The Beginning of Spring has passed, and the Walking of Insects is imminent. The yang energy is just beginning to emerge, and all living things are sprouting new buds. According to On Six-Period and Visceral Manifestation of Plain Questions, the liver corresponds to the lesser yang within the yang category and is closely connected to the spring energy.
In spring, liver function is vigorous, and liver qi ascends. This poses an increased challenge to the liver. Dr. Zhang Haiou, a physician in spleen and stomach diseases at the Second People’s Hospital of Fujian Province, discussed liver care during spring in a live broadcast on “Shared Great Doctors.” Spring is a season of heightened metabolic activity in the human body. Individuals with a tendency toward depression are particularly prone to liver qi stagnation, characterized by a pale yellow complexion, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. If liver qi stagnation persists, it can lead to excessive liver fire, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth and loose stool. Further progression may lead to dizziness, hypertension, and even stroke. Therefore, liver regulation and nourishment are especially crucial during spring.
The ancient Chinese medical scholars recognized the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on the liver more than 5000 years ago. The classic text Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica) documents that Ganoderma lucidum can “supplement liver qi and calm the spirit,” hence the saying that Ganoderma lucidum is beneficial for liver health. During spring, nurturing the liver is particularly important, and incorporating Ganoderma lucidum into your diet is a wise choice.
Ganoderma lucidum is more effective in tonifying liver qi than typical Chinese herbal medicine.
As the only superior medicinal herb among thousands of Chinese herbs that can enter all five meridians and tonify the qi of the five viscera, Ganoderma lucidum possesses extremely high nutritional and medicinal value.
Ganoderma lucidum contains abundant amino acids, proteins, as well as polysaccharides and triterpenes. It not only has hepatoprotective effects but also serves to dispel pathogenic factors. Ganoderma lucidum is indeed the preferred choice for tonifying liver qi among Chinese herbal medicines. Compared to other hepatoprotective herbs, the mild nature of Ganoderma lucidum possesses additional advantages.
“The therapeutic effect of Ganoderma lucidum in treating viral hepatitis surpasses that of typical Chinese herbal medicine. A clinical report published by Jiangyin People’s Hospital, Jiangsu Province, highlights that oral administration of Ganoderma lucidum capsules at a daily dose of 9 grams for 1 to 2 months yields better results in treating hepatitis B than the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, Xiao Chaihu Tang decoction. Whether it’s the patient’s self-perceived symptoms, relevant indices, or the viral load within the body, the Ganoderma group shows significant improvement.” (Excerpt from Lingzhi From Mystery to Science, compiled by Lin Zhibin, First Edition, pp. 143-144) .
Why is Ganoderma lucidum effective against hepatitis? Ganoderma lucidum triterpenes and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides play an important role.
“Overall, Ganoderma lucidum triterpenes and polysaccharides play a protective role in safeguarding the liver. They achieve this by antioxidant action, improving hepatitis symptoms, inhibiting liver fibrosis, promoting hepatocyte regeneration, reducing hepatic fat accumulation, and enhancing liver detoxification. This comprehensive support helps preserve the organ.” (Excerpt from Healing with Ganoderma, compiled by Wu Tingyao, pp. 142-143)
On the days of spring, it is suitable to enjoy a cup of seasonal and rejuvenating flower tea, especially when combined with Ganoderma lucidum. This combination has the added benefit of cleansing the liver and enhancing complexion.
Ganoderma Lucidum Chrysanthemum Goji Berries Tea
Ingredients: Organic Ganoderma lucidum slices (10g), green tea (3g), Chrysanthemum (quantity as desired), wolfberries (quantity as desired).
Method: Place Ganoderma lucidum slices, green tea, Chrysanthemum, and goji berries in a cup, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, decoct, and consume.
Medicinal Notes: This tea has a bitter-sweet flavor, refreshing and invigorating properties. It can help course the liver, brighten the eyes, and alleviate fatigue.
Ganoderma lucidum Kuding tea
Ingredients: Organic Ganoderma lucidum slices (10g), Kuding tea leaves (6g).
Method: Place Ganoderma lucidum slices and Kuding tea leaves in a cup, add boiling water, decoct, and consume.
Medicinal Notes: Both Ganoderma lucidum and Kuding tea leaves have properties that can help lower elevated blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol levels, and alleviate symptoms such as headaches and red eyes. This tea is suitable for individuals with these conditions.
