Reishi: Positive Cancer Treatments

Reishi: Positive Cancer Treatments ( Translated from Japanese periodical, Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III, Page 12 - 23, ISBN4-88580-053-6 C-0077) A doctor once said, "Cancer is a serious disease, but it is not fatal. Patients have a good chance to recover." This statement sounds consolatory but basing on our recent research data, it can very well be true. The prestigious Japanese doctor, Dr Fukumi Morishige, M.D.,Phd., currently involved in the research of reishi's role in cancer control, is a researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science & Medicine - an American institute that had been awarded the most Nobel prizes. He also occupies an important role in Europe's medical fields as well, and is the only Japanese authority employed by the international cancer ------------------------------------------------------------ I have been a surgeon for 37 years and have performed numerous operations. I have a keen interest in surgery especially when I was young but gradually questions began to appear. I always feel that the ideal Being a surgeon, I had countless occasions to encounter cancer cases; however, the key to cancer controls is in its early detection, which is easier said than done. About one in a hundred would be considered a good percentage. Nowadays, regular physical check-ups is the trend and this is good practice, but we have to realize that one cannot let our guards down just because cancer was not detected at the time of check-ups. People often suspect the physicians of misdiagnosing when cancer was detected at a later date. This notion is incorrect as there are many undiscovered cases even with monthly check-ups. For example, in the case of penetrancetype stomach cancer, it is one of the most difficult to detect and these account for about 25% of the cases, therefore, prevention is equally important. It is better to employ preventive measures in the case of cancer but there are no set methods. One can always rely on dietary control, but here again it is not a prescribed regiment. The best method at the present is reishi. I do not know of its amazing effects until after I have used it and I am truly surprised. During my practice, I have obtained outstanding results using reishi either as preventive measures or during the course of treatments. Earlier on, I have come across patients and their relatives praising the merits of reishi. But being a medical person, I have thought that it might have a slight effect on certain chronic diseases but on cancer, surely, must be greatly exaggerated. Reishi's tremendous effect warrants further studies. In June of 1986, a 39-year-old female came to me with lung cancer and complications of the chest wall membrane. She had been told that she could not be Page 1

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operated on by a number of hospitals. She left in a hopeless state. Upon returning home, her husband started to feed her reishi. After my examination, I was surprised by the findings: 6 months ago, she had edema in the chest cavity, secondary to cancer and now the symptom had completely disappeared. For a person who have already made her funeral arrangement and waiting for death to rediscover there is hope for life, is incredible. X-ray had presented an even better picture when I am going through her medical history. She insisted that this was the result of her husband giving her reishi. The edema had drained while the cancer tumor remained. On a rough calculation, this patient had used about 4 grams of reishi essence daily and this was quite a high dosage. We further undertook exploratory surgery and by using special freeze technique, it was possible to perform operations on chest membrane cancer. Looking at the x-ray, no cancerous cells were found. Only scar tissues were evident, which were different from cancer cells. I did a biopsy of the lung tissues and detected malignancy, but stable. The next case involved a child with congenital liver cancer. He had one operation when he was 5 years old and later, had his small intestines removed due to metasiasis. The treating doctor felt that the patient's condition was terminal and stopped treatment eventually. The boy's parents brought the patient home and fed him reishi through an N.G. tube (Nasogastrictube). The boy came to me when he was 9 and I was unable to detect any diseases. Nothing was found in the CT scan examination as well. Congenital liver cancer is a form of juvenile carcinoma and I was much surprised that the patient recovered after just regular ingestion of several grams of reishi essence. He continues to take 2 grams of the essence daily. Even the boy knows that without the reishi he might not have lived today. Juvenile carcinoma is usually fatal, but then this patient remains alive and healthy with no physical ailments are truly amazing. This fact now calls for new consideration on my part. When a person recovers by undergoing no other treatment but reishi ingestion, it is obvious that reishi deserves further research. I was provided with large quantities of reishi essence from a very reputable chemical company in Japan. I administer the same to my patients in mega dosage combined with Vitamin C. Within one year, about 500 kilograms of reishi essence (approximately 6000 kilograms of premium reishi) were used on my patients. An interesting fact have surfaced during my treatment is that where large doses of reishi essence induce melena ( i.e. several grams or more daily), combination with Vitamin C put a stop to this. Furthermore, numerous observations have confirmed the fact that cancer patients are generally more susceptible to contract other diseases due to their lowered body resistance. However, after being treated with reishi, complications due to such inflections are greatly diminished. I have assigned random cancer patients to administer reishi essence with a control group of patients with other illness, e.g. arthritic rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, hepatitis etc., that is, people with lowered body resistance to diseases. Immunogloburintest determines the level of immunity. We have found that after ingesting reishi, level of IgA, IgG, IgM have increased. This proves that reishi can elevate the body's resistance level. At this time, I have 140 cancer patients. All have metasticcancer except 6 with breast cancer and 60 are being hospitalized. We have zeroed in on these cancer patients. Up to today (spring of 1988), about 300 patients have undergone testing. WHY IS REISHI EFFECTIVE AGAINST CANCER: POLYSACCHARIDES Before I give case examples, I would like to unveil the secret of why reishi is so effective in the treatment of cancer. The conclusion is not fully understood at the present time and when it is, then, men would have found the ultimate cure for cancer. Employing all the latest medical technology, it is found that the polysaccharides in reishi are effective in suppressing cancerous cells. Japanese scientists are the first in making this discovery. Perhaps this had something to do with the fact that the country employs herbal medicine in treatment of diseases and conducts vigorous researches into polysaccharides. This fact is Page 2

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Recognized in North America and is further awaiting findings from such Japanese researches. WHY ARE POLYSACCHRIDES IN REISHI EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER Polysaccharides are made up of a high number of molecular components - up to millions of atoms and this makes it difficult to be absorbed into the human body system. In order to make it easily assimilated, its high count has to be lowered and using Vitamin C with reishi does just that. The polysaccharides are converted into oligoglucanthat has a low molecular count and can be easily absorbed. It in turns stimulates the uacrophage, which triggers the immune system in our body. Macre meaning big. This type of cell can devour any foreign organisms. They are not active when the body is functioning normally, but, in the presence of foreign organisms (e.g. bacteria), they become very active in attacking such bacterial foreign matters. The white blood cells in the blood stream comprise the initial defense against diseases but they are ineffective in chronic cases or malignant type of matters, at which time, the lymphocyte becomes the second line of defense. Failing that, the last defense will be the macrophage - it is like a sleeping lion being awakened to attack with truly exceptional result! They are capable of sweeping away any foreign organisms thus destroying the cancerous cells in the process. Under the microscope, the macrophage is observed to be one tenth the size of a cancer cell, yet, it possesses the power to destroy the latter. From this, we can understand their invaluabilityto the human body. However, the macrophage cannot be easily activated. We have found that aggregated atoms are responsible for this activation of the macrophage, and reishi contains the substance to manufacture these aggregated atoms. REISHI - A HIGH MOLECULAR POLYSACCHARIDES Earlier a patient with high blood pressure had inquired into the effects of reishi. I had told him that there was certainly no harm in trying as I had conducted research at that time. One fact is: even a diluted dose of reishi essence lowers blood pressure. However this patient had maintained his blood pressure level after reishi ingestion. Following my suggestion to ingest Vitamin C together with reishi, his blood pressure dropped to an acceptable level. The reason for this is, as mentioned previously, reishi contains up to a million atoms and cannot be easily absorbed into the body; therefore, one should combine it with Vitamin C. Seventeen years ago, I have conducted research into the Vitamin C's ability to break down polysaccharides. At that time, the method of viscosity gauge has been employed. Placing Vitamin C into a measure of polysaccharide substance, a decrease of the polysaccharides molecular count is indicated by a drop in the viscosity. Thus, confirming Vitamin C's ability of dissolving polysaccharides. Animal experiments have shown that all forms of sugar can be absorbed but are just the opposite in human, why? This has some correlation with Vitamin C - human body is unable to manufacture Vitamin C, while animals can. This is the reason why we need to combine the intake of Vitamin C with reishi. New medical findings indicate that there is no harm in taking high dosage of Vitamin C daily. Dr. Linus Pauling, who is now in his 80's, ingests 18 grams of Vitamin C daily, and I ingest 12 grams a day. I believe a healthy person needs a supplement of 1 gram to 2 grams a day, that is 1,000 - 2,000 mg. This can contribute greatly to one's well being. Now let us look at some reishi usage case studies. 1. Brain tumor patient recovering consciousness in just 2 months. Page 3

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We have made many discoveries. Using brain disease patients as examples, one 70 years old plus patient in the hospital had a 5 cm brain tumor. He had already lost consciousness despite surgery. He began the reishi treatment around June of 1986 and by September, he had recovered his senses, but the size of the tumor had remained the same. However by December, the tumor had decreased in size, even the neurologist was amazed. The patient now feels very well. Initially he was administered 6 grams of reishi essence through a stomach tube. After the recovery of his senses, oral intake was administered. The patient did not like the bitter taste of reishi essence, so the amount was reduced to 3 grams. Although the dosage had been reduced, his brain tumor eventually shrunk to about 1 cm. With the return of his memory, he left the hospital and stayed home with the family instead. 2. Recession of lung cancer within 6 months. I once treated a fifty plus female patient who had breast cancer. After her breast surgery, she had developed metastasiclung cancer. Later she deteriorated to hemoptysis. She began to use about 6 gm. of reishi daily for 6 months and the cancerous lung tumor disappeared. Before, she is often short of breath, but now she can walk up the stairs effortlessly. Therefore, she has complete confidence in the continuation of the reishi treatment. 3. Breast cancer cured in 2 months with mega dosage. This patient had breast cancer and the cancer cells had matastasedto the bones. She had not been able to move from the head down. The pain was excruciating. Luckily, her digestive system was not affected and she was able to take 9 grams of reishi essence daily, which was later increased, to 20 grams. In just 2 months, she felt no pain. She had been discharged from the hospital after she made progress in her walking ability. 4. Cancer of rectum spreading to the liver with remarkable recovery in 6 months. Some time ago, this patient came to the hospital for treatment of metastasis of rectal cancer to the liver. He was given 6 grams of reishi essence. In 6 months, CT scanning reported that the cancerous tumor had decreased to about 1 cm in size, but the CT specialists did not believe in the merits of reishi and insisted that there was a mistake in the scanning. I was angered by this and argued that not only had the patient's CEA swelling came down but his general health had also improved. Was it not enough proof? Ordinarily, it is difficult to treat rectal cancers. Some cases are even terminal. This patient had such a smooth recovery which could only be credited to reishi. Generally speaking, it is easier to treat rectal tumor under 3 cm in size. 5. Pancreas cancer patient can walk again. A 60 year old male pancreas cancer patient had surgery and was in a better state for a while, but later deteriorated. He had edema and lost weight. Examination results revealed that he had extremely high count of CA19-9CEA. I informed him that with his present treatment he would die within a short period of time. I advised him to be hospitalized. Due to financial reasons, he was given another kind of medication but he reacted unfavorably to it. Therefore, we had to change his treatment to 9 grams of reishi essence orally and 30 grams of Vitamin C through intravenous injection daily. This began from August of 1986 which was over 1 year ago. The patient had since completely recovered and various examinations could not detect symptoms of any kind. He has gone back to work but continues to take 5 grams of reishi daily. He comes for a follow-up examination every 2 weeks and repeat CEA examinations show that his CA19-19 counts continues to drop. Page 4

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There is many more such cancer cases in my hospital. Although cancer cases involving the brain, lungs and liver are more serious, I feel that it is easier to treat than the cases involving the digestive organs. It is Besides cancer, reishi is also very effective in the treatment of hepatitis. With the use of 1 gram to 3 grams of reishi essence daily, hepatitis patients will have tremendous recovery results. 6. Hepatitis cured with reishi. One patient who had hepatitis for a few years and his SGOT & SGPT count was 200 - 300. Normal range is under 30. I administered 3 grams of reishi daily and in about 2 -3 months his SGOT & SGPT dropped to around 50. Even this is still higher than normal, continuous use will bring it in range. During this time, I asked him to stop using reishi and immediately the count shot up to between 150 - 200. The count dropped when treatment resumed. Thus proving the effect of reishi on hepatitis. A combination with the use of Vitamin C is essential. Under these conditions, 6 grams of Vitamin C is needed, i.e. 3 grams of reishi essence with 6 grams of Vitamin C. We must understand that hepatitis is a chronic disease and relapse is ever present. It is necessary to continue the intake of reishi (using smaller dosage) even after one's recovery from hepatitis. Prevention is always the best measure. Reishi is just as effective against other chronic diseases and optimum results are obtained when combined with the intake of Vitamin C. Especially true for long term prevention use. In conclusion, reishi has been proven to exert significant effect on diminishing pain, fortifying the body's immune system and prolonging life. Even though its role in cancer control has not been determined 100 percent yet. Medications presently employed to combat cancer have their effect but unfortunately these also produce serious side effects. Reishi have a history of 3,000 years, during which time it is widely used by many people with no reported unfavorable side effects. I therefore recommend reishi for treatment and prevention as a safety measure. I hope that people from all walks of life will take a concerned interest and share in this project. Hopefully, in the very near future, reishi can bring a brighter outlook to the human race in the conquest of longevity. NOTE: The reishi essence used by Dr. Morishigehas been derived from premium reishi using the hot water extraction method. The polysaccharides content in the essence used is far higher than most other average reishi essence or products. Back to Reishihomepage , or visit Canited Page developed by Network Global Publishing ©1998-2000 All righs reserved. Page 5

WHAT IS GANODERMA?

WHAT IS GANODERMA?

What is Ganoderma? There are more than 38,000 varieties of Mushrooms known to mankind. Out of this, about 2000 varieties are fit for human consumption. In that, about 200 varieties have therapeutic (medicinal) properties. The predominant variety in this group is GANODERMA LUCIDUM. It is also called Reishi ( in Japanese), Lingzhi ( in Chinese) or Chaga ( in Russian). The DXN technology combines SIX best varieties out of this 200, to achieve highest therapeutic values.


Peacock Gano


Kimshen Gano

Liver Gano


Heart Gano

Brain Gano


Ruyi Gano


KING OF HERBS
For ages, GANODERMA is considered the KING OF HERBS and also as MIRACLE MUSHROOM. It is due to the unique composition of active elements and to the miraculous health benefits it offers. Scientifically, it is known to possess the following properties, which are unique in nature.

A1- SUPERIOR HERB : Gano has been categorized as the best of the Superior Herbs, known to man. By this quality, Gano is able to provide NUTRITIVE as well as THERAPEUTIC benefits to the body at one go. There are more than 640 herbs used by man and Gano belongs to the most superior class of the herbs.

ADAPTOGEN :
This term refers to the herbs which when consumed, satisfy the following three conditions.

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There should be NO SIDE-EFFECTS ( or Toxicity ) even on long term as well as large quantity consumption.
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The benefits of consumption should not be restricted to a few organs ( or tissues ) ; but should be effective on ALL THE CELLS in the body.
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There should be a NORMALIZING effects on the body as a whole.

DXN GANODERMA ACTIVE ELEMENTS

DXNGanoderma is known to contain more than 200 active elements. Some are Nutritive and others are Therapeutic in function.

NUTRITIVE : Proteins, Amino acids, Vitamins, Minerals and dietary Fiber. They are all essential nutritional elements to build the body strong and healthy.
THERAPEUTIC : Five important active elements are noted for their therapeutic benefits. They are as follows :

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Polysaccharides (PSP) : They are excellent in activating the bodys immune system at all levels. Once activated, the immune system CLEANSES the body of all toxic matters. These toxins include harmful chemicals as well as harmful germs. Polysaccharides protect the cell wall. It increases the Oxygen levels in the blood. It effectively reduces the tumor cells and prevents the spread of cancer.
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Organic Germanium ( OG ) : DXN Ganoderma is one of the richest sources of Organic Germanium ( 6000 ppm ) which is very rare. This OG is good in BALANCING the bio-chemical factors as well as bio-electric factors in the body. Thus it balances the body functions. It improves oxygen supply to the cells- particularly for the brain cells.
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Adenosine: It acts as a REGULATOR of all hormone functions in the body. It also improves blood circulation, removes blocks in the vessels, Corrects acidity, controls cholesterol and reduces free-fat. It reduces obesity. It enhances the energy levels. Reduces mental stress and thereby improves work efficiency.
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Triterpenoids : There are more than 112 types of Triterpenoids in DXN Ganoderma, which is a rich source. They are BUILDERS of the cells. They activate the inactive cells, improve all the digestive functions, strengthen the muscles of the Heart and the Liver cells. It is excellent in preventing a wide range of Allergies. It improves the natural healing ability of the body.
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Ganoderic Essence ( GE ): It is a combination of various vegetable essences present in gano. GE is known to take care of the health of skin. Internally, it acts like beta carotenes and other anti-oxidants, thus preventing the cell degeneration. The ageing process is thus delayed, retaining the youthfulness for a long period. It strengthens the immune system and keeps full alert against infections attacking.

The presence of all the five important active elements in a single mushroom makes Ganoderma a special herb

HEALTH BENEFITS Ganoderma May Help Reduce Cholesterol
Ganoderma May Help Reduce Cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease has been called an epidemic of sorts in North America and Europe. Not surprising when you consider a typical North American lifestyle of not enough physical activity, diet high in saturated fats, and fast paced living driving up stress levels.

Even though the National Center for Health Statistics reported Americans average total cholesterol has dropped substantially from 1978 - 1990, the American Heart Association has reported 98.1 million adult Americans still have borderline high blood cholesterol levels and this puts them at greater risk of developing Cardiovascular disease.

Elevated cholesterol levels are one of the major risk factors identified by the American Heart Association in the development of Cardiovascular disease which is the number one killer in North America and Europe. We need to reduce cholesterol levels.
Adenosine which is found in Ganoderma lucidium helped to reduce cholesterol

This number one rated herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine has many potent healing properties. One being that it may help reduce cholesterol and or may help the liver in suppressing its production.

Researchers from the Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that Adenosine which is found in Ganoderma lucidium helped to reduce cholesterol in their studies.

Researchers at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland called Ganoderma lucidium "a renowed medicinal species". In their study on hamsters and minipigs, oxgenated lanosterol derived from Ganoderma lucidium "inhibited cholesterol synthesis".

With hamsters it was able to reduce cholesterol (total) by 9.8% and HDL levels by 11.2%.

In minipigs the oxygenated lanosterol derived from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidium was able to reduce cholesterol (total) by 20%, LDL by 27%, and HDL by 18%.

The researchers conclusion was that Ganoderma "has the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol in vivo (inside the body) through various mechanisms... innovative new cholesterol lowering foods and medicines containing Gl (Ganoderma lucidium) are envisioned."
HEALTH BENEFITS Reishi: Ancient Medicine Is Modern Hope (Health Foods Business/January 1992: Consumer Education Series )
Reishi: Ancient Medicine Is Modern Hope (Health Foods Business/January 1992: Consumer Education Series )
By Linda McGlasson, Assistant Editor

Western culture has often frowned on mushrooms, even fearing the small innocuous forest growth. The French prize their truffles, but even truffles and other edible fungi and mushrooms are not as highly valued or show as much potential as a species of mushrooms called Ling Zhi or Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). The late Hiroshi Hikino, recognized as the world's authority on the chemistry of Oriental medicinal plants, called Reishi one of "the most important elixirs in the Orient." Relatively rare and undiscovered in the West, Reishi and other mushrooms have been revered as herbal medicines for thousands of years in Japan and China. Emperors of the great Chinese dynasties and Japanese royalty drank teas and concoctions of the mushroom for vitality and long life. The ancient Taoists were constantly searching for the elixir of eternal youth, and Reishi was believed to be among the ingredients.

In modern times, Ganoderma lucidum and its fellow mushrooms have been well-researched in Asian universities. It is currently being studied in China as a sports performance enhancer. Its long History has sparked interest in the West where it is used by herbalists to treat diverse problems such as allergies, chronic Fatigue Syndrome, diabetes, liver diseases and many immune-related diseases. As little as 20 years ago, Reishi was rare and not widely found in Asia. It grew in the wild, but was extremely hard to cultivate. Now with an increased knowledge of the climates that it thrives in, scientists are able to set up artificial growth conditions with the correct amounts of oxygen and moisture for the spores to grow into the Reishi mushroom.
JUST ANOTHER FUNGUS?

Reishi mushrooms are polypore mushrooms. Mushrooms are the fruiting body and reproductive structure of a higher order fungus organism, much like an apple is the fruit of an apple tree. The actual mushroom "tree" is a fine thread-like network called mycelium. This mycelium is for the most part subterranean, living in soil, logs and other organic litter. Unlike green plants, which produce many of their own nutrients by photosynthesis, mushrooms primarily get their nutrients from dead organic matter or soil. Mushrooms and their mycelium are nature's original recyclers. Without them, the planet surface would be piled high with dead, decaying material. Mushrooms rise out of the mycelium when the right nutrients are amassed and the right environmental conditions are present. Mushrooms release spores at maturity. The wind spreads them and when they land on the right spot, the cycle starts over again.
REISHI'S MEDICAL PROPERTIES

In the 16th Century pharmacopedia Pen T'sao Kang Mu, which contains hundreds of natural medicines the Chinese have used for thousands of years, compiler Le Shih-chen described the uses of Reishi. "It positively affects the life energy, or qi of the heart, repairing the chest area and benefiting those with a knotted and tight chest." He wrote that it also increases intellectual capacity and banishes forgetfulness. "Taken over a long period of time, agility of the body will not cease, and the years are lengthened to those of the Immortal Fairies." In the Orient, Reishi is considered a Fu Zhen herb (immune modulation). Presently, Reishi has various applications including lowering or raising blood pressure, stimulating liver actions, blood cleansing, and acting as an adaptogen in helping the body fight the effects of stress. Chinese herbalists prize it for its abilities to regenerate the liver. In high doses, and to some degree normal doses, Ganoderma maybe classified as a liver detoxicant and protectant. In traditional Oriental applications Reishi is also used to treat insomnia, gastric ulcers, neurasthenia, arthritis, nephritis, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension and poisoning. It is also being used in treating neuromuscular disorders -- stress-induced tension, myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy -- all with varying degrees of success. Toxicity studies show no toxic effects on humans. In research, patients are given much higher doses, as high as 10 grams of extract per day, with no ill effects.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

The potency of Reishi mushrooms is usually based on its level of triterpenoids. One can determine the level of this by tasting it. The more bitter it is, the higher the level of triterpenoids. Because Reishi is a polypore, (a group of hard, woody, bracket-like mushrooms) it is not eaten, but cut into pieces and made into a tea. In China, the average dose is 3 to 5 grams a day. Other popular forms of delivery are the water/alcohol extracts and powders. Reishi mushrooms and mushroom extracts are generally analyzed for specific triterpenoids called Ganoderic acids. When buying a Reishi mushroom product, check for the analysis of how much triterpenoids is in the extract or powder. "There is no standardization yet, either here or in Asia for Reishi. You have to look for high ganoderic acid-A levels, which indicates high levels of other ganoderic acids," said Kenneth Jones, a researcher/writer specializing in the ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants. One focus for future research is on Reishi spore extracts. In China, it has been used in injectable form in clinical treatments of various ailments with success. One of the things it has successfully treated is low energy, and debilitation following long illness.
OTHER APPLICATIONS

Chinese women take Reishi for beautification of the skin. The results are probably due to the mushroom's hormone-potentiating effects, Jones said.

Reishi is included in many Japanese patents for hair loss formulas, including products used for alopecia. Spore extract injections of Reishi are also being used to treat lupus in China. The mycelium of Reishi contains high levels of polysaccharides, which have been shown in research to induce the production of interferon. Interferon is a protein produced inside cells to fight viral infection. Polysaccharides are also tumor fighters and help stimulate the immune system. Reishi is being recognized for its adjunct use as an immune system stimulator when cancer therapy is being used. The use of Reishi as a cancer treatment in the Orient is centuries old. In following the concept of qi tonics, Reishi is used to strengthen the body's resistance to outside forces. Former heart surgeon Dr. Fukumi Morishige, a leading authority on vitamin C in Japan, reports that when Reishi and vitamin C are combined the results against cancer and other diseases are far better than when Reishi is ingested. This is because the vitamin makes the polysaccharides more accessible to the immune system. It is also an adaptogen, with properties similar to ginseng. The adenosine in Reishi may explain why the Chinese use it for patients suffering from nervous tension. Adenosine relaxes skeletal muscles, calms the central nervous system and operates against the stimulating action of caffeine. "Reishi mushrooms are certainly an herb for the 90s and beyond," commented Jeff Chilton, president of North American Reishi. "Considering that Reishi has a history of use that spans 2,000 years and is more highly revered than ginseng in the Orient, one could readily compare its potential to that of ginseng."
Contributing to this article were Terry Willard, Ph.D. and Kenneth Jones, authors of Reishi Mushroom: Herb of Spiritual Potency and Medical Wonder.

How Toxic Are You?

How Toxic Are You?

Every day we are exposed to toxins in one form or another. We encounter them in the air we breath, the food we eat, and the water we drink. The environment is filled with natural and manmade toxins. Even our own bodies produce toxic metabolic waste.

While our immune system can detoxify and eliminate many of the toxins we are exposed to each day, it can only do so much. If we are exposed to more toxins than our immune system can process and eliminate, these toxins accumulate in body tissues. As toxins accumulate in our bodies, cells and tissues begin to degenerate. When this happens symptoms arise.

The more toxins that accumulate in the body the more problems or symptoms will manifest. Signs of toxic accumulation in the body manifest themselves in a variety of ways and include: frequent illnesses (i.e. colds, flues, etc.), lack of energy, insomnia, digestive problems, joint and muscle pain, constipation, bad breath, body odor, depression, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, skin blemishes (i.e., psoriasis, aging spots, etc.), loss of mental function, and many other conditions that we often attribute to aging. To some extent degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and such are also caused by toxic accumulation.

As we age we naturally lose some of the strength and stamina of our youth, but age does not cause disease or ill heath. There are many seniors who lead active, healthy lives without experiencing these degenerative conditions and without losing the ability to function for themselves. If you look at people in less developed countries where degenerative disease is relatively rare (because they eat fresh, natural foods), some live to be 90, 100, and more without experiencing the so-called age-related diseases. Many of these people continue to work, which is usually physically demanding, until the day they die. They aren’t incapacitated by old age. Symptoms of degeneration are clearly not a condition of aging. It is a condition of toxic accumulation.

The reason older people seem to be affected most by the effects of toxic accumulation is because they’ve lived longer and have had more toxins in which to store poisons in their bodies. The more toxins you have inside of you, the greater the number and the greater the severity of the symptoms.

Your Immune System

Why do we get sick? Is it because we come into contact with germs? The answer is “No.” Contrary to popular belief, germs don’t make you sick. They can be involved in the process, but they don’t cause it. Germs live around us every second of every day. If they caused sickness why aren’t we all sick all the time?

I’m going to answer this question using an analogy with a garbage can. This analogy illustrates why we develop degenerative health problems, why we get sick, and how our immune system works. It also describes the difference between a healing crisis and a disease crisis.

The body can be viewed as a container filled with various levels of garbage. Throughout life garbage is dumped into the trash can. This garbage represents all the toxic substances that enter and accumulate in our bodies. Fortunately, we have a release valve located near the bottom of the can. As garbage accumulates, this valve drains it out. This prevents the can from becoming too full. We can visualize the release valve as our immune system working to empty or clean our toxins and germs. That’s what the immune system does – clean toxins and other harmful substances from our bodies.

If, however, you fill the trash can up faster than the drain (immune system) can empty them, the can will eventually overflow. This would be the point at which death occurs – when the container can no longer hold any more garbage. The more garbage you have in your trash can (i.e., your body) the closer you are to disease and death.

To prevent trash from accumulating too fast, the release valve is designed to open up extra wide when the container becomes too full. The release valve is forced open extra wide whenever we become sick. Toxins accumulate in the body to such a high level that life is threatened, so the release valve pops wide open in an effort to quickly flush out the toxic debris.

As long as the valve works as it’s suppose to, you can live a long healthy life. However, if you keep dumping toxic sludge into the trash can it will begin to corrode the release valve. Over time the release valve loses some of its ability to open. This allows more trash to build up, filling the can higher and higher. Because the valve is corroded it takes more pressure, or a higher accumulation of trash, to force over the valve. As the valve becomes more corroded its ability to open fully decreases and the can slowly fills up. As the can reaches it capacity, health deteriorates and symptoms often associated with degeneration or aging, appear. The fuller the can, the more severe the symptoms until the can is full and we die.

Now, if you reduce the amount of trash you put into the can, you may eventually empty out a lot of toxic debris and prevent sickness and physical degeneration. You can, figuratively speaking, wash off the corrosion and lubricate the release valve. You can do this a number of ways. Most anything that improves health will do this. This rapid release of toxins would be the equivalent of a healing crisis. Afterwards, our garbage can holds less debris. Symptoms of ill health disappear because toxins in the can have dropped to a more tolerable level.

Germs don’t cause illness any more than flies cause garbage. Flies are attracted to garbage; they don’t cause it. Likewise, a person full of garbage attracts germs. Cold and flue germs can only grow in a body that is filled with garbage. This is because the immune system is so overworked it has difficulty fighting off and removing infections.

Germs that surround us every day are only able to take hold inside of us when our immune systems become overworked. As germs begin to grow, the toxic level inside us reaches a critical point and our bodies go into a state of panic and toxins are flushed as quickly as possible to prevent death. We call this a sickness of a disease crisis.

From this explanation you can see that a healing crisis is a process in which the body is becoming stronger and healthier. The immune system is able to work efficiently because it is healthy and has less garbage to remove. In contrast, a disease crisis is a process in which the body is struggling to survive; the immune system is so overworked that it can barely maintain life, let along optimal health. In the next issue I will tell you what steps you can take to cleanse the body and strengthen your immune system.

Why We Get Sick

Our world is teaming with disease-causing toxins both man-made and natural. These poisons are everywhere – in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Even our own bodies produce toxic waste as a by-product of living and breathing. Some toxins are man-made like car exhaust and pesticides, while others occur naturally like mercury and smoke. Even living creatures like bacteria and mold can be toxic.

Our bodies are constantly exposed to harmful toxins in the environment. Any of these poisons could cause disease, pain, and death. Fortunately, our bodies have a remarkable ability to neutralize and eliminate toxins to keep us healthy.

Illness only occurs when toxins enter the body faster then they can be removed. At some point toxins reach a critical level of concentration and, if not removed, would eventually lead to permanent injury or death. At this point the body kicks into a feverish frenzy of activity to purge the toxins as quickly as possible. The process of intense detoxification may involve any number of symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, excessive mucus production, etc. This is the time when we become noticeably sick. The body is battling with all of its strength to remove harmful toxins and we feel tired and miserable. If the body is capable of mounting a sufficient defense and eliminates the toxins faster than they are produced, we eventually recover.

Many people have high accumulations of toxins in their bodies without manifesting severe symptoms. They may have minor sinus congestion, frequent headaches, occasional back pain, allergies, etc., but no major symptoms that would indicate any serious health problem. But their bodies are desperately struggling to eliminate a toxic overload. Any exposure to additional toxins would push them over the edge and their body would respond with severe symptoms characteristic of an illness.

This is why during cold and flu season some people get sick and others don’t. Two people could be working side by side; one is susceptible while the other is not. A healthy person can live and work alongside another while he is constantly coughing and sneezing and yet not experience any ill effect. We don’t "catch" a cold because we are exposed to a virus. We all encounter viruses and bacteria every day, but we all don’t get sick. The cold virus can only harm those whose bodies are weakened by other factors. Those people whose bodies contain the most toxins are the first to become sick and experience the most illness.

Our lifestyle and dietary habits determine, to a great extent, the level at which toxins accumulate in our bodies and our susceptibility to illness. A person who smokes, drinks lots of soda or alcohol, and eats junk food will be the first to become sick.

On the other hand, a person who does things that help the body detoxify such as eating wholesome foods, taking vitamin and herbal supplements, getting regular exercise and adequate amounts of sleep each night, and avoiding harmful activities (such as smoking or drug use) will have a low level of toxins in his body and be able to fight off seasonal infections without becoming sick.

Do You Know What You’re Eating?

When you buy food at the store do you ever read the ingredient label? You should. The reason for ingredient labels is to help consumers make wise food choices. Foods contain a variety of ingredients: some good, some not-so-good, and some that are definitely bad. The good are real foods such as fruit, whole grains, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The not-so-good are foods that have been so highly processed or refined that they have been stripped of most of their vitamins and minerals such as sugar, vegetable gum, and starch. The bad are chemically altered, man-made, or artificial substances (note that I didn’t call them foods). These include such things as red dye #40, BHT, MSG, sodium phosphate, metabisculfite, aspartame (Nutrasweet), and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.

The items in the bad category are added primarily to enhance flavor, color, and texture and to retard spoilage. They have absolutely no food value and are generally quite toxic. Commonly used food additives are known to promote tumors, cause allergies, depress the immune system, and accelerate aging. The list of health problems can go on and on. So why would anyone in his right mind eat foods that contain artificial food additives?

Most of us do it out of ignorance. We don’t realize how dangerous they are. The government recognizes the toxic nature of these additives and usually sets a limit or at least makes a recommendation on how much can be included in a serving. The amount you would get in one or two servings is not considered too dangerous and is, therefore, acceptable. The problem with this reasoning is that many people get far more than a couple of servings worth each day. Consider the fact that the foods we eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks may all contain harmful additives. If you ate these foods only once or twice a week it probably wouldn’t have a huge impact on your health, but if eaten every day, day in and day out, year after year, what do you expect will happen? Toxins have an accumulative effect. When you’re young you won’t notice much, but as you get older you will experience signs of premature aging—lack of energy, joint and back pain, loss of mental ability, frequent illness, and chronic health problems. The symptoms get worse and worse each year. Chemical food additives are a major source of toxins in our bodies. To prevent the buildup of these health-destroying poisons you should read ingredient labels and choose your foods wisely.

Diabetes and Herbs

Diabetes and Herbs

You Might Not Be Able To See The Connection Between Diabetes and Herbs.

But Keep Reading And Discover How One Ancient Herb May Be Able To Help!

The American and Canadian Diabetes Associations report that 18 million Americans and over 2 million Canadians have diabetes. Another scary statistic is one third of these people do not even know they have it.

Having diabetes or being susceptible to developing diabetes can be very dangerous as it puts you at increased risk of developing serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, nerve and kidney damage, eye disease and impotence.

So let's get educated and learn about diabetes and herbs, or more specifically how Ganoderma lucidium may fit in in this equation.

But first let's define what diabetes is, the types of diabetes, diabetes symptoms, who is at risk and then how Ganoderma lucidum may be able to help bridge the gap between diabetes and herbs.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce or properly utilize the hormone insulin to bring down the level of glucose in the blood.

High blood sugar levels are dangerous because chronically elevated blood sugar levels slowly destroy proteins which causes damage to cells, tissues, and organs.

Types of Diabetes

There are four types of diabetes and these are:

Type 1 diabetes

This type is the result of the pancreas not being able to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is also called insulin dependent diabetes because you have to take insulin to control blood sugar.

Approximately 5-10 percent of the people who are diagnoses with diabetes have type 1.

Type 2 diabetes

This type is also called Adult Onset Diabetes and usually occurs after the age of 40. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas does produce insulin but the cells of the body can not properly use the insulin the pancreas creates or the pancreas does not produce enough.

Most people are diagnosed with this type.

Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes before causing high blood sugar levels in the mother. Doctors still do not know what causes this type, but think it may be the result of the hormones in the placenta that help the baby to grow also block the action of the insulin in the mother. This causes her to have resistance to insulin. This resistance to insulin results in high blood sugar levels because glucose can't leave the blood to get into the cells for energy and as a result the mother may have to take up to three times the normal insulin to manage her gestational diabetes.

About 4 percent of all pregnant women in Canada and the U.S. develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. I just happened to be in this 4 percent as I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that there are 41 million Americans that have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms

Often many of the diabetes symptoms seem harmless and can go undiagnosed. Early detection is important because it may reduce the chance of developing serious health problems. The American Diabetes Association recommends you see your doctor right away if you have one or more of the following diabetes symptoms.

frequent urination excessive thirst

extreme hunger weight loss without dieting

increases fatigue irritability

blurry vision

Are You At Risk?

It is reported that 18 million Americans have diabetes and one third of these people do not even know they have it. Take a look at the following risk factors identified by the American Diabetes Association and discover if you are at risk of developing diabetes.

Family history of diabetes overweight

Aged 40-75 impaired glucose tolerance

Have high blood pressure

Aboriginal, Asian, African, Hispanic decent

Gave birth to a baby greater than 9 pounds

Now that we have looked at what diabetes is, what the diabetes symptoms are, and the risk factors. Let us now explore the relationship between diabetes and herbs, more specifically (Ganoderma lucidum).

Diabetes and Herbs, How Ganoderma lucidum May Help

Reishi's use in the treatment of insomnia, gastric ulcers, liver disorders, chronic hepatitis, arthritis, nephritis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure and poisoning is part of its application in Traditional Chinese medicine. One may be hesitant to think that Ganoderma lucidum may be able to bridge the gap between diabetes and herbs, but the following information may change your mind.

Polysaccharides from Ganoderma seem to protect the insulin producing cells in the pancreas from damage and also have a hypoglycemic effect as demonstrated by the following studies.

In a study entitled the Hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides . Researchers at Peking University used polysaccharides isolated from Reishi to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum in normal fasted mice. The researchers concluded that the polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum "possesses the hypoglycemic effect on normal mice".

In China at the Peking university researchers did a study entitled In vitro and in vivo protective effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on alloxan-induced pancreatic islets damage . This study was done to determine the protective effect of Reishi's polysaccharides against alloxan-induced pancreatic islets damage. From this study the results "suggest that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides was useful in protecting against alloxin-induced pancreatic islets damage in vitro and in vivo...".

Ling Zhi-8 an immunomodulating protein found in Reishi seems to protect against insulitis which is inflammation of the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas caused by an autoimmune response.

In The study An immunomodulating protein, Ling Zhi-8 prevents insulitis in non-obese diabetic mice in Japan, Ling-Zhi-8 was tested for its effect against Type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. In the mice treated twice weekly with Ling-Zhi-8 insulitis was prevented, but in the untreated mice extreme insulitis and a reduction in the number of insulin producing cells was observed.

From the above studies it seems there may be a relationship between diabetes and herbs. From the above studies Ganoderma polysaccharides have a hypoglycemic and protective effect, while the immunomodulating Ling Zhi-8 component of Reishi prevents damage to the insulin producing cells of the pancreas caused by an autoimmune response. Who would of thought that Ganoderma may bridge the gap between diabetes and herbs

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

Discover How Ganoderma lucidum May Lower Blood Pressure Naturally!

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 50 million people over the age of six, 1 in 4 adults, and two thirds of Americans age 65 and older have high blood pressure.

What is even more amazing is that 30% of those with high blood pressure do not even know they have it. This is because high blood pressure has no symptoms, thus the name "the silent killer".
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and contributes to the development of heart disease, heart failure, atherosclerosis, aneurysm, kidney failure and can damage the brain and eyes.

So let's get educated and learn about blood pressure, high blood pressure, what the numbers mean, and how Ganoderma lucidum may help lower blood pressure naturally.

What Is Blood Pressure?

When your heart beats, it forces blood into the arteries and this forcing of the blood into the arteries creates pressure. Another contributing factor to blood pressure is the arteries natural resistance to the flow of blood through them.

The pressure of your blood rises with each heart beat and falls when your heart rests between beats and constantly changes depending on what you are doing. It will rise when you are active and falls when you are at rest or sleeping.
Another thing that causes your blood pressure to rise and fall is specific nerve impulses that cause your arteries to dilate or contract. If your arteries are dilated (relaxed) blood can flow very easily but if they are contracted (tightened) blood flow is diminished and the pressure in the blood system goes up. We will see later that this is the main way Ganoderma help with high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is made up of two pressure readings:

Systolic pressure, this is the pressure when the heart is actually beating.

Diastolic pressure, this is the pressure between beats when the heart is resting.

The systolic pressure is always listed first and the diastolic pressure second.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is measured in mmHg (millimeters of Mercury). Unlike a normal reading of 120 over 80mmHg, high blood pressure is defined in adults as a systolic reading of 140mmHg or greater and a diastolic reading of 90mmHg or greater.

Keep reading to see how Ganoderma lucidum may help to lower blood pressure naturally.

What Do The Numbers Mean?

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels:

SYSTOLIC DIASTOLIC DIAGNOSIS

less than 120 and less than 80 Normal

120-139 or 80-89 Pre-hypertension

140-159 or 90-99 Stage 1 High

160 and higher or 100 and higher Stage 2 High

Who Is Likely To Have High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can occur in any one of any age but is most common in those 35 and older. It is also more common in African Americans, middle aged, the elderly, people who are obese, heavy drinkers of alcohol, women on birth control and people with diabetes.

Remember just because your high blood pressure is not eliciting symptoms does not mean that it is not doing damage. Like mentioned before it is the silent killer and as your blood pressure goes up so does the chance of developing a risk factor. The risk doubles for every increase of 20mmHg of systolic pressure or 10mmHg of diastolic pressure.

So How May Ganoderma lucidum Lower Blood Pressure Naturally?

Traditionally Ganoderma lucidum has been used for atherosclerosis, heart problems, blood clots, insomnia, nervous conditions, toxic liver, stomach problems and to lower high blood pressure naturally.

In Terry Willard's book Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidium) Herb Of Spiritual Potency And Medical Wonder. He talks about a six month clinical trial in Japan involving patients with high blood pressure being treated with Ganoderma lucidum.

At the end of the study 10% had their systolic pressure decrease 20-29mmHg. 47.5% had a decrease of systolic pressure of 10-19mmHg.

For diastolic pressure 17.5% decreased 10-14mmHg and 42.5% had a decrease of 5-9mmHg.

There was another benefit in this test in that there was a mean reduction in cholesterol from 216.2 to 201. The reduction was seen in the bad LDL cholesterol not the good HDL cholesterol.

Learn how Ganoderma may help reduce cholesterol click here.

To read a study at on how Ganoderma lucidum may help to lower blood pressure naturally click here.
It is believed that the many different triterpenes that Ganoderma has are responsible for the anti-hypertensive properties that Ganoderma lucidum seems to exhibit may help Ganoderma to lower blood pressure naturally.

Ganoderma lucidum and Allergies

Ganoderma lucidum and Allergies

Allergies May Be Helped By The Compounds That Make Up Ganoderma lucidum


According to the NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases):

- more than 50 million Americans suffer from this health issue

- 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States

- allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose; runny nose) has increased substantially over the past 15 years.

- allergic drug reactions account for 5-10 percent of all adverse drug reactions

- penicillin allergy is a more common cause of death than food allergy

As you can see from the above statistics, allergies are a very common problem that costs the American Health system 18 billion annually.

So let's discover what an allergy is, how allergic reactions happen, what are the common symptoms, and how Ganoderma lucidum may be able to help.

What Are Allergies?

An allergy is a precise over reaction of the immune system to a normally harmless allergen (almost any substance that most people find harmless like grass, pollen, dust mites, dog and cat hair but cause a reaction in those with an allergy to that particular allergen). These allergens cause the immune system to treat a normally harmless allergen as if it was harmful to the body and causes an allergic reaction. Ganoderma lucidum may be able to help with this unnatural attack on the body by the immune system.

How Does An Allergic Reaction Happen?

In people who do not experience allergies the immune system is the body's defense against foreign organisms like bacteria and viruses and does not react to harmless substances like grass, pollen, hair, foods etc.

However, when a person who is allergic comes into contact with a particular allergen it causes the immune system to over react and:

1. Produce a disease fighting protein or antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that is specific to the allergen that caused its production.

2. The IgE then attaches to mast cells (tissue cells) and basophiles (type of blood cell). The mast cells are very plentiful in the airways and stomach where most allergens tend to enter the body.

3. When an antibody that is attached to a mast cell encounters its specific allergen it signals the mast cell to release chemicals such as histamine, cytokines and leukotrienes. These chemicals cause some cells to constrict and others to swell with inflammation causing the symptoms of allergies.

Now that we have looked at how an allergic reaction happens, let us now look at some common signs and symptoms and then later how Ganoderma lucidum may be able to help.

Signs And Symptoms Of Allergies

There are three categories of allergy symptoms:

Mild

Mild reactions are limited to a specific area of the body and do not spread to another part. These mild reactions produce such symptoms as watery itchy eyes, congestion, rash, sneezing, postnasal drip.

Moderate

In moderate reactions, symptoms spread to other parts of the body and include hives, rash, itchiness and difficulty breathing.

Severe

A severe reaction is called anaphylaxis and is very rare but life threatening. The body's response to the allergen is very fast and it affects the whole body.

It usually starts out with itchy eyes or face then very quickly progresses to more life threatening symptoms like swelling of the airways, breathing difficulties, stomach pain and cramps, mental confusion or dizziness.

In a severe reaction the person must have medical attention immediately to receive antihistamines, steroids or epinephrine to reverse the symptoms or the person may perish.

Now let us look at how Ganoderma lucidum may help.

Ganoderma lucidum

There are four compounds present in Ganoderma lucidum that have been shown to have promise in helping with allergies by inhibiting histamine release or by limiting antibody production and controlling inflammation. These active compounds are:

Cyclooctasulfur

Researchers at the Okayama University in Japan on their study on the Anti-allergenic constituents in the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum (II). The inhibitory effect of cyclooctasulfer on histamine release found that cyclooctasulfer a component of Ganoderma lucidum "effectively inhibited histamine release" from mast cells.

Oleic Acid

Oleic Acid is a colorless, unsaturated fatty acid found in the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum and has been shown in the study Anti-allergic constituents in the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum.(I) Inhibitory effect of oleic acid on histamine release at Okayama University Japan that oleic acid "inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells".

Ling Zhi-8

This protein compound also occurs in the mycelium and was isolated in 1988. In the book Reishi Mushroom, Herb of Spiritual Potency and Medical Wonder, the author Terry Willard Ph D. talks about a study involving Ling Zhi-8. In that study there were two groups of mice. One treated with Ling Zhi-8 and the other not. Both groups were injected with a powerful allergen. The group treated with Ling Zhi-8 showed no symptoms where as the other group died of anaphylactic shock. The researchers concluded that Ling Zhi-8 reduces antibody production to an allergen and is thus active in preventing severe Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.

Ganoderic Acids

A paper written by Martin Powell at the Natural Health Center in the United Kingdom titled: The Use of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in the Management of Histamine Mediated Allergic Responses talks about Ganoderic acids, specifically Ganoderic acid C. In this paper the author states that Ganoderic acid C " was found to account for most of the anti-inflammatory activity from the herb as determined by in vitro tests such as histamine release from mast cells".

If you or a loved one has an allergy, you may want to give it a try.

Stress and Ganoderma lucidum

Stress and Ganoderma lucidum

Discover How Ganoderma lucidum May Help With Stress

Until I started learning about the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), I never realized there was a link between stress and our health.

The more I thought and learned about this relationship, the more I believe it to be true and research seems to support this.

Psychologist Sheldon Cohen of Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University tested the theory of weather or not unhappy individuals are at greater risk of disease. He divided 334 healthy volunteers into two groups:

One that described themselves as happy and relaxed.

One that described themselves as anxious and depressed.

The two groups were given nasal drops containing the common cold virus and Dr. Cohen and his associates observed the discoveries.

The "happy" group showed greater resistance to the cold virus and those that eventually did get sick showed fewer symptoms.

The "unhappy" group, even if they were not infected were still likely to report cold symptoms.

Researchers believe stress is responsible for as much as 80 percent of all illness and Dutch researchers found that people under stress have less than half the antibodies as calmer individuals. Which would help to explain the results of the above study that stress has a negative effect on the immune system and the body as a whole.

Before we talk about stress and Ganoderma lucidum, we should learn about what stress is and its potential effects on the body so you can identify stress when it happens and deal with it before it blooms into something big and hard to deal with.

What Is Stress?

Stress is viewed as a psychological problem with physical consequences.

It can be caused by other health problems so one does not always realize that they are under stress. And since prolonged stress can lead to many health problems, it is therefore important to know what it is so you can recognize it and deal with it.

In Phyllis A. Balch's book, Prescription For Herbal Healing, she defines stress as "a reaction to any event that upsets the body's balance."

The stress response was first developed to release energy very quickly in the body due to the threat of physical danger so one could get away (flight or fight response). So it can be good thing. But when we can't turn it off it begins to be a bad thing.

The stress response is first started by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the blood. Once the ACTH makes its way to the kidneys, the adrenal glands located on the kidneys are signaled to convert cholesterol into cortisol.

Cortisol which was made from the adrenal glands on the kidneys stimulates the liver to release glucose to provide "quick energy". It also causes increases in the secretion of adrenaline, elevates blood pressure, raises heart rate, creates greater tension in the muscles, slows or stops digestion, stops the immune systems ability to cause inflammation due to tissue damage and helps the blood to clot more efficiently.

So Why Is the Stress Response Bad?

It is bad when the body can't turn off the stress cycle started by ACTH.

Normally cortisol is broken down when we sleep. Notice how good you feel after a good nights rest.

The increased production of adrenaline is responsible for many of stress's symptoms. Adrenaline causes the body to increase its metabolism which causes the body to excrete protein, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

As a result of the increased metabolism there is an increase in the production of harmful free radicals, (for more information on Reishi's antioxidant properties click here.) and because adrenaline slows or stops digestion, prolonged stress can cause the body to be deficient in many nutrients.

In addition, blood continues to clot easily, constricting blood vessels which contributes to atherosclerosis.

If stress is unrelenting and chronic, the adrenal glands may begin to suffer.

All of this can come together to cause an adverse affect on the immune system and produce other symptoms like fatigue, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss, low self esteem, depression, teeth grinding, high blood pressure , shallow breathing, nervous twitches, lowered sex drive, insomnia , gastrointestinal problems, worsening allergies , and or aggravated skin disorders.

Ways to Reduce Stress

Here is a list of things that may help (some helped me during times of stress, including Ganoderma lucidum).

Do you know the source of your stress? If you can identify the triggers to your stress, this will make it much easier to develop strategies to manage it. For example, do you get stressed rushing around getting ready for work in the morning? Well, set the alarm 15min earlier and you will have the time, thus reducing or eliminating this stress trigger.

Remember, you are what you eat. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants that will scavenge free radicals. (Note: Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum contains powerful antioxidants .)

Avoid processed and fast foods that are not very good for you. As discussed earlier stress affects your digestive process.

Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine contributes to nervousness and insomnia.

Get regular exercise. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise that unites the body, mind, and spirit and has been proven to help relieve stress.

The Yoga Biomedical Trust survey charted the responses of 3,000 individuals with health ailments who were prescribed yoga as an alternative treatment. Some of the results are listed below.

* Of 1,142 cases with back pain, 98% claimed benefit.
* Of 838 individuals reporting anxiety, 94% claimed benefit.
* Of 542 individuals reporting insomnia, 82% reported benefits.

Learn to relax. Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person's physical, mental, and emotional states. It is very easy to learn and has been used to treat stress and manage pain with other conditions. Simply it is a great way to relax. Reishi, has been shown to act on the nervous system to bring about a calming effect.

Practice deep breathing. This is a tip that works very well in a stressful situation or simply a way to revitalize your system. I personally deep breathe for 10-15 minutes every morning to invigorate my body. To deep breathe is pretty simple. This is only one method though.

Slowly breathe in through your nose as deeply as you can and hold for a count of five.

Slowly breathe out through your mouth while placing your tongue at the back of your teeth and the roof of your mouth.

Repeat.

Monitor and change your self talk. Perhaps the most important conversations you have are the ones you have with your self. An excellent way to change your self talk is by the use of affirmations.

In the book Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain she tells how to use affirmations to positively enhance your life.

It seems that what we tell ourselves forms the basis of our reality and therefore influences our lives.

Simply saying to yourself "I enjoy relaxing and having fun!" or "I feel happy just being alive." can have dramatic effects. We have positive affirmations posted all through the house for us and the kids. Children seem to be especially receptive to affirmations.

Stress and Ganoderma

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi). Reishi is known as an adaptogenic herb meaning it should normalize and regulate our systems which can protect you from stress while enhancing immune capabilities. Also:

1. There should be NO SIDE EFFECTS, even while consuming large quantities over a long period of time.

2. The benefits should not be restricted to a few organs or functions but should effect all cells of the body increasing their resistance to damaging influences.

3. There should be a normalizing effect on the whole body, meaning improving all conditions and not aggravating any existing ones.

Adaptogens are said to work by:

* Supporting the adrenal function
* Help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently
* Help eliminate toxins
* Supporting immune system function
* Regulation of biorhythms

All these things help the body adapt to all types of stress (physical, emotional, mental, environmental), calm the nervous system and normalize body functions. Adaptogens like Reishi should produce feelings of calm and relaxation.

Because of its adaptogenic and other beneficial properties like its powerful antioxidants , its beneficial effect on the immune system, and has the ability of inhibiting the central nervous system. Ganoderma lucidum may be just the thing to calm a persons nerves and provide support to a body under stress.