Power of Reishi

Reishi is a basidiomycete, lamellaless fungus belonging to the family of polyporaceae. In nature, it grows in densely wooded mountain of high humidity and dim lighting. It is rarely found 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 reishi growth, therefore it is very scarce indeed. The spores of 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 reishi, it had to be kept a secret even from one’s closest relative and there was big celebration upon fruitful return. The herballous history of reishi had long been documented in the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia written in about the first or second century B.C. In it 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 reishi cultivation feasible for commercial productions.In 1972, the cultivation of reishi became successful and as a result, what was once only attainable by the privileged is now readily make available to everyone. A number of countries are now conducting sophisticated research in reishi hoping to further the practice and science of medicine. The booklet reports the result of such research.

In ancient time, 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 book, which are known in Japan as “Shinnoh Honsohkyo”, is now accepted as being the original textbook of Oriental medical science. In it, 365 kinds of medicines are classified and explained. The medicines are basically classified into 3 categories: 120 of them are declared to be “superior” medicines, another 120 are classified as “average” medicines, and the remaining 125 are placed in the “fair” category. The “superior” medicines are called “God’s Herbs” and they are for perpetual youth and longevity – the medicines of the legendary wizards. The “average” category medicines are those which can be taken as a tonic, and those in the “fair” category are taken to remedy specific ailments. One must be careful about the volume taken of the “average” and “fair” category medicines, and should never take them continuously. However, the book states that for “superior” medicines, any amount can be taken as desired on a continuous basis with no unfavorable effects. Of the superior medicines listed in the text, reishi was rated number one. You can see how important and powerful 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, reishi was said to be a medicine that would grant you eternal youth and longevity.

As mentioned before, reishi was recognized as a superior herbs in the old days but was rare. Because of its rarity, extensive research and the wide use of reishi is prohibited. With the success of reishi cultivation, the world rejoiced over the abundant use of reishi in research and consumption. Reishi cultivation as developed by the Japanese is cultured by grafting the reishi fungi onto aged dried wood of Japanese oak, then grown in greenhouses under strictly controlled conditions. Recently, the use of the “plum tree dust” in culture bottles is tested but further experiments are needed for better balance development between the cap and stalk of the reishi.

There are many varieties of reishi :

• Akashiba ( red reishi )
• Kuroshiba ( black reishi )
• Aoshiba ( blue reishi )
• Shiroshiba ( white reishi )
• Kishiba ( yellow reishi )
• Murasakishiba ( purple reishi )
  
  Each had been classified in the “Shinnoh Honshokyo” and in the catalogue of herbs written in the Ming Dynasty about the first or second century BC. The Akashiba ( red reishi ) is the one undergoing cultivation.

• Cut up the dried reishi into small pieces with a garden cutter. The smaller the better. For a person daily usage of 3 – 5 gms, add 3 bowls of water ( 600 c.c.) and boil for 30 minutes using low heat. ( Note: Should only use clay pots or glassware, avoid the use of metallic containers.)
• The boiled reishi can be used again until the bitter taste is gone. Usually, it is good for 2 – 3 times of boiling.
• You can prepare 2 – 3 days portions at one time and keep in the refrigerator for daily use. Re-heat is best before use.
• It is best to drink before each meal. For people with gastro-intestional concerns, have the brew after each meal.
• If you dislike the bitter taste of the brew, add pure honey or glucose. (Avoid the use of refined sugar.)
• You can also mix reishi pieces with brandy or Chinese wine. Store for 3 – 4 months before use.
• Used reishi pieces can be used as fertilizers for house plants.
• Raw reishi should be stored in a dry place, but never in the refrigerator.

Ingredients :

10 grams of sliced reishi pieces ;
6 whole frozen or fresh quails ;
70 grams of dry scallops ;
100 grams of lean pork ;
1.5 litre of hot water ;
salt and pepper ;
cooking wine.

A. Soak the sliced reishi pieces in 1.5 litre of water for 4 hours.

B. Remove the quails from boiling water after 5 seconds and put in Chinese steam pot. Pour in the 1.5 litre of water together with the reishi pieces. Add dry scallops, pork lean meat and add adash of cooking wine.

C. Steam boil for 3 hours.

D. Before use, season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.

Note: You can put in dried long-gang meat or dry red dates to sweeten the soup. You can also substitute 2 frozen whole pigeons, a whole chicken or half a turtle instead of the 6 quails for the above recipe.

Reishi is best used as a preventative measure for health.

In addition to a daily consumption of Reishi, we would like to remind our readers that you should pay special attention to the following:

• Refrain from using refined sugar. Substitute with pure honey, glucose or fruit sugar instead.
• Avoid processed foods – canned food, instant noodles, soda pop etc.
• Eat all types of natural foods to maintain your nutritional balance.
• Include all types of vegetables in your diet, especially those with stalks and roots.
• Drink more water to provide excretion ease . This will enhance your metabolism functions and rid your body of poisonous toxins.
• Exercise will definitely help but not rigorous exercise that you cannot handle.
• Avoid stress. Be mentally relaxed and keep an open mind on all matters.

At the present, the recommended daily usage of reishi tea is the boiling of 3 – 5 gm of the dried reishi. One can increase to 10 or 20 gm per day since there is no harm in abundant intake of reishi as it is the ‘king herb’ and an ‘adaptogen’.

There are also reishi essence products by hot-waterextraction method in the market place for sale that comes in tablets, pill or granular form. My final advise is to buy the products from reliable manufacturers.

Best of health to you all.