Year: 2011

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6 Anti-Inflammatory Mushrooms that Boost Your Immune System

Agaricus blazei

Mushrooms are rich sources of disease-fighting compounds. Here are some you can capitalize on to boost your immunity and stay strong

Men started to consume mushrooms as food and medicine more than 2,000 years ago. Besides being a potent anti-inflammatory food, we know that many of the fungi we use today contained active compounds that have anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, blood sugar-lowering, and other potentially valuable therapeutic properties.

Edible mushrooms are also great sources of proteins, antioxidants, minerals, fibers and trace elements that are comparable to some leafy greens. But unlike other produce, fungi require much lesser water, soil and space to mass cultivate.

Not convinced? Below are highlights of some fascinating medicinal mushrooms to open your eyes to the kingdom of fungi!

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, or Lingzhi in Chinese) has been revered as the mushroom of immortality in many parts of Asia for centuries. Ancient people used it to enhance qi (life force), sharpen memory, calm the mind, and promote longevity. This kidney-shaped mushroom comes in a few different colors — green, purple, red, yellow and black — but red reishi is the most commonly used.

Health Benefits of Reishi:
Laboratory tests revealed that bioactive compounds derived from reishi have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and immuno-modulatory properties. Several reishi-derived substances are also antibacterial and anti-viral, exerting direct inhibitory actions against human herpes viruses, influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis as well as HIV in the lab.

What’s interesting to note is that polysaccharides from reishi and other medicinal mushrooms, do not kill viruses and cancer cells directly. Instead they activate the body’s own immune cells to attack harmful cells (an action termed as immuno-modulation), thereby increasing the body’s defense against infections and cancer.

Reishi also contains ganoderic acid which could confer protective effects on the liver, and other yet-to-be-identified components that help to reduce radiation-induced damages and side effects caused by chemotherapy.

How to Get and Use Reishi:
Wild reishi mushrooms are rare, and when available, are costly. Thankfully, reishi mushroom has been successfully cultivated which helps to bring its prices down. Due to its bitter taste, reishi is seldom used in cuisines. It’s more commonly used in dried form as Chinese medicine, or in convenient reishi extract capsules which do not require lengthy preparation.

Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps Sinensis)

Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps Sinensis)Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Unlike other fungi which grow in soil or on trees, caterpillar fungus grows out of the body of an underground moth larva. So the complete fungus actually consists of a dried caterpillar with the fruiting body of the mushroom protruding from its head. Caterpillar fungus is known by many names: Dong Chong Xia Cao (which literally means winter worm, summer grass in Chinese), Cordyceps sinensis, or more accurately, Ophiocordyceps sinensis.

Health Benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis:
Caterpillar fungus is a highly valued medicinal ‘mushroom’ in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, though it is strictly speaking not a mushroom. It’s prescribed to “replenish the kidney and soothe the lung, and for the treatment of fatigue.” Traditional Chinese physicians use it to treat a broad range of conditions, including night sweating, sexual dysfunction, high blood sugar, respiratory disease, kidney dysfunction, irregular heartbeat and other heart and liver disease. (Source)

Several preliminary data also suggested that extracts of Cordyceps sinensis could be useful against cancerous tumor, chemical-induced kidney damages, diabetes, inflammation, radiation-induced bone marrow and intestinal injuries, high blood cholesterol, and oxidative damage. In addition, it may also help to boost exercise endurance, increase energy levels and even lift depressive moods. In Taiwan and China, Cordyceps sinensis is used to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and to reduce kidney transplant complications.

How to Get and Use Cordyceps Sinensis:
Wild Cordyceps sinensis, consisting of the whole caterpillar and the attached fruiting body, cannot be grown artificially the way we can grow other medicinal mushrooms. That’s why the price of wild-harvested Cordyceps sinensis is prohibitively high and continues to go up.

Fortunately, we can fall back on cultivated Cordyceps sinensis which is mainly sold as cordyceps dietary supplement rather than as a form of food. Although cultured cordyceps fungi are reproduced without the use of any larva as host, they appear to have similar potency as wild-harvested ones according to this study as well as most of the research hyperlinked here.

Bamboo Fungus (Phallus Indusiatus)

Bamboo Fungus (Phallus Indusiatus) Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Bamboo fungus (Phallus indusiatus) is a tropical mushroom belonging to the stinkhorn family that sports a bell-shaped cap and a long, elaborate net-like skirt.

Also called veiled lady mushroom, Zhu Sun or Dictyophora indusiata, it contains seven essential amino acids and 12 metallic ions, and is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium and phosphate.

Health Benefits of Bamboo Fungus:
Early studies found that it may help to reduce low-density lipoprotein (‘bad’ chlesterol) and excessive acid in the body fluids, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (‘good’ cholesterol) and overall immunity. (Source)

Research also found that bamboo fungus shares some of the therapeutic properties as other medicinal mushrooms, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-hyperglycemic and antimicrobial.

How to Get and Use Bamboo Fungus:
Bamboo fungus used to be a delicacy prized by the Chinese. Before mass cultivation of the fungus is possible, it used to occur only in the wild and thus, is hard to come by.

But now, dried cultivated bamboo fungus can easily be found in many Asian stores. To use it, simply soak it in water until it’s soft and then wash it thoroughly to remove grit and dirt.

By itself, bamboo fungus is tasteless but has an almost crunchy and tender texture. Its long, sponge-like stalk (stipe to be exact) means it can readily soaks up any flavoring or gravy that you dip it in, making the fungus a versatile ingredient to use. The Chinese also believe that adding Zhu Sun in their cooking can help to prevent food from spoiling easily.

To date, capsule or powder form of phallus indusiatus is not common.

Maitake (Grifola Frondosa)

Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Maitake (Grifola frondosa, or hen of the woods) is a culinary as well as medicinal mushroom widely used in Japan and increasingly, in other parts of the world. Literally called ‘dancing mushroom’, maitake grows in clusters and can grow to a large size, reaching 20 inches in diameter and weighing up to 100 pounds.

Health Benefits of Maitake:
A bioactive extract derived from maitake’s beta-glucan known as maitake D-fraction has been a subject of many research studies. The interest comes mainly from the extract’s ability to modulate the immune system and inhibit tumor cell growth.

Several improved maitake extracts were later developed. One of them, maitake MD-fraction, has reportedly received positive results in the treatment of a few cases of leukemia, liver and lung cancer.

How to Get and Use Maitake:
Fresh, and sometimes dried, maitake can be bought from large supermarkets and Asian stores.

But if the idea of eating fungi every day is hard to stomach, there is always maitake capsules to make the swallowing easier.

Almond Mushroom (Agaricus Subrufescens)

Almond Mushroom (Agaricus Subrufescens) Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Almond mushroom (Agaricus Subrufescens) is a famous fungus with a big identity crisis. According to Wikipedia, several popular fungi and their derivatives that were marketed under the names like Agaricus blazei murrill and Agaricus brasiliensis in the last few decades should really have been Agaricus subrufescens instead.

Health Benefits of Almond Mushroom:
Almond mushroom has attracted the attention of scientists and consumers alike due to its potential anti-cancer, immuno-regulating, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. Based on a 2005 survey, it was reportedly the most popular complementary and alternative medicine used by cancer patients in Japan.

How to Get and Use Almond Mushroom:
Fresh and dried Agaricus subrufescens are available in well-stocked supermarkets and Asian stores. The fresh mushroom has a delicate almond-like aroma and taste, while the dried version acquired a stronger fragrance and a chewier texture.

However, note that mushrooms from the Agaricus family, including Agaricus subrufescens, do contain a tiny amount of natural occurring carcinogen agaritine. Cooking usually destroys most of the agaritine in the mushroom and should not be a concern. But if you’re planning to take raw, powder form of the fungus for long-term, choose one that has agaritine removed.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)Why this Medicinal Mushroom?
Also known as monkey’s head mushroom, lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique looking fungus that has hair-like ‘teeth’ and some serious brain-boosting compounds.

Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane:
Other than enhancing the immune system and zapping cancer cells like other medicinal fungi, extract of yamabushitake (the Japanese name for lion’s mane mushroom) appears to have some beneficial effects on brain functions and autonomic nervous system.

A research conducted in Japan found that subjects who took cookies containing yamabushitake powder for four weeks were less depressed and anxious than those who took placebo cookies. An animal test also showed that Hericium erinaceus extract slowed cognitive impairment in mice which had chemically-induced dementia, while an in vitro experiment found it stimulated nerve growth factor (NGF). Inadequate NGF is believed to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, lion’s mane extract may also improve lipid metabolism, cut blood lipid levels, reduce cell mutation and protect nerve tissue according to some preliminary reports.

How to Get and Use Lion’s Mane:
Like the bamboo fungus, monkey’s head mushroom used to be one of the eight fungus delicacies enjoyed by the ancient Chinese. Nowadays, it’s still a popular choice for important Chinese dinners.

Dried monkey’s head mushrooms are more common than fresh ones, and they can often be found in Asian specialty stores.

Extracts of Hericium erinaceus can also be found at the click of the mouse and in brick-and-mortar health stores.

Source:

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How to Test the Quality of a Reishi Product

Confused about the many Ganoderma extract supplements in the market? How to check whether the Ganoderma product you’re taking now is good?

You may find many Ganoderma extract supplements in the market due to its increasing worldwide popularity. It ranges from Ganoderma coffee to Ganoderma extract powder. All these supplements are claimed to have significant healing effects.

However, we may or may not feel the claimed health benefits. Below are 5 factors you must consider when choosing Ganoderma herbal supplements.

1) Ganoderma extract or grinding

Some company simply grinds this herb into powder form. Some uses high technology extraction method to extract only its essences into powder form.

Extraction concentration can be as high as 16 to 1. That means, 1000kg of this fungus is extracted to only 60kg. One capsule of Ganoderma extract at 16 to 1 concentration is equivalent to 16 capsules of the grinded one.

Needless to say, Ganoderma herb supplement using extraction method is many times more effective and purer than grinding method.

2) Capsulated or log wood cultivation

Most Ganoderma products are capsulated (vacuum packing) cultivated using wooden crams and chemicals. This produces softer fruit body with less active components for effective health improvement.

Because of the chemicals used, some may even be contaminated with toxics and even heavy metals such as mercury.

Meanwhile, log wood cultivated Ganoderma is a few times more potent in its medicinal values. It is purer with higher content of beneficial active components.

However, this cultivation method is much more expensive in term of the space used and time required. So, many manufacturers prefer to use capsulated cultivated Ganoderma.

3) Ganoderma spore powder

Spore powder is the most precious part of Ganoderma herb with the most concentration of active components like Organic Germanium, Polysaccharides and Triterpenes.

Choose Ganoderma extract with spore powder for better results. Make sure the spore shell is broken to release its essences.

4) International quality certification

Of course, we would better select a manufacturer with experience and excellent production quality control. This ensures the quality consistence of their supplement product, all the time.

5) Percentage of Ganoderma extract

Some manufacturer includes a tiny fraction of Ganoderma into their herb supplement, mixed with other ingredients. As such, the healing effect is far less than the pure one.

However, some acclaimed pure Ganoderma extract may not be pure at all. Maybe 20% is Ganoderma and the rest is filler. This is another point of concern – the honesty and credibility of manufacturer.

How to test Ganoderma product

First, fill a glass with water and pour in some cooking oil such as olive oil.
  Ganoderma Test Start

Then, open up a Ganoderma extract capsule and spread some of its powder evenly on top of the oil surface.

The powder will float on the oil surface. Here comes the first test point.

 

See whether the extract powder can slowly penetrate the oil. This shows its ability to pass through fats and cholesterol clot in our blood vessel wall and cleanses it.

For second Ganoderma test point, leave it for around 10 days and take a look.
  Ganoderma Good

This is good Ganoderma extract. It blends evenly with the water after a few days.

The oil surface is clear of any mould. This means it has strong germ fighting ability.

 
 
Ganoderma Bad

This is not your choice of Ganoderma extract. It still floats on the oil surface.

Take a closer look and you can see mould on the surface. This one has weak germ fighting ability.

 

Now is the third test point for Ganoderma spores. Take a look at the bottom of the glass. The spore powder is the white substance deposited at the bottom.

  Ganoderma with Spore

This is what you want – Ganoderma spore powder, the most precious part of this medicinal herb.

 

 
 
Ganoderma without Spore

Ganoderma spore can hardly be seen. You can expect very less healing effects here.

 

For the final Ganoderma test point, cover the glass with transparent wrapper and leave it for as long as possible. The better Ganoderma extract can preserve mould-free environment for many years.

 

Other Ganoderma test

This is a simple and effective test method. You can also test for its taste. Pure Ganoderma taste very bitter.

For a more thorough test, you need to submit Ganoderma extract sample to the laboratory to test for heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead. Test for steroids content too as it might be misused. Steroid harms your body for long term consumption.

Ganoderma is one of the few herb supplement that can be safely taken for long term. However, you must make sure you are taking the purest one.

 

Source:Ganoderma-for-health.com

We tried this with Fungi Health’s Reishi extract with the same results!

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Cordyceps

Anti Aging, Anti Aging Foods, Anti Aging Supplements, Chinese longevity medicine, Health and Longevity, Healthy Aging, Healthy Diet, Increase Longevity, Longevity research, traditional medicine

The powerful gains received when eating cordyceps was initially recognized approximately fifteen hundred years ago. Shepherd farmers tending to their herds in the Tibetan mountain ranges realized a difference in their livestock. The cattle had become quite vigorous and were acting more youthful while eating a small mushroom that resembled grass.

It has been since this time that cordyceps became popular as a pick-me-up stimulant that seemed to improve many other physiological issues such as better organ functionality, improved immunity and general strength and well being. Cordyceps are suggested as a means to recovery from childbirth and surgery or illnesses.

Cordyceps are commonly recommended as a treatment method for asthma, chest congestion and coughing, weak lung and wheezing, shortness of breath and as an expectorant. Cordyceps work vigorously on the “lung meridian”, that of Chinese traditional medicine lore, and therefore is effective as a remedy and preventive therapy for lung ailments. In those individuals who require a boost of energy due to a weak respiratory system, cordyceps enhance energy so physical labor is easier, as well as sports or physical activity in general.

Traditional medicine practitioners quite often utilize cordyceps as a means of treating overall fatigue, weakness and debilitation. As a means of staving off stress cordyceps are quite effective and they are used to battle fatigue and intense tiredness while augmenting endurance. This remarkable fungus is used as a stimulant when added energy is required for day to day activities and it will aid in adjusting sleep cycles while effectively assisting in the transfer of essential nutrients within your body. Cordyceps are also proven to aid in the oxygenation of the cells so knowing this it would behoove a person to try taking cordyceps to improve their physical well being.

Cordyceps are also known for its effectiveness as an innate aphrodisiac and is highly sought after as a sexual tonic. It does not have the fast acting tendencies of say horny goat weed, deer antler or even sea dragon, cordyceps acts in a more overall intense manner to strengthen sexual prowess. It is known for its yin and yang capacity and as a strong yang tonic it reinforces the kidney channel, also of traditional medicine teachings, an area known for sexual vitality and longing.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is for use in males suffering erectile dysfunction but it is also a treatment for impotence and infertility. It will treat and improve one’s libido, sexual function and desire as well as energy requirements and the physical durability required for sexual activity. Many studies and investigations have been conducted that display the results of cordyceps and their ability to stimulate the discharge of testosterone as it relaxes the smooth corpus cavernosum muscle found in the penis. This provides for additional blood flow causing firmer erections while enhancing sexual feeling. Investigations concluded at Beijing University that there was a sixty four percent success ratio in men who endured sexual impotence.

Cordyceps act as a strong traditional anti aging trigger for rejuvenating the body while innately encouraging longevity in its users. It restocks the yin and yang energy balance rebuilding physical potency subsequent to intense physical, emotional or mental effort. It should be emphasized that cordyceps act to safeguard an individual from the rapid advance of aging related to stress sources. Investigations have verified how cordyceps will raise the activity level of superoxide dismutase [or SOD] – an extremely favorable and forceful antioxidant in our bodies. Since cordyceps is a potent antioxidant on its own it assists in ridding the body of free radical activity that can lead to early aging and more serious though common age related degenerative illnesses.

Cordyceps has displayed a capacity to lower a person’s bad LDL cholesterol as they raise the good stuff, the HDL cholesterol level. It can stop the bad LDL cholesterol from oxidation as it thins out the blood to thwart plaque formation or clotting, both of which can clog blood vessels. This action will aid in the prevention of strokes or heart attacks. There have been clinical trials and investigations that show people who suffer from heart disease are able to amazingly rebound and begin progressive healing while taking cordyceps along with their physician prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Your kidneys have been referred to as “the root of life” and so cordyceps has been utilized primarily as a treatment for kidney malfunction. Recent medical research has verified that cordyceps are definitely safeguarding the kidneys while they also aid in improving their operational capability. Kidney transplant patients have taken cordyceps and found them very effective at aiding in healing processes. There is one caveat here that when using cordyceps for kidney conditions you should only do so under the guidance of a medical professional.

Cordyceps have traditionally been a way of making the body stronger and building up its defenses from infectious contagions and studies of late have proven that they are powerful immune system enhancers. Cordyceps will trigger the development of immunity cells like macrophages, lymphocytes, T helper cells and interleukin within your system. They will act as an extraordinary immunity regulator since they will stimulate the underachieving immunity cells and calm the overactive types.
Since the 1970s in China they have been investigating the ability of cordyceps to restrain cancer cells. The examinations have revealed that cordyceps aided in the reduction of the size of a tumor and enhanced the sick patients coping ability where chemotherapy and radiation treatments were given. It also lowered the toxicity consequences on the bone marrow caused by these therapies. The investigations showed that cordyceps had anti tumor characteristics and they trigger natural killer defenses.

When our immune system is strained it must work harder longer as it works at neutralizing harmful environmental byproducts that surround us always. Try as we may, we will get sick and our bodies will be out of balance from the constant onslaught of infectious bacteria and damaging free radicals. Cordyceps as a mushroom/fungus have the innate ability to protect us from much of this potential harm by augmenting our immunity. Particularly as we advance in age our bodies become more vulnerable and it is even more important to ingest cordyceps.

Cordyceps or cordyceps Sinensis are found in extreme altitudes and are also known as “winter worm or summer grass even caterpillar fungus by some based on the Chinese definition of its name.  It is a natural cross union of insect and plant life. It was thought to be a worm rather than an herbal plant form when it was first discovered centuries ago. The cordyceps is a byproduct of a variety of fungus which leeches off the larvae of Chongcao bat moths and shapes into a fungus – larva combo body, taking up to seven years to finish its cycle of life.

The cordyceps is actually a culinary delicacy in Chinese society having been used in soups and various brews along with pork and poultry. Because it is so lavishly priced and quite scarce, once again a mushroom was only available to the wealthiest of ancient cultures reserved for emperors and royalty. Cordyceps have been known for centuries as an effective treatment in traditional Chinese medicine.

In 1993, a trio of female Chinese athletes al set new global records at the national games in China. When quizzed by journalists, their coach credited their success to intense physical training and being supplemented by cordyceps mushroom fungus. Even now studies continue to verify the effectiveness of cordyceps for their healthful benefits.

Approximately ten years ago a modest study was conducted at the American College of Sports Medicine during their annual meeting that revealed how cordyceps based supplements such as CordyMax and Pharmanex had raised considerably the ceiling oxygen uptake and anaerobic maximums, which might lead to additional exercise capability and an opposition to eventual exhaustion.

Cordyceps are a simple way for anyone to get maximum health benefits from their dietary and nutritional meal planning. Rarely has there been such a powerful food product with such healthy benefits that can be so easily added to any current menu. They can be found in a natural dried formation, powdered mix, tinctures, as a dietary supplement or they can be mixed into soups or broth as a tonic. Young people and the elderly alike can all benefit from the phenomenal features offered by this highland mushroom fungus that has been helping keep people healthy and live extended lives for many centuries. That seems like quite an impressive track record.

Source :  Immortalhumans.com