Ganoderma (Lingzhi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Culture

Abstract

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shennong Materia Medica) and many other books in early Chinese history began to study, discuss, and report the scientific aspects of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) in respect to its categorization, habitat, bionomics, herbal nature, medication, etc. At the same time, incorrect or unsubstantiated information continues to be weeded out and updated. Shennong Materia Medica have been frequently referred in literature and used for further research and applications. Present chapter reviews the history of modern research on Ganoderma (Lingzhi) since 1950s. Historically, Lingzhi has been viewed as a magic herb as well as an auspicious symbol by the Chinese. It is, therefore, also known as “Ruizhi,” “Shenzhi,” and “Xiancao,” with the meaning of good fortune and mysterious power. Taoism played an important role in promoting Lingzhi for either medical purposes or otherwise. Numerous myths and poems mentioning people’s love, worshipping, and beliefs on Lingzhi can be found in the Chinese literature since ancient times.