One of the best patronized organic plant by Asians is an encouraging story that the world must know. The story is told of an organic product that has unravel huge health related problems that has affected many people for ages.The product according to Health Habits Global, has existed over the past 4000 years and patrons have shared wonderful testimonies about this organic health plant called Ganoderma. Ganoderma is a polypore mushroom that grow on wood.
Ganoderma lucidum, is an oriental fungus that has a long history of use for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. In China, Ganoderma lucidum is called lingzhi, whereas in Japan the name for the Ganodermataceae family is reishi or mannen.
The product has made entry into some Africa countries. For example, Healthy Habits Global, H.H.G (a company with the vision of taking the everyday unhealthy habits such as drinking coffee and turning them into healthy habits) now has one of its first branches in Ghana. At this point I hope to spare you with the background of this product though very important and take you on a tour to know the science behind Ganoderma’s health-enhancing effects.
Let’s begin with cancer. It“is a worldwide leading cause of death, and despite comprehensive advances in the early diagnosis of the disease and chemotherapy, it remains a major clinical challenge.
Ganoderma is shown to be the most effective in killing cancer cells and Ganoderma luciduminduced cell-cycle arrest such as; prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervix uteri tumor, ovarian cancer, leukemia HL-60, low-grade bladder cancer etc.
Ganoderma also helps balance blood sugar and pancreatic functions Helps protect against skin cell degeneration, Helps eliminate toxins from the body , Helps increase metabolism , Helps improve sexual functions , Helps increase brain power and clarity , Helps strengthens the immune system, Helps reduce fatigue and improve sleep, Helps balance cholesterol, Help improve the digestive system, Helps support the regulation of blood pressure, Helps provide energy and vigour, Helps rejuvenate and oxygenate the body etc…
Antioxidant Benefits
Several small studies have suggested that regular use of Ganoderma supplements may increase your levels of antioxidants, compounds thought to protect against disease and aging.
Relief of Urinary Tract Symptoms
In a 2008 study of 88 men with urinary tract symptoms, researchers found that Ganoderma was significantly superior to placebo in providing symptom relief.
Other Common Uses
Acne (skin condition: disease of the oil-secreting glands of that often affects adolescents producing eruptions on the face, neck and shoulders that leave pitted scars. Allergies, Adrenal Fatigue, Arthritis(painful joint condition: a medical condition affect a joint or joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling), Candida(fungus that cause yeast infection: especially in the mouth and the vagina), Common Cold, Herpes(viral skin disease: a viral infection causing small painful blisters and inflammation most commonly at the junction of the skin and mucous membrane in the mouth or nose or in the genitals), Hair Loss, Lyme Disease, Ulcerative Colitis (Ulcers in the bowel; inflammation of the walls of the bowels accompanied by the formation of ulcers), Uterine Fibroids(of the uterus that affects the womb), Vitiligo (a skin disorder in which white patches affect appear on the skin), Weight Loss
Ganoderma is available in capsules and liquid extracts, both of which can be found at health food stores. Ganoderma coffee is also available. You can also take ganoderma in the form of tea or coffee , but beware that the flavor may be bitter. Apart from its capsules and liquid extracts, the product is use to produce toothpaste, soap, fuel enhancer etc.
Potential side effects of Ganoderma extracts
It is a fact that, some people experience dry nose, dry throat, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea) if and when they take Ganoderma. Since the mushroom might interact with certain medications (such as anticoagulants and some chemotherapeutic agents), it’s important to tell your physician if you’re currently taking or considering the use of Ganoderma. But in mind that these side effects may differ from person to person due to differences in immune system and how our body react to certain medication.
As with any supplements, Ganoderma hasn’t been tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications.
However, testimonies shared has shown that some people do not experience any side effects at all.
It is important you always speak with your primary care provider, before using supplements or alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen. Self-treating with alternative medicine and avoiding or delaying standard care may be harmful for your health.
Author : Francisca Tsogbe
credits: Samuel .M. Nii Ayii Aryee, Roseline .N.K Bonaparte, Fiifi Adawu,Priscilla Sittie , Orraca Tetteh, Gloria Kafui Agbomadzi, Regina .N. Akua Asae, Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori, Sussan Akanpong.
Credit: medicinenet.com, healthyhabitsglobal.com, organgold.com