Lingzhi – the wonder mushroom

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FOR centuries, mushrooms have been known for their medicinal properties and among the well-known medicinal mushrooms is lingzhi, a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.

HEALTH-ENHANCING: Lingzhi mushroom is distinctive for its conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap and a stem that looks like an elk antler.

With a conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap anda stem resembling an elk antler, this miraculous health-enhancing fungus is one of the best tonics and energy boosters, and believed to be beneficial for those with asthma and cough as lingzhi has a healing effect on the lungs.

The mushroom is also claimed to have no side effects from consumption, thus attaining its reputation as the ultimate herb substance.

Apart from its immune-boosting, anti-aging and general health properties, lingzhi, which literally means ‘herb of spiritual potency’, is also seen as an auspicious symbol by the Chinese.

“Displaying the ‘mushroom of immortality’ which thrives at the base or stumps of aged trees and can live up to hundreds of years, is believed to symbolise a long, healthy and prosperous life,” said World of Feng Shui (WOFS) boutique director, Liew Shaw Phin.

“In Feng Shui, medicinal plants like lingzhi are considered very auspicious as they have healing powers which activate positive energy to the environment,” he added.

While lingzhi can be found in auspicious décor items and art works, Liew pointed out that the latest trend of placing the ‘lucky mushroom’ came in individual pots.

Also called Fatt Chai Lingzhi which means ‘lingzhi of prosperity’, this unique item, recently launched in Johor, makes  the perfect decoration for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

“Much like the ‘lucky fortune bamboo’, lingzhi is also an attractive way to persuade luck and fortune to look your way,” Liew said.

Based on the Feng Shui Eight Mansion formula, this year’s Wealth Star 8 brings an abundant of wealth to the northwest.

“Therefore, lingzhi should be placed in the northwest, which is the wealth sector of your home,” he said, explaining that the Eight Mansion formula determines the good and bad locations of a dwelling as well as favourable and unfavourable personal directions that foster good health, promote productivity at work and in relationships and successful academic pursuits.

Caring for lingzhi is extremely easy, according to Liew.

“Just use a water spray bottle to mist the mushroom daily. It’s as simple as that,” he said, stressing that lingzhi should only be placed indoors.

The Fatt Chai Lingzhi is now only available at WOFS and in conjunction with Chinese New Year, it is available at an introductory price of RM98 (retail price RM128).