Ganoderma lucidum

What is Ganoderma lucidum?

Ganoderma lucidum is a tree fungus that grows on various hardwoods, especially oaks and hornbeams. It has a shiny, varnish-like cap that can be red, brown or black, depending on the variety. The mushroom is very rare in nature and was once traded higher than gold in China. It was known as the "divine mushroom of immortality" and was reserved only for the emperor and his closest confidants.

Today, Ganoderma lucidum is cultivated and available to everyone. There are various products containing the mushroom, such as powder, capsules, tea or extracts. The quality of the products depends on the cultivation method, harvest time and processing. Organically grown mushrooms and spores, which are treated gently and organically, are of the highest quality.

How can Ganoderma lucidum help your dog?

Ganoderma lucidum has a variety of active ingredients that can have positive effects on your dog's health. The most important active ingredients include

• Polysaccharides: They strengthen the immune system, have an antioxidant and antitumor effect.
• Triterpenes : They have an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial effect.
• Beta-glucans: They stimulate the immune cells, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and lower blood sugar.
• Ergosterol: It is a precursor of vitamin D, which is important for bone formation.
• Germanium: It improves the oxygen supply to the blood and promotes detoxification.

Ganoderma lucidum can help or alleviate many of your dog's illnesses and ailments. Here are some examples:

• Allergies: The mushroom inhibits the release of histamine, which is responsible for swelling, redness and itching. It also reduces sensitivity to allergens.
• Skin diseases: The mushroom promotes wound healing, relieves eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
• Asthma: The mushroom relaxes the bronchial tubes, makes breathing easier and reduces the urge to cough.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: The mushroom protects the stomach and intestinal mucosa, regulates digestion and prevents diarrhea or constipation.
• Cardiovascular diseases: The mushroom improves the oxygen supply to the heart muscle, reduces tissue oxygen consumption, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Liver problems: The mushroom protects the liver from damage caused by toxins or drugs, promotes the regeneration of liver cells and improves liver function.
• Joint diseases: The mushroom relieves pain and inflammation in arthritis, arthrosis or rheumatism. It also supports cartilage formation and joint mobility.
• Cancer: The mushroom inhibits the growth of cancer cells, enhances the effect of chemotherapy or radiation and alleviates their side effects. It also increases the quality of life and chances of survival of dogs with cancer.

How do you administer Ganoderma lucidum to your dog?

Ganoderma lucidum can be given to your dog in various forms, depending on availability, preference and dosage. The most common forms are

• Powder: It can be mixed into food or dissolved in water or milk. It has a bitter taste that is accepted by some dogs but rejected by others.
• Capsules: They can be added to food or given directly into the mouth. They are tasteless and easy to swallow.
• Tea: It can be prepared from the powder or from dried mushroom pieces. It has a mild taste and can be offered as drinking water.
• Extract: It can be administered as drops or spray. It has a high concentration of active ingredients and is fast-acting.

The dosage of Ganoderma lucidum depends on various factors such as your dog's weight, age, state of health and the severity of the condition. A general recommendation is to give 50 to 100 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. The dose can be increased or decreased as needed. It is advisable to increase the dose slowly and observe your dog's reaction.