History

In ancient time, Lingzhi (Reishi) in medicine was considered so auspicious that its medical efficacy has been attested to in the oldest Chinese medical text (presumed to be over 2,000 years old). The books, which are known in Japan as "Shinnoh Honsohkyo", are now accepted as being the original textbook of Oriental medical science. In it, 365 kinds of medicines are classified and explained. Of the superior medicines (highest rating) listed in the text, Lingzhi (Reishi) was rated number one. You can see how important and powerful Lingzhi (Reishi) was considered in ancient times. It achieved its ranking in the Chinese text not because of its symbolic importance as a good omen but because of its medicinal properties. Centuries ago, Lingzhi (Reishi) was said to be a medicine that would grant you eternal youth and longevity. But after 2,000 years, Lingzhi (Reishi) has jumped into the spotlight as a specific medicine for cancer. Lingzhi (Reishi) is a basidiomycete, lamellaless fungus (mushroom) belonging to the family of polyporaceae. In nature, it grows in densely wooded mountain of high humidity and dim lighting. It is rarely found in nature since it flourishes mainly on the dried trunks of dead plum, guercus serrata or pasonia trees. Out of 10,000 such aged trees, perhaps 2 or 3 will have Lingzhi (Reishi) growth; therefore it is very scarce indeed. The spores of Lingzhi (Reishi) have such tough outer husks that germination is next to impossible and this accounts for its rarity. It was said that in the old days when one discovered Lingzhi (Reishi), it had to be kept a secret even from one's closest relative and there was big celebration upon fruitful return. The herbaceous history of Lingzhi (Reishi) had long been documented in the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia written in about the first or second century B.C. In it Lingzhi (Reishi) had been recorded as having the most extensive and effective healing powers. It is because of this recognition that there is diligent research for methods of Lingzhi (Reishi) cultivation feasible for commercial productions. Circa 1972, the cultivation of Lingzhi (Reishi) became successful in natural farming environments. As a result, what was once only attainable by the privileged, powerful and super wealthy is now available to everyone. A number of countries are now conducting sophisticated research in Lingzhi (Reishi) hoping to further its practice in science and medicine.