Tao Hong-Jing

High above the misty mountains of ancient China evolved another root of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Taoists’ search for the elusive Elixir of Life leads them to use different kinds of plants, animals and minerals. One of the more famous herbs among the Taoist scholars is Ganoderma lucidum. It is believed that by taking Ganoderma, one would never grow old or die. Shenzhi (heavenly herb) and Xiancao (magic grass) are some of the names Ganoderma were called to honor its magical powers. Although their search for their answer to human immortality ended in vain, their meticulous experiments on plants prove to be invaluable contribution of Taoism to modern TCM.

Tao Hong-Jing (456-536)

Ganoderma toxicity issue was also tackled by Tao Hong-Jing. He is a legendary medicinal and religious researcher of the Southern Dynasty. His fascination to Ganoderma made him one of the earliest collectors of the ancient Ganoderma literature. He noted that no adverse effect was reported in eating of Ganoderma. The consumption of the Ganoderma is likened to just eating of vegetable in terms of the toxicity concerns. “One may eat Ganoderma without apprehension to its dosage. The contribution of Tao Hong-Jing in the Traditional Chinese Medicine through the application of Ganoderma and other medicinal herbs in treating people in ancient times sculpted his stature as one of the Four Saints in medicine.

Picture: Tao Hongjin (456-536)

Picture: “Four Saints Garden” four white marble sculpture of ancient medical saints with Ganoderma lucidum in the center background. (Ge Hong, Sun Simiao, Li Shizhen, Tao Hongjing) in Alpha Bio-Tech Park, Nantong City China

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its roots to Chinese Culture, please read Ganoderma lucidum biophysical and chemical/pharmacological composition.