Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as reishi, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over two millennia. In TCM, lingzhi is regarded as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress and restore balance. Historical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) describe lingzhi as a tonic for enhancing vitality, calming the mind, and improving sleep — all effects associated with stress reduction. The mushroom was traditionally consumed as a decoction or tea to promote "shen" (spirit) tranquility, which correlates with reducing anxiety and stress symptoms in TCM terms.

Modern scientific studies are limited and provide only preliminary evidence for lingzhi’s efficacy in managing stress. Some animal studies suggest that lingzhi extracts may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, modulating stress hormone levels and exhibiting mild anxiolytic effects. However, high-quality human clinical trials specifically evaluating lingzhi for stress reduction are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. Thus, while lingzhi is widely used in various cultures to support stress resilience, its use for this purpose is best characterized as traditionally justified, with only weak scientific support so far. Anyone interested in using lingzhi for stress should consult a healthcare professional, particularly due to possible interactions with medications.

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