The Immortal Ganoderma Lucidum – What Secrets Lie Beyond the Three Realms?
In the ancient text “Shennong Bencao,” Ganoderma lucidum is classified as a superlative herb, even more effective than ginseng. According to “Bencao Gangmu,” this mushroom is considered a precious medicine capable of detoxifying, strengthening the heart, improving brain function, expelling phlegm, aiding urination, and enhancing digestion. Recent studies by Chinese and Japanese scientists have also discovered that Ganoderma lucidum can combat aging, extend lifespan, and prevent cancer.
Numerous research projects worldwide have identified the active compounds and pharmacological effects of Ganoderma lucidum, including germanium, ganoderic acid, oleic acid, ganodosterone, ganoderans, adenosine, and beta-D-glucan. Notably, the germanium content in Ganoderma lucidum is 5 to 8 times higher than that found in ginseng. Vietnamese researchers have found that this mushroom contains 21 trace elements essential for the body’s functioning and metabolism, such as copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.
According to traditional medicine, Ganoderma lucidum has a bland taste and a warming nature, which helps to nourish and strengthen the body, support liver function, calm the mind, and enhance memory.
Today, it is known that germanium in Ganoderma lucidum helps cells absorb oxygen more effectively; polysaccharides boost the body’s immunity, strengthen the liver, and destroy cancer cells; and ganoderic acid has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
While regular Ganoderma lucidum is valuable, the Ganoderma lucidum “Thai Tuu” is considered even more precious due to its rarity in nature. Thai Tuu has a unique appearance that can easily be mistaken for tree stumps, making it difficult to spot. The older the Ganoderma lucidum, the higher its value.
This mushroom comes in various colors, including red, which resembles coral; white, similar to fat; and black, looking like charcoal. There are also other colors such as green. However, the lighter the color, the better the quality and the higher the nutritional value of the mushroom.
Some theories suggest that Ganoderma lucidum “Thai Tuu” has existed for millions of years and is known for its remarkable vitality. It transcends the natural order, not fitting into the categories of plants or animals; some refer to it as “existing beyond the Three Realms, outside of the Five Elements.”
In ancient times, people had various interpretations of Thai Tuu. One perspective is that it is an astronomical term, with ancient scholars using it to develop calendars, now represented by Jupiter and related celestial bodies. In Taoism, there are mythical stories suggesting that Thai Tuu is actually a deity, the most powerful one, governing the fortunes and misfortunes of people. This is why there are sayings like “don’t disturb Thai Tuu,” treating it as sacred and inviolable. Another interpretation posits that it is an immortal entity that rapidly regenerates after a piece of its flesh is removed. The “Shennong Bencao” also mentions that regular consumption leads to agelessness.
However, Thai Tuu has been rarely documented in ancient texts due to its scarcity. In August 1992, a massive flood in Shaanxi, China, swept away what appeared to be a dead log of Thai Tuu, with a rough surface and irregularities reminiscent of ordinary flesh.
Scientists believe that Thai Tuu is neither an animal, plant, nor mushroom. It may represent a fourth form of life on Earth, comprising a polymer of various fungi. It can survive in anaerobic conditions at depths of 20 to 100 meters underground. As long as there are bacteria and water, Thai Tuu can meet its life requirements. In the absence of water, it enters a dormant state, waiting for hydration to revive. Due to its regenerative abilities, relying on spores and mycelium for reproduction, folklore suggests that Thai Tuu can live indefinitely and continue to reproduce.
To this day, many mysteries surround Thai Tuu, such as why its cellular structure exists as it does and can develop indefinitely, and what medicinal value it holds. Questions about its defiance of natural laws need scientific explanations. Through the existence of Thai Tuu, we can witness the magnificence of nature, which always satisfies our curiosity by creating diverse life forms. Each creature is unique, gifted by nature with extraordinary capabilities.
Many people now recognize the validity of the Chinese Five Elements theory, which states that everything in the Three Realms falls into the categories of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. If Thai Tuu were a material entity within the Three Realms, it would have to adhere to the laws of reincarnation; thus, it couldn’t possibly live as long as it does. Therefore, it is likely that Thai Tuu is not composed of materials from the Three Realms but rather from substances beyond them.
Ganoderma lucidum Thai Tuu is classified as a superlative product. Historically, it was used as a tribute to kings. Due to its rarity, its market price is approximately $39,000 per gram (over 900 million VND per gram).