RED MUSHROOM |RATO CHYAU:रातो च्याउ |

 Scientific Name: Ganoderma lucidum

Common Name: Red Mushroom, Raato chyau

Family: Ganodermataceae

Altitude:2500-3500m east to west Nepal

Season: May - July

Parts Used: Whole thallus

Description:

Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is a polypore mushroom with natural medicinal properties. It is reddish laccate species of mushroom growing in dead and decayed woods sometimes described as tough and woody with a bitter taste. It has a very limited distribution in Europe and China and surrounding. It has a stipe which is tawny to russet colored and it is 1.5 times the diameter of the cap. The above-ground part and portions of the below-ground parts are used as medicine. Red mushroom is used for cancer, boosting the immune system to prevent or treat infections, and for many other reasons, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine since a long ago.

Uses:

Red mushroom is a popular fungus in Eastern traditional medicine. It is said to have great effects is stimulating the immune system and reducing the stress level. It contains some chemicals that are supposed to have activity against tumors. Some of its purported benefits are mentioned below:

Red Mushroom

• It is said that Ganoderma boosts the immune system (1*)
• Studies have shown, Red mushroom improves the lymphocyte function (2*)
• Researches have proved that it has anticancer properties and can lead to the death of cancerous cells. (3*)(4*)
• It can fight fatigue and depression (5*)(6*)
• Preliminary researches have shown that it has the signs to decrees blood sugar level (7*)

Side Effects:

Despite its benefits and popularity, the use of Red mushroom is questioned due its side effects such as dryness of mouth, throat, nasal area etc. It is possibly unsafe when consumed in powdered form by mouth. Some of its side effects are:

• Dryness of mouth, throat and nasal area
• Itchiness and rashes
• Diarrhea, dizziness
• Headache

Warnings:

Ganoderma

There are no evidences and proved facts on consumption of red mushroom. Due to insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness, prevention should be taken during certain conditions. They are mentioned below(source: Mediline, RxList):

• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Alzheimer's Disease 
• Bleeding disorder
• Low blood pressure
• Surgery 

Red mushroom is of great medicinal values, It should be used to improve human health without neglecting its side effects.