A 1999 research paper reported Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) to have “the strongest antioxidant activity of five species of Ganoderma [Reishi] tested,” a more potent free radical scavenger than Vitamin E. [831] Other published papers have also reported extraordinary antioxidant levels in Hemlock Varnish Shelf. [827, 828, 829, 830]

Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) for eastern United States. It is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian range.

Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.

Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.

Grown commercially in Taiwan as a medicinal mushroom, Hemlock Varnish Shelf is exported to mainland China, where it is traditionally used to treat autoimmune diseases and asthma, as well as other conditions involving inflammation.

As far as modern research goes, a 2001 study reported “improved the survival rate of lupus” [800] when patients were given Ganoderma tsugae extract in addition to the conventional treatment.

In cases of asthma or lung inflammation, there have been three studies confirming the effectiveness of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It’s been found to “exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses” [801] in cases of allergic asthma and broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]

One of the most novel uses of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is as a skin substitute during wound healing. The skin substitute material, commercially sold as Sacchachitin, has been proven in numerous studies to promote and speed up skin healing. It has been observed that “rapid wound healing” takes place when covered by Sacchachitin as compared to regular gauze [804] – a “wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not.” [805, 806, 807]

Cancer research has also been conducted on Hemlock Varnish Shelf with encouraging results, [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] in particular in regards to breast [816] and lung cancer. [813, 814, 815] Ganoderma tsugae extract was shown in one study to be helpful in the prevention of metastatic tumors. [817]

As with the Common Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract appears to be immunomodulatory [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] – meaning that it will adjust the immune system up or down depending on what is needed. It helps strengthen a weak immune system, [824] but will calm an over-active immune system in cases of inflammation [825] or autoimmune conditions.

Last but not least, a 2004 study concluded that Hemlock Varnish Shelf also possessed liver protective properties as well as being anti-fibrotic. [826]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, working specifically with the extracts from Paul Stamets, which include reishi synergistic blends such as G5 (Five Ganoderma) and CordyChi Extract. For research references to this article, please visit the Ganoderma tsugae research list.