Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Ingredient Name: Red Lingzhi, Lingzhi, Lucid Ganoderma

Traditional Chinese Name: 靈芝 (Língzhī)

What is this?

• A type of mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) that is harvested and dried
• Commonly found in Asia and known as a medicinal mushroom in Chinese medicine
• Mushroom has a kidney shaped cap that is spongy and soft to the feel when fresh and has different varieties have different colors (Red/brown, purple, green, white, yellow, black)
• Each different type of color affects a certain part of the body
• Naturally bitter in taste
• It is also used in western medicine in health supplements that aid in anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue

How do I prepare it?

• For soups, soak and wash in warm water before usage
• Since it is a relatively bitter component, do not use too much in soups (4-5 slices are sufficient)

Where can I buy this?

Available in most herbalist and specialist stores (dried sliced or whole mushrooms)
Not common in supermarkets (even Asian ones)

What is the cost?

• Price range varies for different colours and species
• Can be affordable or very expensive

Any benefits?

The red type used is beneficial to the lungs (cough, asthma, shortness of breath) and heart
Improve liver health and lower bad cholesterol
Considered an effective anti-oxidant and anti-cancer
There are numerous articles and reading all over the web regarding the benefits of lingzi

Any precautions?

• Take caution when purchasing and be sure you’re buying from a reputable source (there are many fakes on the market)
• I would limit exposure to children below 2 years to a minimum as lingzhi can be a potent ingredient when taken in great amounts and there are no known effects to children (either good or bad)

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi_mushroom