Shen Nong ‘s Herbal Classic

China has a rich and long history. Ganoderma lucidum has long been part of this history having been recognized for its medicinal purposes and is used since the reign of Emperor Yan. Many records substantiate this as Ganoderma have been focused of many discussions and praise in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its medicinal properties had been subjected to thousand of years of use and were validated by large amount of testimonies, studies and publications.

Shen Nong ‘s Herbal Classic  (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, 110 B.C.)

Four thousand years ago, there was a legend wherein the God of Agriculture Shen Nong (Shen means god, nong means agriculture) devoted himself to improve and develop the field of agriculture. He tasted and tried hundreds of herbs to find out its therapeutic effects as well as to know its potential and actual toxicity to its user.

Picture: “Shen Nong Harvest Lingzhi”. A Liao dynasty painting on the wall of a wooden pagoda in Shnaxi believed to be Shen Nong walked in a rocky mountain, holding a Ganoderma in his right hand.

Early scientist, physicians and pharmacists during the Warring States Period of the Qin and the Hand Dynasties searched and collected pharmaceutical materials and finally published the Materia Medica around 1800 years ago giving it’s name the Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, crediting the god for his works.

In this text, earliest mention of Ganoderma lucidum as a medicinal herb surfaced. They listed a total of 365 medicinal materials and they classify it according the medicinal and toxicological effect in human. Ancient Chinese medical practitioners practically tested most of these herbs through themselves and constant practice with their patients following the legend of the God of Agriculture who tasted hundreds of herbs every day, encountering at least 70 poisonous ones.

This classification was divided into 3 main groups, the superior, average and fair. Herbs with no known toxic effect to human were rated superior and Ganoderma was rated among the top in this category.

Picture: Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic. An important ancient pharmacological text .

Furthermore, Ganoderma is further categorized according to their colors; red, black, blue, white, yellow and purple.

a. Heizhi (or Xuanzhi) black Lingzhi

Heizi was described to have salty and mild taste. Its cap is dull, dark brown. It is considered as nontoxic and medicinal uses for this herb are treatment of renal problems and increasing awareness.

Modern mycologists disregard it as Ganoderma lucidum and consider it as either Amauroderma rugosum or Polyporus melano pus.

b. Qingzhi (or Longzhi) blue Lingzhi

Quinzi was described to have acidic and mild taste. It is considered as nontoxic and is used to improve eyesight and liver functions. It is also used to sooth nerves and serves as pacifier.
This fungus was later reclassified as Coriolus versicolor based on its description.

c. Baizhi (or Yuzhi) white Lingzhi

Quinzi was described to have pungent and mild taste. It is considered as nontoxic and is used to cure coughs and ailments of the lungs as well as to strengthen will and boost courage.
Newer classification of Yuzhi is it is more similar to the fungus Fomitopsis officinalis rather than Ganoderma lucidum.

d. Huangzhi (Jinzhi) yellow Lingzhi

Huangzhi was described to have sweet and mild taste. It is considered as nontoxic and is used to rid of heart, spleen and stomach illnesses. It is also traditionally used to soothe spirits.
Modern mycologists are torn between Laetiporus sulphureus or Tyromyces sulphureus as its new classification.

e. Zizhi (or Muzhi) purple Lingzhi

Zizhi was described to have sweet and warm taste. It is considered as nontoxic and is used to help problems with hearing. It is also used to alleviate problems regarding arthritis and is believed to promote good complexion.
This lingzhi is currently associated with the Ganoderma sinensi.

f. Cizhi (or Danzhi) red Lingzhi

Cizhi was described to have bitter and mild taste. It is considered as nontoxic and is traditionally used to relieve chest pain and congestion as well as improves memory. This herb also aids in the overall functioning of the internal organs and is said to increase vitality.

Basing its description in the Materia Medica, cizhi gained the distinction of being the true lingzhi or Ganoderma lucidum among the group.

Ganoderma colors were then attributed to their growing areas. The red were thought to be harvested in Mt. Huo, black lingzhi were supposedly gathered from Mt. Heng, the blue Ganoderma were believed to be from Mt. Tai, the white on the other hand were assumed to be collected in Mt. Hua and yellow were presumed to be found in Mt. Song.

Summarizing the Shen Nong Materia Medica findings for the medicinal effects of Ganoderma are as follows:

1. Nerve soothing
2. Soul calming
3. Brain nourishing
4. Memory improving
5. Treatment for neurasthenia
6. Treatment for Insomnia
7. Energize body
8. Retard Ageing                                                  Picture: Shen Nong Materia Medica

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its roots to Chinese Culture, please read Scholars Discussing Medicines (Zhou Dynasty, 1112-221B.C.)