Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi in China, Ganoderma in Japan, and Yeongji in Korea, have a long history of use in traditional medicine in these countries. Here’s a brief overview of the history of reishi mushrooms in China, Japan, and Korea:
China
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, they were believed to have magical properties and were used to promote longevity and improve health. The first recorded use of reishi mushrooms was in the Shennong Bencao Jing, a Chinese medical text from the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
During the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 CE), reishi mushrooms were highly valued by the imperial court and were known as the “elixir of life.” They were often depicted in art and poetry, and were believed to promote a long and healthy life. Reishi mushrooms continued to be used in traditional Chinese medicine throughout the centuries and were included in the official Chinese Pharmacopoeia in 1977.
Japan
Reishi mushrooms were introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century CE, during the Nara period. They were initially used by Buddhist monks for their calming properties, and were later adopted by the imperial court and samurai warriors for their health benefits.
During the Edo period (1603 – 1868), reishi mushrooms were used as a tonic to support the immune system and promote longevity. They were also used to treat a wide range of ailments, including liver disease, asthma, and cancer. In modern times, reishi mushrooms are still widely used in Japan and are included in many health supplements and products.
Korea
Reishi mushrooms have been used in Korea for over 1,500 years. They were first introduced during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE) and were used by Buddhist monks as a meditation aid. They were later adopted by the royal court and were used to promote longevity and improve health.
During the Joseon dynasty (1392 – 1910), reishi mushrooms were included in the Dongui Bogam, a comprehensive medical text that is still used in Korea today. They were used to treat a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, coughs, and insomnia. Reishi mushrooms continue to be used in traditional Korean medicine and are also included in many modern health products.
In summary, reishi mushrooms have a long and rich history of use in traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. They have been valued for their health benefits and have been used to promote longevity, support the immune system, and treat a wide range of ailments.