What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ganoderma:
There are several species that are refered to as reishi, all from the Ganoderma genus, including but not limited to: Ganoderma lucidum, photographed here, Ganoderma tsugae, Ganoderma Sessile and Ganoderma multipileum.
Where does Ganoderma Mushroom Grow, How Many Types Are There?
The Ganoderma sp includes about 80 species and has a worldwide distribution but is mainly found in tropical and temperate regions, including Africa, America, Europe, and Asia.
Are All Ganoderma Mushrooms Medicinal
Not all Ganoderma species are medicinal. However, many Ganoderma species are used in traditional medicine and I have listed what I feel to be important or easier to identify.
Are there poisonous Ganoderma
There are no poisonous lookalikes, but it is important that all Ganoderma mushrooms be carefully cleaned and inspected for mold, as many specimens that are past their prime can harbor molds that can be harmful. Storing your Ganoderma correctly is lower on this page.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf: Ganoderma tsugae
Hemlock Varnish Shelf: Ganoderma tsugae
Hemlock Varnish Shelf: Ganoderma tsugae
Ganoderma tsugae is a flat polypore mushroom that grows on conifers especially fallen hemlock in North America. It's also known as the hemlock varnish shelf. Studies in mice have shown that G. tsugae shows several potential medicinal benefits including anti-tumor activity through some of the active polysaccharides. G. tsugae has also been shown to significantly promote wound healing in mice.
Ganoderma lucidum
Hemlock Varnish Shelf: Ganoderma tsugae
Hemlock Varnish Shelf: Ganoderma tsugae
Ganoderma lucidum is a red-colored species of Ganoderma with a limited distribution in Europe and parts of China, where it grows on decaying hardwood trees. Wild populations have been found in the United States in California and Utah, but were likely introduced. Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of G. lucidum in treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as its possible role in preventing and treating infections caused by the coronavirus.
Ganoderma Sessile
Black or Purple Lingzhi: Ganoderma Sinense
Black or Purple Lingzhi: Ganoderma Sinense
Ganoderma sessile: Sessile means, "stalkless". is commonly found in Eastern North America. It's associated with declining or dead hardwoods. Ganoderma sessile is approximately 3-16 inches in diameter. It has a tough or leathery texture and is thick, measuring 2 inches or more. It's found on tree trunks or in a rosette growing closer to the ground from tree roots. Ganoderma sessile is a common on urban trees. Reishi Ganoderma Sessile Mushroom contains a range of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-cancer properties. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Black or Purple Lingzhi: Ganoderma Sinense
Black or Purple Lingzhi: Ganoderma Sinense
Black or Purple Lingzhi: Ganoderma Sinense
Ganoderma sinense is a type of medicinal fungus that is used in traditional Asian medicine. It is also known as zizhi (紫芝, purple Ganoderma) in Chinese. 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. Ganoderma sinense is widely used in traditional medicine for promoting health and longevity in East Asia. Growing blocks and plugs are available to grow in the USA.
G. sinense polysaccharide (GSP) tablet are approved as an adjunctive therapeutic drug in China for treating leukopenia and hematopoietic injury caused by concurrent chemo/radiation therapy during cancer treatment by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) in 2010.
When Is The Best Time To Harvest Ganoderma And How To Store It:
The best time to harvest reishi mushrooms is between May and July. You can find them in hardwood forests such as oak and beech, Not all reishi grow on hardwood though, Ganoderma tsugae (“hemlock reishi”) is found on hemlock and grows more to the north of the States. To harvest reishi, twist or cut at the base of the stem. They are corky and tough, so be aware when cutting the first few times. I like to use my Fiskars Garden cutters in both harvesting and chopping to smaller pieces for processing.
How do you preserve fresh reishi?
Fresh reishi that still contains moisture is especially prone to spoiling. To prevent this, cut your mushrooms into small strips and leave them out to dry in the sun or quickly dry them in a food dehydrator or store in a fridge
How long does freshly harvested reishi last in fridge?
3-5 days They will keep in a paper bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days
How long can you store dried reishi mushroom?
Make sure they're stored in a cool, dark place, since sunlight can damage the mushrooms. Stored correctly, your dried reishi mushrooms can last for a year or more! That means a year plus of enjoying reishi tinctures, teas, or other extracts
Ways To Process Ganoderma:
Tea
Mushroom cells contain chitin, a polysaccharide that our human bodies can’t digest. So, in order for us to get the full benefits of the medicinal value that’s locked up in mushrooms, we have to break this chitin down first.
That means that to make a good Reishi tea, we need to put the dried mushrooms through a long, slow simmer. The result of this process is called a decoction – basically, a really strong tea.
Cut 1oz of Reishi into small pieces. Add to fresh filtered water in a stainless steel pot. Turn the heat to high until water starts to boil, then turn down to low and simmer gently for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours.
The longer you simmer, the stronger the tea will be. When it’s ready, it should be a light amber color. Strain out the Reishi pieces and allow your brew to cool slightly before drinking.
Reishi has an inherently bitter taste and you might not find it pleasant to drink straight. Try out some variations on this recipe. Adding some slices of fresh ginger during the simmering process or mixing your Reishi decoction with chai tea are popular options. Also, adding some honey and a splash of cream or coconut milk make for a delightful beverage any time of day.
Tincture
INGREDIENTS
- 28-35 ounces of 80 proof alcohol (We used vodka
- 1oz of dried chopped Reishi
- Half gallon of Filtered water
DIRECTIONS
- Begin by chopping your dried Reishi into about quarter sized pieces. If it's too difficult to cut with a knife, you can break it up into small pieces with your hands.
- Place chopped pieces in to a glass quart sized jar.
- Now drown those puppies in vodka (filled about ¾ the way up).
- Secure the lid and aggressively shake the jar.
- Shake every day for a whole dang month. Shake it like the Cascadia Megathrust earthquake.
- After a month, strain the Reishi-infused alcohol using a cheesecloth into another jar and set aside the soaked mushrooms.
- In a large pot, bring half gallon of filtered water to a simmer.
- Add the macerated Reishi to the water and simmer for about 2 hours. Do not forget about them!
- The water should reduce to 8-16 ounces.
- Let sit until the liquid is cool enough to handle. Strain the Reishi using a cheesecloth, squeezing out the liquid from the mushrooms. Compost the Reishi and keep the strained water.
- Combine the water extract with the alcohol extract.
- Store in a glass container and in a dark cabinet.
Immunity Broth
Easily my favorite way to prepare reishi, especially during the cold months and our wood stove is on already, the slow simmer is probably the simplest way to integrate reishi into daily life. In our home, every pot of broth, whether bone or veggie, every soup, Reishi is an adaptogen and a tonic - the more we get of it on a regular basis, the better our body can use it.
DIRECTIONS
Reishi Stock
!0 Cups of water
3 reishi slices in muslin, (no more as it is bitter)
3-4 cups of sliced vegetables, potato, celery, carrot etc
1 or two onions
1 finger length of ginger, add according to your taste
Lots of cloves of garlic but if you need a number -5
If you have any bones add them in :)
Cayenne is a great flavor to add, use a pinch
Add salt and pepper to taste
I add a can of beer
Start by gently frying the onions until they soften
Add all the rest of the ingredients
Add water
Bring to a boil, then remove lid and simmer for as long as you want, I do it for about 3 hours
Add beer when water has evaporated a bit
For a richer broth I add a tablespoon of butter
You can strain as a broth or add meat and create a soup or stew
Enjoy!
Smoothie
Honey Yogurt Smoothie Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp reishi mushroom powder
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (feel free to experiment)
Honey Yogurt Smoothie Recipe Directions
1In a blender, combine the yogurt, milk, honey, reishi mushroom powder, banana, and frozen berries (if using).
2 Blend until smooth.
3 Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
4 Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Prepare the Ingredients for Your Smoothie
Yogurt: Choose plain, full-fat yogurt for the richest flavor and creaminess.
Milk: You can use any type of milk, such as cow’s milk, almond milk, or oat milk, depending on your preference.
Honey: Choose a high-quality honey, as some brands may contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Reishi Mushroom Powders: These powders can be found at health food stores or online retailers. Follow the instructions on the package for the recommended serving size.
Banana: Choose a ripe banana for the sweetest flavor. If the banana is too ripe, you can freeze it for a thicker smoothie texture.
Frozen Berries: If you’re using frozen berries, choose a mix of your favorite berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The frozen berries will add a sweet, fruity flavor and help thicken the smoothie.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re ready to blend up a delicious and healthy smoothie!
IMPORTANT TO READ
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Wild Foods and Wilderness takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
