Reishi is the oldest known and most widely celebrated mushroom in the world. Because it is a parasitic fungus that targets deciduous trees (with a preference for maple), it must be cultivated on prepared logs or beds of layered wood chips.
Also known as lingzhi, King of Herbs, Mushroom of Immortality and Elixir of Life, reishi has a long history of use in Asia that spans thousands of years. It is said that reishi acts positively on the life force or Qi of the heart. In China, reishi so strongly represents vibrant health and longevity that it is frequently depicted in artwork, and is referred to as “Ganoderma motif.” In addition to paintings, woodblocks and garden designs, this motif can be seen through imperial artifacts and structures, such as the Forbidden City dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
