ARTHRITIS NEWSLETTER                                   NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) - The most recent and definitive analytical work on chaga has been performed by Dr. Kirsti Kahlos, a pharmacognycist at the School of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland. Kahlos and her colleagues found a wide variety of active triterpenes. Of those, the most active was specified as inotodiol. They also found the compound betulin, which is translocated from the birch host into the fungus. Other researchers have found active polysaccharides, a common occurrence in most medicinal mushrooms.
Scientific research has confirmed some of the primary folk uses. Kahlos and others have found significant anti-cancer activity against specific tumor systems. Kahlos also found activity against specific influenza viruses. Chaga has shown anti-inflammatory activity which it is believed could be responsible for some of its benefits to the stomach and bowels.

 

Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - also known as Ling Chi. Reishi is used as a daily tonic to maintain and improve good health, increasing longevity, in the treatment of cancer and resistance to and recovery from diseases. Used daily, it maintains peak cellular immunity, improves liver and cardiovascular  health, by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and platelet aggregation. It is also used for hepatitis C, increasing oxygen absorption, and by mountain climbers to combat altitude sickness. CAUTION: Reishi can cause thinning of the blood and increased blood flow so women who menstruate heavily and persons going into surgery should use with caution. Since cooking with Reishi is not practical, we have listed some other ways to enjoy the health benefits:

Reishi Tea - slice the dried mushroom and simmer in boiling water for 2-3 hours. Strain and add a little honey or fruit juice (to overcome the bitterness of Reishi). Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Drink hot or cold. Do not use aluminum or cast iron to prepare, store or serve Reishi Tea.

Reishi Tonic - slice about 1/2 ounce of dried Reishi and to a bottle of wine or brandy. Let stand for at least six weeks. Enjoy a small glass each day. 

Reishi Soup - simmer Reishi slices in your favorite soup for 2-3 hours. Adds an earthy flavor.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) - Shiitake is used to stimulate immune function, liver health and reducing cholesterol levels. It has been used for Hepatitis B and  also seems to posses anti-viral properties. Shiitake  activates killer and helper "T" cells.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) - also known as Hen-of-the-Woods. Maitake is being used for many cancers including breast and prostrate, HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to researchers at the National Cancer Center in Japan, complete tumor elimination was experienced in about 80% of cancer-induced animals fed extracts from Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms. Compounds of each of these mushrooms increase the tumor-fighting activity of NK cells [natural killer cells of the immune system] and improve antibody responses, but Maitake seems to have the strongest and most consistent effect. ... Unlike other mushroom extracts, the Maitake extract shows strong anticancer activity even when administered orally.

Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) - also known as Tree Oyster. This  mushroom naturally produces Lovastatin, an FDA approved drug for the treatment of blood cholesterol. Animal studies have shown a 79.4% tumor inhibition rate against sarcoma 180 and a 89.7% inhibition rate against a mammary tumor system (MM-46). It totally negated increases in triglycerol levels and liver cholesterol resulting from chronic alcohol ingestion in hamsters.

Silver Ear (Tremella fuciformis) - also known as Snow Mushroom. Tremella is effective in treating leukopenia in cancer patients by radio- and chemotherapy. It also boosts immunological functions and stimulate leukocyte activity. It has been shown to improve immunity and resistance to chronic bronchitis. It has also shown to be very effective against hepatitis and tumors.

Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei) - also known as Congumelo do Sol. Quickly becoming the most important mushroom for its medical qualities, it contains the largest concentrations (up to 14%)  of 1,3- and 1,6- beta glucans than any other mushroom. Its unique polysaccharides are selectively cytotoxic on tumor cells. An added benefit-it adds an almond flavor to culinary dishes.

Take me to the Dried Medicinal Mushrooms Page

Take me to Medicinal Mushrooms Extracts Page