Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom among more than 250 species. It is known by various names depending on the culture, such as "cendawan merah" in Malay, "lingzhi" in Chinese, "reishi" in Japanese, and "yeongji" in Korean.
In Greek, "ganos" means shining, while "derma" means skin. Ganoderma lucidum has been traditionally used as a herb in Chinese medicine as early as the reign of China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, over 5,000 years ago.
In the ancient Chinese herbal text Shen Nongβs Herbal Classic, Ganoderma lucidum is classified as a Grade 1 Tonic Herb, also referred to as a "Superior Herb." This is because it possesses adaptogenic properties, meaning it is non-toxic, free from side effects, non-specific in its action, and works holistically to support overall health and well-being.