Ling Zhi (Hei), aka Ganoderma sinense (Zizhi)

Ganoderma sinense is a black to purplish-black or dark brown laccate species of Ganoderma found in China, Japan and Taiwan growing on decaying wood of broad-leaved trees and pine stumps. It is used in traditional Asian medicine, where it is known as Zizhi in Chinese.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma sinense has wide applications, as it is believed to strengthen the body's immune system and disease response while regulating metabolism and normalizing organ function. Diseases treated by Ganoderma sinense involve respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, endocrine and immune systems, including internal, external, gynecological, pediatric and dermatological diseases. It is also believed to be useful for platelet-aggregation and as an anti-thrombotic, hepatic-protective, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-radiation agent.

In 2010, a Ganoderma sinense polysaccharide tablet was approved by China's State Food and Drug Administration for use as an adjunctive therapeutic drug for treating leukopenia and hematopoietic injury caused by concurrent chemo/radiation therapy during cancer treatment.

Why do people take Ling Zhi (Hei) fungus?

In Western medicine there is some scientific evidence of its effectiveness, including lab research and some small human studies. Researchers are beginning to look at the chemical makeup of this mushroom to better understand how and whether it really works for each of these conditions.

Sold by the ounce.