Native to Asia, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, this oriental fungus is also recognised by its Chinese name, Lingzhi, or more commonly referred to by its Japanese name, Reishi.

Its botanical nameLucidum, is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘shiny or brilliant’, referring to the varnished glossy appearance of the mushroom’s surface.

The Chinese name,Lingzhiis symbolic for spiritual potency, representing success, well-being, divine power and longevity.Reishiis the Japanese interpretation of the mushroom’s ancient Chinese nameruizhimeaning ‘auspicious mushroom’.

Recognised as a wood-decaying fungus (commonly known aslignicolous), it grows on and digests moist wood, causing it to rot. By helping start the decomposition process, it serves as an important and unique function in forest ecosystems. It breaks down the lignin (organic polymer) found in the wood of the trees so that other soil organisms can access the nutrients. Without the help of mushrooms, dead trees and fallen branches would simply sit on the forest floor and not decompose into rich forest soil.

Reishi is used as an antioxidant and traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to:

• Relieve cough
• Support healthy immune system function
• Relieve tiredness
• Maintain vitality
• Replenish Qi

Reishi has a long history of use. It is also rooted deeply into Chinese and Japanese culture where it is a focal point in ancient works of art due to its association with royalty, wisdom and eternal life. For example, the Forbidden City, the heritage site at the heart of Beijing, is carved with Lingzhi throughout the imperial palace.

Native to Russia through to China, this small, woody plant is now grown throughout the world.

Despite its name, it is not a member of the ginseng family, though it resembles the ginseng root. The word ginseng is derived from the Chinese term rénshēn, meaning ‘essence of man’, a reference to the root’s characteristic forked shape, resembling the human body and the legs of a man.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen and to:

• Support energy levels and vitality
• Support a healthy stress response in the body
• Maintain immune system health
• Relieve weariness
• Assist with recovery from illness

This ancient plant was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help support immune system health, vitality and energy levels.

Native to East Asia, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is also recognised as Magnolia Vine or by its Chinese name, Wu Wei Zi, meaning five-flavoured fruit. This deciduous aromatic woody vine is also referred to as dioecious, meaning there are both male and female plants. Only the fruit (red berry) of Schisandra is used for medicinal purposes and has been described to possess all five basic flavours: salty, sweet, sour, sour, spicy and bitter.

Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to:

• Reduce symptoms of stress
• Support healthy liver function
• Support healthy sleeping patterns.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb is considered harmonising because of its ability to contain all five basic flavours.