REISHI PE

DESCRIPTION
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the primary mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a general tonic, anti-aging remedy and immune booster. In Taiwan and many parts of Mainland China, reishi is often "prescribed" to help increase overall strength and "rejuvenate" older people. Reishi has been called the "immortality mushroom" because of its widespread use in many TCM remedies, including those for boosting mental function, preventing disease, and restoring function after injury and stress.

EFFICACY
Like many TCM remedies, typical claims for reishi tend toward non-specific language referring to "strengthening" of various organ systems, such as:
• Modulates immune function
• Improves the body's resistance to stress and infections
• Promotes general well-being
• Improves energy levels
• Balances stress response

THEORY
Reishi, like many of the Oriental mushrooms, is rich in various polysaccharide compounds. Because these polysaccharides have a similar structure to the cell membranes of bacteria and some dysfunctional body cells (such as in some forms of cancer), the use of reishi as a dietary supplement is theorized to help the immune system recognize and deal with pathogens and some early stage cancers.