For over 2000 years, the Chinese have given Ganoderma, or what they call Lingzhi, the highest ranking in Traditional Medical Theory. Lingzhi is the Chinese name for Ganoderma Lucidum. It means the “Spiritual Herb that Energizes the Chi or Life force.”
Ganoderma Lucidum, seems to be one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to man. According to the survey the annals of history, references to Ganoderma Lucidum in the classical Chinese texts go back to the era before the birth of Christ. It is learned that discovery of Ganoderma Lucidum was the result of the efforts of Chinese emperors to achieve longevity of youth through herbal medicines. The first Chinese Emperor Chin Shi Huang Ti even called it the “Herb of Deathlessness“.
The Emperors of the ancient period respected the mushroom so much that they have given it names like “The Elixir of Immortality“, “Herb of Spiritual Potency” and “Soup of the Emperor with a Thousand Mistresses“.
Ganoderma Lucidum has been mentioned as one of the secrets behind the long life and health of Peng Zu , a legendary figure who lived nearly 900 years in the times of the Shang Dynasty (16th century-11th century B.C.) and married around 100 women.
During the reign of Emperor Han Wu Di (156-87 BC), one of the greatest emperors of China, this herb were found growing all over the palace, an emblem of the prosperous China of that period. Officials attributed this unusual sights to the merits and virtues of the Emperor. It is said that he had touched Heaven and Earth to grant the growth of this auspicious herb in the palace grounds.
In fact, it did not exist in China as medicine only but also as symbol of prosperity, immortality and energy carved on various parts of the imperial palaces.
Mushroom of Immortality
After Emperor Han Wu Di, Taoism renewed the legend of Lingzhi. Taoism focused more on life and promotes immortality. Taoist believed that with practice and frequent consumption of this herb, one would attain immortality. Ganoderma held a significant position among the many herbs taken by the Taoism followers.
And as it’s also known as celestial herb, it became a symbol of immortality. However it was rare and difficult to find.
“Mushroom of Immortality” may not be a literally accurate nickname since nobody has ever been known to live forever. But Ganoderma extract has for a fact been revered and utilized for its healing and life-extending properties since before the birth of Christ.
Ganoderma 