What is Ganoderma Lucidum?

What is Ganoderma Lucidum?
Source: Natural Health Magazine - February 2006 - pg. 100
 Called the "mushroom of immortality", this fungus is considered by Chinese medicine to be a tonic and longevity promoter.
Considerable research has confirmed reishi's ability to enhance immune response. "It treats fatigue, respiratory
complaints, heart disease and liver ailments" says Efrem Korngold, O.M.D., L.A.C.
 Improves immune funstion - has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-carcinogenic properties - reduces
cholesterol, blood pressure,
and blood sugar. The mushroom shows definate anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity, concluded several Korean studies, two
of them published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

 Meanwhile, a report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry illustrates reishi's potency as an antioxidant.
Labratory and animal studies in Japan and at the Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis indicate that the mushroom
may surpress the growth of leukemia and cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, and throat. It also helps prevent internal
blood clots and decrease blood sugar, according to Chinese researches. Studies in the United States and Switzerland,
respectively, suggest that reishi lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.