Dylan Kosma
Historical Usage
Reishi, Ling Zhi, or Saiwai-take, a mushroom of many names and uses. It has been documented with some pretty amazing properties for over two thousand years. “The earliest mention of Ling Chi was in the era of the first emperor of China, Shi-huang of the Ch’in Dynasty (221-207 B.C.)” (Stamets, 355) The Reishi is credited with longevity, increased virility and sexual prowess; the Chinese considered it one of the “Herbs of the Gods”. In China it was believed that a tincture of this type of mushroom could bring the dead back to life. Often sold in Chinese medicine shops, commonly in tinctures with Ginseng. Ganoderma lucidum, or a closely related species, can be used to combat high altitude sickness. Himalayan guides sometimes employ the Reishi for this purpose. Mayan Indians have used reishis to fight and prevent communicable diseases. In China, sometimes a woman will give a man Reishis to express sexual interest. The antler form mentioned previously is favored for this purpose. Interesting considering that the Reishi is supposed to stimulate sexual virility.
Reference:
SIUC / College of Science / Ethnobotanical Leaflets /
