Ganoderma applanatum (Artist's Conk)

Ganoderma applanatum are really interesting mushrooms being both parasitic and having medicinal properties. Artists conks are probably one of the most widely distributed mushrooms, most commonly found on fallen fir trees. Usually when parasitic, these conks attack bases of trees and later can be found along the tree, sometimes saprobic. The medical value of these mushrooms are comparable to that of Ganoderma lucidium (or shaga). Some being, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and reducing phlegm. Ganoderma have been consumed by forum of tea for decades, possibly centuries ago. Often it is ground up and added to tea, then strained. One person who swears by its effects said, "You can feel its medicinal properties start working almost instantly like waves".