Eastern Hemlock Mushroom Saturated with Antioxidants
A 1999 research paper reported Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) to have "the strongest antioxidant activity of five species of Ganoderma [Reishi] tested," a more potent free radical scavenger than Vitamin E. [831] Other published papers have also reported extraordinary antioxidant levels in Hemlock Varnish Shelf. [827, 828, 829, 830]
The fungus Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian mountain range. It is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) in the eastern United States.
Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.
The primary Asian source of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is commercially grown specimens from Taiwan that are exported to mainland China as medicinal mushrooms. The traditional use of Ganoderma tsugae in Chinese medicine is for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, asthma and other conditions involving inflammation.
As far as modern research goes, a 2001 study reported "improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] when patients were given Ganoderma tsugae extract in addition to the conventional treatment.
In cases of asthma or lung inflammation, there have been three studies confirming the effectiveness of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It's been found to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in cases of allergic asthma and broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
A unique and increasingly popular use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is as a form of skin substitute to aid in wound healing. Sold under the name of Sacchachitin, this Ganoderma tsugae-derived skin substitute has been shown in many studies to help speed up skin healing. It's been reported that "rapid wound healing" occurs when the injured area is covered by Sacchachitin as compared to gauze. [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," states one paper. [805, 806, 807]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract has also been tested for its antitumor properties with promising results. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] In particular lung cancer [813, 814, 815] and breast cancer [816] have responded favorably in scientific research. It was also shown in one study to help prevent cancer metastasis. [817]
As with the Common Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract appears to be immunomodulatory [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] - meaning that it will adjust the immune system up or down depending on what is needed. It helps strengthen a weak immune system, [824] but will calm an over-active immune system in cases of inflammation [825] or autoimmune conditions.
Finally, a paper published in 2004 reported that Hemlock Varnish Shelf also possessed anti-fibrotic as well as liver protective properties. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
The fungus Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian mountain range. It is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) in the eastern United States.
Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.
The primary Asian source of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is commercially grown specimens from Taiwan that are exported to mainland China as medicinal mushrooms. The traditional use of Ganoderma tsugae in Chinese medicine is for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, asthma and other conditions involving inflammation.
As far as modern research goes, a 2001 study reported "improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] when patients were given Ganoderma tsugae extract in addition to the conventional treatment.
In cases of asthma or lung inflammation, there have been three studies confirming the effectiveness of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It's been found to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in cases of allergic asthma and broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
A unique and increasingly popular use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is as a form of skin substitute to aid in wound healing. Sold under the name of Sacchachitin, this Ganoderma tsugae-derived skin substitute has been shown in many studies to help speed up skin healing. It's been reported that "rapid wound healing" occurs when the injured area is covered by Sacchachitin as compared to gauze. [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," states one paper. [805, 806, 807]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract has also been tested for its antitumor properties with promising results. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] In particular lung cancer [813, 814, 815] and breast cancer [816] have responded favorably in scientific research. It was also shown in one study to help prevent cancer metastasis. [817]
As with the Common Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract appears to be immunomodulatory [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] - meaning that it will adjust the immune system up or down depending on what is needed. It helps strengthen a weak immune system, [824] but will calm an over-active immune system in cases of inflammation [825] or autoimmune conditions.
Finally, a paper published in 2004 reported that Hemlock Varnish Shelf also possessed anti-fibrotic as well as liver protective properties. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, working specifically with the extracts from Paul Stamets, including synergistic reishi blends such as G5 (Ganoderma Five) and CordyChi Extract. For research references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma tsugae research page.
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