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.

Also referred to as Shaggy Mane, Lawyer’s Wig and Ink Cap, this culinary mushroom has a cylindrical white shaggy cap that becomes bell shaped as the mushroom matures. It favours growing in meadows and open woodlands and is commonly found in groups or long lines.

The meaning of Shiitake translates as ‘oak mushroom’ with shii meaning ‘oak’ (a reference to its common host tree) and take meaning ‘mushroom’.Recognised as a wood-decaying fungus (commonly known as lignicolous), 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.

The cultivation of Shiitake is believed to date back thousands of years with a belief it originated in China during the Sung Dynasty (960-1127). Chinese legend credits Wu San Kwung as the originator of Shiitake cultivation, and as such, almost every mushroom growing village in China has a temple in his honor.

This wood-inhabiting fungus is native to China however is now naturalised in other parts of the world. Maitake forms at the trunk base of old trees or dead trunks, typically oak but also other deciduous hardwoods or conifers.

The meaning of Maitake translates as ‘dancing mushroom’ with mai meaning ‘dance’ and take meaning ‘mushroom’. It is also commonly known as Hen of the Woods, as it closely resembles the texture and meatiness of cooked chicken. It also looks like a hen sitting on her nest in the woods.Recognised as a wood-decaying fungus (commonly known as lignicolous), 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.

Historically, the Japanese culture has revered Maitake as a popular and highly prized edible mushroom. It is now widely commercially cultivated and marketed.

This mild lemon-scented member of the mint family is a European native and is now grown throughout the world.Its botanical name Melissa officinali is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘honey bee’. It refers to the plant being considered a favourite food of bees, with a connection to the ancient religious thought that any plant that kept bees away from their hive was considered sacred.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Reduce nervous unrest
• Relieve restless sleep
• Support refreshing sleep
• Relieve symptoms of stress
• Reduce symptoms of indigestion
• Support healthy digestion
• Maintain healthy gastrointestinal function
• Relieve flatulence

This herb has historically been valued as a culinary, medicinal and cosmetic herb.

Native to Asia and Southern Europe, this flowering plant is a member of the bean family Fabaceae, from the root of which a sweet, aromatic flavouring can be extracted. This herbaceous perennial that has been used as a flavouring agent in foods and drinks, and medicinal remedies for thousands of years.

The botanical name, Glycyrrhiza is derived from the Greek wordsglykosmeaning ‘sweet’ andrhizameaning ‘root’.

Used in traditional Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Relieve mild gut inflammation
• Support gastrointestinal system health
• Relieve symptoms of mild gastritis

Use of Licorice dates to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for the pharaohs.