HEMLOCK VARNISH SHELF

Decided to camp last night since the weather was beautiful and I was missing the woods. I have to admit, the idea of having to leave my tent and commute a couple hours to downtown Toronto for work was daunting, but it turned out to be entirely worth it.

Hemlock varnish shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is one of my favourite medicinal mushrooms and I use it often in my practice.

Its medicinal properties balances the immune system, regulates blood glucose, tonifies the body therefore increases energy and stamina, and protects the liver and gastrointestinal tract from injury. High in antioxidants, reishi is excellent for anti-aging. Research also shows that reishi can stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

With all these healing properties it's no wonder this mushroom has been nicknamed "the Mushroom of Immortality". Appropriate, isn't it?

I am going to make these into an elixir with other herbs as an immune booster. If you're out there foraging and wanting to use the medicinal properties of mushrooms, remember that they are best extracted in water, not alcohol (like most other herbs).

Dr. Cristina Allen ND