Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae, also known as Hemlock varnish shelf, is a flat polypore mushroom. In contrast to Ganoderma lucidum, with which it is closely related and which it closely resembles, G. tsugae tends to grow on conifers, especially hemlocks. Like G. lucidum, G. tsugae is said to have medicinal properties. Phylogenetic analysis of Ganodermahas begun to better differentiate between many closely related species of Ganoderma; however there is still scientific debate as to which species of Ganoderma have the most medicinal properties. In addition, variations within the same species as well as the growth substrate and environmental conditions all the way through to preparation of the Ganoderma tea or extract can have a substantial effect on the medicinal value of the product. Like Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae is non-poisonous but generally considered inedible, due to its solid woody nature; however, making ganoderma teas and extacts from its fruiting bodies is an excellent way make use of the medicinal compounds present in Ganoderma tsugae. In the case of extracting the polysaccharides in G. tsugae, a hot water extraction or tea can be very effective; however, to best extract the triterpenoids present in G. tsugae it is best to use an alcohol or alcohol/glycerin extraction method.