How to Test the Quality of a Reishi Product

Forget about all the claims by manufacturer on how pure and how good their Ganoderma product is. Follow these simple steps for accurate Ganoderma test for its efficacy.

GanodermaLucidum GanodermaLucidum

Ganoderma Lucidium

Studies on Bioactive Substances and Medical Effects of REISHI Reishi, the fruiting body of Mannentake, Ganoderma lucidum has been known in Japan, China, and other countries as a food and raw material for the development of drugs.  Recent studies have shown that that carcinostatic substance in Reishi is a polysaccharide, beta (1-3)- D – glucan. [...]

medicinal mushroom medicinal mushroom

The Role of Reishi in Cancer Management.

The Role of Reishi Supplements in Cancer Management Ganoderma has been used as folk medicine since ancient times and it is a popular health food frequently promoted as a cancer cure. It is now well established from in vitro and animal studies that the polyshaccharide fraction of Ganoderma is largely responsible for its anti-tumor efficacy. [...]

red reishi red reishi
Agaricus blazei

6 Anti-Inflammatory Mushrooms that Boost Your Immune System

December 20th, 2011 admin

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:

GanodermaLucidum

How to Test the Quality of a Reishi Product

November 15th, 2011 admin

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!

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

Cordyceps

October 24th, 2011 admin

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

 

 

Lions mane Mushroom

Lions Mane Mushroom and NGF

September 23rd, 2011 admin

Lion’s Mane mushroom or Hericium Erinaceus is definitely a rising star among natural treatments for some of the world’s most difficult health problems.  This mushroom has been highly prized in Chinese tradition, where it was eaten exclusively by the Emperors.  Lion’s Mane’s medical benefits were claimed by Chinese doctors as a curative for problems of the digestive tract such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as for cancers of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Its beta glucan polysaccharides, along with polypeptides and fatty acids have a lot to do with these curative effects.  Clinical studies have shown that these polysaccharides, along with adenosine and oleanolic acids, stimulate induction of interferons and modulation of the immune system, boosting the white blood cell count to help the healing process.  These substances also enhance the function of the gastric mucus barrier, accelerate the healing of ulcers, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

Lion’s Mane has also been shown to help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  It is completely safe, showing no signs of toxicity or side effects in any scientific research.  One of the most exciting areas of potential is its ability to  help combat some of the symptoms and underlying causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as well as peripheral neurological dysfunction.

Dr. Hirokazu Kawagishi of Shizoka University Japan, a recognized authority on Lion’s Mane for the past 15 years, showed the mushroom to have the remarkable activity of stimulating the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).  A lack of NGF is considered one of the major causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

What is NGF?  NGF is a protein molecule that was discovered by Rita Levi-Montalcini and isolated by Stanley Cohen, for which they jointly recieved the 1986 Nobel Prize for Medicine.  It is synthesized in minute amounts in all vertebrate tissues.

Dr. Mark Tuszynski of University of California, San Diego explains that NGF is the prototype of the neurotrophion family of polypeptides.  They play an essential role in the differentiation and survival of several nerve cell populations in the peripheral and central nervous system.

NGF as a protein, however, cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, the semi-permeable membrane between the blood and brain, which allows only small, lipid soluble molecules to pass through it.  NGF is too large to permeate the membrane; so in a brain with diminishing amounts of NGF, how do we maintain an adequate amount to support healthy neuron repair and renewal?

Dr. Kawagishi and his team isolated two types of molecules within Lion’s Mane which both stimulate NGF production and also crucially, pass unhindered through the blood-brain barrier.  The first of these substances is found in the fruiting body (the part of the mushroom which sprouts out of the ground or tree stump) and are called hericenones.  Hericenones stimulate the brain to produce more NGF.  An even more powerfully effective group of substances called erinacines were found in the mycelia (the root system) of Lion’s Mane.  Small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier, erinacines work from within the brain to promote NGF production, which in turn helps make more neurons.   This is one of the most significant discoveries of the last 50 years and is why the Nobel Prize was awarded for its discovery.
As Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mycologists and author of several reference works on medical mushrooms, puts it, “Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium is nature’s nutrients for your neurons.”  The Chinese have known this benefit for thousands of years, as the ancient herbalists promised nerves of steel and the memory of a lion to the privileged few who were allowed to east this restricted delicacy.

The erinacines, by promoting NGF production throughout the body, also help to alleviate symptoms of peripheral neurological dysfunction.  Dr. Will Boggs reports in Neurology magazine that NGF significantly improves the pain symptoms of HIV-infected patients with sensory neuropathy.  Sensory neuropathy affects as much as 35% of all AIDS patients.

Dr.  Giovanni Schifitto from the University of Rochester, New York studied the safety and effectiveness of human NGF for HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy in 200 affected patients.  Their symptoms were significantly alleviated with the administration of the NGF.  As the numbers of sufferers needing some type of NGF replacement therapy climbs ever higher, and with no cure in sight from modern medicine, many people are starting to turn to Lion’s Mane mushroom as a real way to slow down and reverse the symptoms of these devastating diseases.

The breakdown in healthy neurological function can be prevented by adding Lion’s Mane mushroom to the diet.  A national trend to add Lion’s Mane to our daily supplemental requirements would go a long way to improve the quality and length of life.

The more we know about the intricate details of this wonder food, the more we begin to understand the prized value it held among the royal palaces of the Orient.

Source: http://www.magicmushroom.com.au/


Mushroomsforhealth

Mushrooms for Health and Longevity by Ken Babel

August 23rd, 2011 admin

Mushrooms for Health and Longevity by Nutritional Councilor Ken Babel is both informative and essential to anyone looking to reap the medicinal and nutritional benefits of the world of medicinal mushrooms.
In addition to the vitamins and nutritional essence of each mushroom, he provides the medicinal value of each, and it’s application to the various illness’ and diseases we face in our world today.

Through case studies and clinical research, he give us the evidence to walk away with a new consciousness of the world of fungi.

“Today mushrooms are still considered the greatest of all tonics, promoting overall well-being and vibrant health. In natural food and supplement stores, mushrooms are carving out their own niche as dietary supplements apart from herbs and vitamins.”

he says. At the same time he also reminds us with a collection of delicious mushroom recipes and even mushroom desserts, where mushrooms such as Tremella Fuciformis, Shiitake and Enoki are key ingredients, that introducing medicinal mushrooms into our diets, is a great way to balance the body, and promote a healthy immune system.

Mushrooms for Health and Longevity is a book that can actually change your life. The information on the benefits of these medicinal mushrooms is often overlooked in North America and western medicine. Ken Babel has brought to our attention the power medicinal mushrooms can have in our daily lives.

Cheers! To our health and longevity.

Bryan Warman
Fungi Health

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