Ganoderma lucidum, an oriental fungus, has a long history (traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years) of use for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. The Latin word lucidus means “shiny” or “brilliant” and refers to the varnished appearance of the surface of the mushroom.

In China, G. lucidum is called lingzhi, whereas in Japan the name for the Ganodermataceae family is reishi or mannentake. In Chinese, the name lingzhi represents a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality, and is regarded as the ’King of Herbs”, “Miracle Herb”, “Herb of spiritual potency”, symbolizing success, well-being, divine power and longevity.