Young Ji Mushroom Tea

Also Known As: Yeong Ji, Yeongji, Lingzhi, linggzhi, Ling zhi, reishi, Yeongji-beoseot-cha, Ganoderma lucidum, hangul, Red reishi, and Reishi mushroom tea, mushroom tea.

Young Ji Mushroom Tea is the common Korean name for the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, and its close relative Ganoderma tsugae.

The Yeongji mushroom is what the Chinese refer to as Lingzhi, or the Japanese call Reishi. All of these names refer to the same mushroom species.

The Ganoderma lucidum, or Yeongji, has been used for over 4,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine.

The Yeongji mushroom grows up to 8 inches or more in diameter in the moist and temperate forested sections of Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States.

It is a large, kidney shaped mushroom with a corky texture and a brown cap with distinctive growth rings that appear in a semicircular pattern. These mushrooms grow in six different colors, with the red mushroom being the most common. The other colors are purple, green, white, yellow, and black.

What is Young Ji Mushroom Tea? This tea is made from the fresh or dried Ganoderma lucidum species of mushroom. The mushrooms are thinly sliced or pulverized.

Young Ji Mushroom Tea Preparation:

Due to its bitter taste, Young Ji Mushroom Tea is usually prepared as a hot water extract.

  • Add 5 grams or 1 tsp. of thinly sliced or pulverized Yeongji mushroom to 4 or 5 cups of boiling water. The mushroom can be fresh or dried.
  • Simmer, cover and continue to simmer for two hours.
  • Strain, removing the mushroom pieces, and cool.
  • Add honey, fruit juice or even green tea to help the taste.
  • It will store in the refrigerator for a few days and keep its potency.

Home Remedies Using Young Ji Mushroom Tea:

Benefits of Young Ji Mushroom Tea:

Historically the Yeongji mushroom was classified into six categories according to their shapes and colors, each color was said to nourish a different part of the body.

  • Red-heart
  • Purple-joints
  • Green-liver
  • White-lungs and skin
  • Yellow-spleen
  • Black-kidneys and brain

Young Ji Mushroom Tea was believed to contribute to a long life.

Today, Young ji tea is still used as a general tonic believed to promote vitality, balance blood pressure, clean the blood, stimulate liver action, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and fight the effects of aging and stress.

The antioxidant properties of the mushroom fight against free radicals and protect against the effects of radiation. Young ji tea is used by cancer patients to reinforce the membrane of cancerous cells and impede the spread of these cells.

This tea has anti-inflammatory abilities that can combat problems that are associated with inflammation, like pain, swelling and arthritis.

Young ji helps relax skeletal muscles, calm the central nervous system, and fight against the effects of caffeine and other stimulants.

It is believed that Yeongji Tea may increase the production of interferon which are anti-viral agents, stimulating the immune system and helping to fight against infections and tumors.

Side Effects of Young ji Tea:

Young ji tea is generally considered safe as the mushroom has been used as food for thousands of years.

Rare side effects from Young ji tea include dizziness, dry mouth, upset stomach, nose bleed, sore bones, gastrointestinal distress or irritated skin.

Please consult with a doctor before starting any herbal remedy.