Marquee Herbs
Lingzhi (Reishi)
Ling Zhi - 靈芝 - Ganoderma - Chinese Herbs - American Dragon - Dr Joel Penner OMD, LAc
Chinese herbs for insomnia, palpitations, cougha nd wheezing and shortness of breath
Ling Zhi (Lingzhi mushroom) in Chinese Medicine
Everything you need to know about the use of Ling Zhi (Lingzhi mushroom) in Traditional Chinese medicine
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): 18 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom aka Ganoderma Lucidum or Lingzhi is a fungus that has gained acclaim for it's potential health benefits to cancer, sleep, anxiety and more.
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)
In Chinese, the name lingzhi represents a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality, and is regarded as the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. Among cultivated mushrooms, G. lucidum is unique in that its pharmaceutical rather than nutritional value is paramount. A variety of commercial G. lucidum products are available in various forms, such as powders, dietary supplements, and tea. These are produced from different parts of the mushroom, including mycelia, spores, and fruit body. The specific applications and attributed health benefits of lingzhi include control of blood glucose levels, modulation of the immune system, hepatoprotection, bacteriostasis, and more. The various beliefs regarding the health benefits of G. lucidum (Figure 9.2) are based largely on anecdotal evidence, traditional use, and cultural mores. However, recent reports provide scientific support to some of the ancient claims of the health benefits of lingzhi.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects - Dr. Axe
The reishi mushroom is one of the most powerful immune-boosting natural substances around. Here's how it works.
Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom) Benefits – Stress Relief, Immunity
Discover the calming, immune-supporting, and restorative power of Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom). Learn how this time-tested TCM herb supports sleep, stress relief, and long-term vitality—plus how to use it safely and effectively.
A TCM Comparison of Ginsengs - Activeherb Blog
From Ren Shen to San Qi and Eleuthero, discover the best type of ginseng for your unique energy needs according to TCM.
Renshen (Ginseng)
Unwrapping Ginseng: Relaxant or Stimulant
From the TCM perspective regular (panax) ginseng is regarded as the most revered Qi Tonic for overall vitality. It needs to be taken long term for these effects. Whereas in more as-needed doses it acts primarily and a mental clarity booster. These effects are amplified when used in the steamed Korean form, where the root naturally takes on a red hue but also then takes on much more Yang warming features making it great over the winter, but less ideal for those with "heat" signs (irritability, headaches, bloodshot eyes, etc)
North American Ginseng in the other hand, while related, is much more a cooling Qi and Yin tonic more suited to the summer months. It also targets our "Defensive Qi" aka Immunity.
While tonics are less used during the "change of seasons, now might be time for a little boost now that many of us are about to be in recovery mode ;)
As like all my friends know I always have the little red vials on hand, especially in the winter, and while some are definitely better quality than others they are still a great tool when you need more mental clarity (say, long work days, brain fog, hangovers, or studying).
Have any questions? Ask me below! 👇
(And lolll I just typed all this up on a whim and am realizing I've typed it up before in an Instagram post, I'll share it below as well, lol)
The Chinese herbal medicine database
Cistanche in TCM: The Vitality-Boosting Miracle of "Desert Ginseng"
Cistanche, known as Rou Cong Rong in TCM, survives in some of the most inhospitable landscapes. Cistanche’s resilience in nature explains why it’s used to support vitality.