Ganoderma Tsugae in New Hampshire

I stumbled across from Ganoderma tsugae while hiking in New Hampshire earlier this week. Hemlock Varnish Shelf or Hemlock Reishi, the fungi’s common name, can be found on hemlock trees or stumps. They’re know for their varnished red/orange appearance, with white or pale pores that become darker when bruised. The Hemlock Reishi is saprophytic which means it lives on dying or dead host trees; however, it’s also parasitic because it can grow on living trees, eventually killing them.

Ganoderma lucidum is close to G. tsugae and otherwise known as Reishi. Reishi or Lingzhi can be found on hardwood trees and is a sought after medicinal mushroom for high antioxidant properties, potent prebiotic polysaccharides healing the gut, and to support immune system function and overall wellbeing. In Chinese, Lingzhi means, “herb of spiritual potency.”

To make medicine out of the foraged G. tsugae I found, I sliced the fungus with a sharp knife and placed the slices in a dehydrator. To make tea, I will simply simmer (not boil!) the dried sliced Hemlock Reishi in water.

To make a powder, blend the pieces in a food processor, blender or coffee grinder until a you’ve achieved powder.

What are some of the ways Ganodem tsugae or Ganoderma lucidum have helped you?