Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) is a member of the mushroom family which has over time been used especially in Chinese medicine. It is known to many as lingzhi. Its steady growth in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. The most common of these factors being the health benefits associated with taking this mushroom. Here is a look at some of Ganoderma Lucidum benefits to human health.

1. May Boost Internal Body Ying & Yang (immune system) and maintain a healthier Body
It enhances the body’s internal Qi (Energy) and increases the body’s internal self-defense mechanisms against the bad cells. Modern scientific researchers have found that Lingzhi enhances the function of monocytic macrophages by activating the synthesis of interleukin. It enhances the blood synthesis capacity, particularly at the white blood cell level. Proper and sustained usage of Lingzhi produces an inhibiting effect on cell mutation, and becomes one of the most effective dietary supplements for body maintenance. It can be used as a dietary supplement in combination with clinical tumor treatments, and with any other daily food.

2. May Help Maintain Liver and Help with Detoxification of Body
It is said Lingzhi is able to help protect the liver from damage caused by various chemical and biological treatments. Lingzhi can be used before or after one experiences liver discomforts in a combination treatment plan as a dietary supplement. Lingzhi’s primary function is to help speed up the metabolism and reduce the toxic substances in the liver. Lingzhi may also help relieve certain discomforts associated with chronic hepatitis and minimizes associated and related symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, poor appetite, etc.

3. May Help Maintain the Body’s Circulation System
Chinese and Japanese clinical studies and animal testing confirm Lingzhi’s effectiveness in dilating coronary arteries, increasing coronary blood vessel flow, and improve circulation in cardiac muscle capillaries. This, in turn, may increase the supply of oxygen and energy to cardiac muscles. It may help protect the heart from a shortage of blood supply, and may also help prevent heart disease and nausea.

 Lingzhi may also be effective in helping to balance blood cholesterol by preventing the formation of arterial athermanous. If athermanous patches are already formed, Lingzhi may help reduce the cholesterol in the arterial wall and soften the blood vessel to avoid further damage. It may improve blood circulation and prevent the aggregation of blood platelets.

4. May Slow Aging
The polysaccharides and polypeptides found in Lingzhi may help delay aging through the following according to Japanese researches: Lingzhi polysaccharides may help enhance DNA synthesis in the cell nucleus, which may result in slowing aging.

5. May Have a Calming Effect, Relieve Depression, and Help Sleep
In China, Lingzhi is widely used in the treatment of neurasthenia and insomnia. Scientists found that the extracts from Lingzhi work on the central nervous system, so as to calm the body. In ancient Chinese medical publications, Lingzhi was said to "stabilize emotion", "increase wisdom", and "enhance memory power".  Recent reports state that Lingzhi has a prominent effect on insomnia caused by neurasthenia. Generally, it takes a period of 10 to 15 days for sleep patterns to improve, appetite to increase and body weight to stabilize. Lingzhi has a relatively strong effect on the central nervous system. To date, the effects of Lingzhi on neurasthenia and insomnia has been clearly described and stated in the published "China State Medicine Book".

6. May Help Balance & Maintain Blood Pressure
Laboratory tests in China & Japan have shown that Lingzhi can effectively balance the blood pressure. Lingzhi is currently being used in Chinese clinics to help maintain patients’ blood pressures; these test cases have been reported to have an 88% success rate. It was found that Lingzhi also extends and stabilizes the effects of other blood pressure medicines.

7. May Help Balance and Maintain Blood Sugar
It has been found by Japanese and Chinese clinics that Lingzhi "Ganoderma B and C" may help lower blood glucose levels. In China, research has shown that by enhancing utilization of blood glucose by body tissues, Lingzhi can serve as a supplement to insulin to inhibit the release of fatty acids. Chinese studies reflect that blood glucose can be reduced from 173 to 116, cholesterol from 233 to 179, and Beta-protein from 580 to 465.

8. May Help Maintain Respiratory System
Both the popular ancient Chinese medical publications, "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing" and "Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Compendium of Materia Medica), written in the Han and Ming Dynasties, provide detailed descriptions of the effects of Lingzhi on respiratory disorders. Lingzhi may stop coughing, may help clear sputum, and may help suppress asthma. It may also relieve symptoms of related respiratory discomforts.
Since Lingzhi activates the immune system, it may help prevent contracting the flu and other common colds, according to some scientific researches.

9. May Help Relieve Allergies
If the body is invaded by an antigen that elicits an immunological reaction leading to various abnormalities and immunopathological symptoms, Lingzhi may be effective in suppressing negative reactions and help the body recover more rapidly. Chinese experiments show that Lingzhi helps stop the release of hyper-reactive factors and helps prevent the development of allergic reactions. Lingzhi has been found to help alleviate the symptoms of asthma, joints-discomforts, heart discomforts, allergic discomforts and certain skin discomforts.

10. May Be Beneficial to Beauty Care
Ganoderma Lucidum may retain and regulate water in the skin and helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. It may also help to inhibit the formation and deposit of melanin in skin. Today, Ganoderma Lucidum beauty care products are becoming new stars in the cosmetic industry. According to Japanese research, by adding Lingzhi to one’s daily diet, not only can one’s skin be kept smooth but it may also help prevent bacterial infections.