking medication that affects the fluidity of the Blood (potentiating effects documented in the modern literature). Start with a small quantity to judge how it suits you.