Lingzhi Side Effects

Lingzhi, also called reishi or ganoderma is a type of mushroom native to Asia. It has been used in medicine for some 4000 years now. This makes it one of the oldest medicinal herbs in the world. Earlier, its consumption was limited only to people of royal descent, due to its rarity. Today, lingzhi is used to cure a variety of diseases and disorders. It is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicines as well as Japanese medicines. Popularity of lingzhi has now reached western countries as well. However, along with the increasing popularity of this herb, there are also some potential risks of consuming this herb. Before going for the lingzhi side effects it would be interesting to explore the benefits of this herb.

Lingzhi Health Benefits

Lingzhi is mainly used to cure respiratory disorders. It brings about dramatic improvement in patients suffering from asthma and bronchitis. It heals the lungs and soothes them, thereby reversing the effects of prolonged coughing. Lingzhi also improves the condition of liver and protects it from further damage. It reduces the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad) in the body and improves the function of heart. It is also used for reducing the high blood pressure levels, and as a blood thinner. Lingzhi is believed to be a cure for altitude sickness and fatigue. Uses of lingzhi in skin care and beauty are also well-known. It helps to retain and regulate the water content in the skin, thereby keeping it hydrated. It also preserves the elasticity of the skin and leaves it soft and supple. Adding lingzhi to bath water can not only improve the texture of the skin but also keeps bacterial infections at bay.

Lingzhi Side Effects

Lingzhi forms a part of diet in some Asian countries. When consumed in moderation, lingzhi does not induce any side effects. It has been found that lingzhi does not pose any risk to human health when the quantity of lingzhi is limited to 2 to 10 grams a day. If the daily consumption exceeds this prescribed limit, you might suffer from side effects of lingzhi. Lingzhi is often consumed in the form of pills as supplements or as broth or tea. A thinly sliced lingzhi is allowed to boil for 2 hours until its extract enters the water. This broth or tea contains larger concentration of lingzhi than when consumed as food. If you tend to consistently drink such larger concentration of lingzhi, you are bound to suffer from lingzhi side effects.

Among the most common problems faced by lingzhi users, dry throat and nosebleeds are the most notable. These problems surface after consistent consumption of lingzhi for three or more months. Dry and itchy nose which later leads to bleeding is mostly found in people who rely on lingzhi supplements. Bloody stools and upset stomach are some other problems that erupt after prolonged use of lingzhi. When used with hypertension drugs, lingzhi can bring about a steep decline in the blood pressure levels. Also, combining lingzhi with blood thinner medications can cause you to bleed profusely after injury or surgery. This can be quite fatal for the person's health.

People who have known allergies for fungi, mold should not consume lingzhi. It can trigger the allergic response in these people and lead to hives, shortness of breath, swelling of face and chest pain. In certain cases, it may cause epistaxis or nosebleeds. Effects of lingzhi upon fetal development are yet unknown, hence pregnant women should best avoid its consumption. Besides, the effects of lingzhi on liver and kidney function is also still unknown. Hence, people suffering from ailments of these two organs should not consume lingzhi. Also, those suffering from blood clotting disorders should refrain from consuming lingzhi, as it may aggravate the problem.

When you weigh lingzhi side effects against its benefits, lingzhi always emerges as a good and useful herb. However, it is imperative to limit its concentration to get maximum benefits.