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Medicinal Mushrooms Applications– 12 Types

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Our Medicinal Mushroom products are made from 100% certified organic mushroom fruiting bodies with NO added mycelium, grains, starch or fillers of any kind.  Mycelium product produced within the United States is grown on grain.  Organica’s mushroom products are not grown on grain and literally contain almost no starch. All of our Medicinal Mushroom powders are 100% pure mushroom powder only and nothing else, almost no starch, and zero fillers or flow agents.  We sell only certified organic, lab analyzed, medical grade product with the highest quality possible.

Supplementing Medicinal Mushrooms– Just 1-5 grams per day can make all the difference in your quest for health. For more serious health concerns, we offer 4 mushrooms in a 4 to 8 strength Extract. All of our mushrooms are extracts, making them more effective with compounds that are more bioavailable to the human body. 

Statistics & Research

For a broad spectrum daily supplemental use, take 2 grams daily of the Organic 12 Medicinal Mushrooms supplement powder. I know that Americans we think in ounces. Remember though, when you are considering taking a 1 gram dose that most mushroom supplement capsules are 500mg. So a 1 gram, or 1000 mg. dose is equivalent to 2 capsules. 2 grams is like taking 2 capsules twice per day or 2000 mg. It really is easy to see how taking powders opens up a whole new world of possibility for adding mushrooms and herbal powders to your regiment. If you make your supplemental powder formula now, you can add 1 oz. of a mushroom powder to it which provides about 1 gram per day for 28 days. Powders are less expensive than capsules so it also will save you money!

For Therapeutic Application, take 2-5 grams 1-2 times daily, and in some cases with specific mushrooms, as much as 16 grams. Don’t take 16 grams per day without speaking to your health care professional. Rather than high doses of one thing, include other supplements to compliment your regiment.  As with all singles and blends of Medicinal Mushrooms, mix with water, tea, juice, or into vegetable, chicken, or beef broth. You can use miso broth or add white miso to your broth for the added bonus of another anti-cancer food that offers protection from breast cancer. We find that most people prefer to either simply put the powder directly in their mouth and wash it down with any beverage including water, or by dissolving your dose into organic chicken broth or bone broth. If you use chicken broth, it just tastes like bouillon. If you take Collagen Rx, it is perfectly paired. In the Winter, this beverage is such a nice start to any day, it is enjoyable, tastes good, and exceptional for your overall health.

The best absorption is with plain filtered water or dissolved into hot organic chicken broth. For mixing it with plain water,  it doesn’t have to be warm in order to stir it in and dissolve. If you are using cold liquid, just put a small amount of tea, water, coffee etc. in a shaker bottle, then add the grams of mushroom powder;  shake and drink. Regardless of which way you take it, it is best without food either 20-30 minutes before eating or a couple of hours after a meal. Most find it convenient to take upon rising along with other empty stomach supplements to consolidate time. Anything that makes things more convenient and time-saving is best for you to do it. If you are taking 2 doses per day, allow 4-6 between each dose. AM and PM is ideal when dosing twice per day, but so long as you have 4-6 hours between doses you will experience maximum use by the body.

Selecting the Best Medicinal Mushroom for Your Needs

Each mushroom has special application.  ALL of our mushrooms without exception are grown in an organic grow-op in China.  After harvest and processing, they are LAB TESTED for heavy metals, chemicals, radiation, toxins, and insects. Any product falling below the highest standards are rejected.  Only the finest most effective quality mushrooms are offered at Organica and are considered to be a medical grade product. Commercial products are high in alpha glucan rather than beta glucan. The anti-cancer benefits for example, are found in a harvest that is rich in BETA GLUCAN. Alpha glucan is the starchy outcome of a product produced by growing it on rice mycelium or another medium that is NOT its natural habitat. A Chaga Mushroom must be grown and harvested from a birch tree. Anywhere else…. the compounds that make Chaga amazing are just not there. So be choosy, pay the extra money and don’t waste time trying to improve your health with mushroom products that should be reserved for culinary applications rather than medicinal. If you have a serious health issue, consider the 4 available high potency Extracts of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake. An 8:1 strength means it takes 8 pounds of mushroom to produce 1 pound of product. This is 8 x stronger than the 1:1 Extract ratio. If you have a nerve disorder, you can benefit your intake with the 8:1 Extract and possibly yield results more effectively or quicker than with the standard 1:1.  The 1:1 is also excellent for anyone of all ages. The high potency Extracts such as 4:1 or 8:1 are designed for those who are battling a health issue that simply demands their increased strength, so rather than taking 8 servings of a mushroom, they take 1. For general use and supplementing, the 1:1 is still the best choice for the expected results and economy.

Here is a list of individual applications for each mushroom we offer-–

From the studies of Medicinal Mushrooms by Hobbs;  results of research in vitro and vivo found Medicinal Mushrooms to result in the following;

Reishi (ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi mushroom is considered to be one of the highest regarded of all medicinal mushrooms in China and Japan. All mushrooms are modulators which means they are adaptogens.  Adaptogens can be taken ongoing without break and when applied, act to balance the body.  If an immune system is overactive, it will bring it down. If it is underactive, it will raise it up. Reishi Mushroom is rich in polysaccharides which have impressive immune modulating properties which increase T-Lymphocytes and decrease CD8 counts in studies. If a patient is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, medicinal mushrooms reduce the sides affects of these therapies. Reishi has been found to be more effect in cancer treatments when combined with Vitamin C.

Results of research in vitro and vivo found Reishi to result in the following;

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-viral
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-bacterial against;  Streptococci, Staphloccoci, Baccillus Pneumoniae
• Antioxidant
• Anti-allergy
• Anti-ulcer (limited results but combines with other mushrooms as a compatible)
• Analgesic
• Improves coronary arteries, lowers serum cholesterol, enhances myocardial metabolism.  Showed no effect on triglycerides.
• Lowers blood pressure & cholesterol– reduced blood and plasma viscosity in controlled studies.  Reishi Mushroom would also be extremely compatible with Maitake Mushroom
• Found to relieve pain (companion herb with kratom for issues of pain)
• In studies, Reishi increases NK (natural killer cells) in mice
• Improves asthma;  expectorant properties
• Patients improved by 60-90% in cases of chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma– also found to regenerate the bronchial epithelium (bronchial tract lining).
• Increases nucleated cell proliferation in bone marrow
• Relaxes muscles
• Insomnia
• Reduces the effects of caffeine
• Blood thinner  (conflicts with blood thinner medications)
• Protects the body from radiation, including cancer treatments
• Liver-protective.  Improves fatty liver
• Reduces liver enzymes in Hepatitis B
• Anti-aging
• Increases Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-2
• Increases adrenocortical function
• Increases white blood cells
• Increases hematoglobin
• Enhances athletic performance
• Increases oxygenation of the blood, reducing & preventing high altitude sickness in mountain climbers
• Protects against ionizing radiation
• Anti-HIV in both vitro and vivo animal studies
• Stimulates macrophages and increases TNF-a (tumor-necrosis factor) and interleukins
• Potent actions against sarcoma

Dosage:  Average use is 1-3 grams per day.  Therapeutic dosage is 2-5 grams 1-2 times

Extract 8:1 (8 pounds of mushroom in a 1 pound concentrate)  2 grams

Side effects of a dosage that is too high is intestinal upset and loose stools, or bloody stools in those with GI illness as Reishi is also a blood thinner. If a dosage is too high for you, you can experience headaches, dizziness, or if allergic- a rash.  At average doses, it is uncommon to experience negative side effects.

Maitake  (grifola frondosa)

Maitake has a unique polysaccharide which has a potential for an alternative treatment for prostate cancer.  Research has shown Maitake D-fraction polysaccharides to regress tumors, in breast,prostate,  liver, and lung cancer.  The terms “D-fraction” and “MD-fraction” are simply referring to a concentration of the maitake polysaccharides, which were patented.

• • Cancer prevention

• • Lowers blood pressure

• • Lowers cholesterol

• • Weight loss (especially when combined with garcinia cambogia)

• • Anti-Prostate Cancer- demonstrates a cytotoxic effect on prostatic cancer cells in vitro which leads to apoptosis

• • Anti-Cancer for tumors in the liver, lungs, and breast

• • Liver protective;  found to be the most effective of all mushrooms tested for liver health and protective against fatty liver

• • Anti-tumor- found to inhibit tumor growth by as much as 86%

• • Increases NK (natural killer cells)

• • Lowers high blood sugar

• • Increases macrophages

• Increases cytotoxic T cells for tumor reduction

Dosage:  2.5 grams daily.

Therapeutic Dosage 3-5 grams 2 x daily    Disease Fighting Dosage 7 grams    Extract 4:1 (4 pounds of mushroom in a 1 pound concentrate)  2 grams

Cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis)

This mushroom has been found to be one of the most powerful against radiation, whether from natural exposure or from medical radiation treatments.  It is further effective when including Vitamin C.  Cordyceps grows naturally on caterpillars in the highest plateaus of Tibet, China, and Nepal. Its most important applications are for the bone marrow and intestinal tract. It has also been determined most effective to overwhelm and eliminate fungus and yeast infections including candida.

• Anti-skin cancer
• Anti-lung cancer
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-fungus and yeast, anti-candida, digestive disorders
• Immune stimulating
• Anti-cancer general
• Auto-immune disorders-  modulating
• Lowers high blood sugar
• Anti-allergy including asthma
• Balancing to heart rhythm
• Improves flexibility of veins, arteries, and capillaries
• Fatigue, including CFS
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Reduces fatty liver
• Improves bronchitis and bronchial function
• Liver damage
• Hepatitis- all types

Dosage:  2-4 grams daily.  Therapeutic dosage 5 grams up to 2 times in divided doses

Turkey Tail (trametes versicolor)

Tremendous number of studies and clinical trials have been done on this mushroom– over 600 studies and 24 human clinical trials (as opposed to mice or other animals) have been conducted. In Japan, 25% of cancer treatment costs involve Turkey Tail application) and is consistently used for those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy as a standard part of their treatment regime.

• Immune modulating
• Radiation protectant
• Protects the body from immune system suppression when undergoing long-term radiation and chemotherapy
• Reduces the healing crisis from detox
• Anti-tumor
• *Improves survival rates of Stage 1 cancer patients by as much as 39%, and Stage 2 22%
• Stage 1, 2, and 3 breast cancer;  Lymphocytes- In women with breast cancer, a very large preservation of lymphocytes is noted with polysaccharides in Turkey Tail
• Anti-cancer
• Remission rate of patients in cancer treatment, more than doubled with the application of Turkey Tail as compared to the placebo group
• White blood cell activity was rated the highest of the medicinal mushrooms
• Leukemia and related blood diseases, in regards to cytokines, a suppression of IL-8 was noted in HL-60 cells

*traditional survival rates from standard cancer treatment compared against patients using Turkey Tail, reduced survival to 15% for Stage 1, and only 5% for Stage 2

Dosage:  2-5 grams.  Therapeutic dosage 5 grams 2 x daily

Chaga (inonotus obliquus)

Widely used in history throughout Russia and Western Siberia. Chaga grows wild on birch trees in extreme cold climates in Siberia, Northern most parts of North America, and Canada.

• Anti-cancer
• Anti-heptoma
• Liver protectant
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-tumor
• Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, IBS, Diverticulitis
• Free radical toxicity blocker, protects DNA from oxidative damage in vitro
• SOD- one of the highest sources and highest of the mushrooms
• Improves conditions of patients with tumors who are considered uncurable in cancers in Stage 3 and 4
• Especially high in naturally occurring minerals which are derived from birch trees
• Contains health supportive bioactive polysaccharides, lanostane triterpenoids, phenolic compounds which boost the immune system and help the body to heal itself at a cellular level
• Prevents cellular mutation caused by free radical damage
• Inhibits cancer proliferation
• Increases recovery time after chemotherapy
• Modulates the immune system to reduce allergic reactions and allergies

Dosage:  2-4 grams daily.  Therapeutic dosage 3-5 grams 1-2 times daily

Shiitake (lentinula edodes)

Shiitake Mushrooms contain a high level of interferons which are believed to account for its potent strong anti-viral effects. Interferons are naturally occurring proteins which are created as a reaction to invading bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and cancerous cells. Shiitake boosts the immune system which helps to inhibit the replication of pathogens.

Known as “miracle mushroom”, Shiitake also produces a fat absorbing compound which helps those who wish to reduce weight and bad cholesterol, which qualifies it as a great companion blend with Maitake.

Shiitake Mushroom contains all 8 amino acids, making it a complete protein, just like meat. It has 10 x more flavor than the White Button Mushrooms, and intensifies when it is dried and then reconstituted with water.  It is a unique mushroom containing about 65% of the daily value of copper which is accompanied by critical amino acids, and Linoleic acid. The body cannot synthesize copper and we rely on our diet to support this need;  Shiitake can help improve levels of this significant element.  Deficiency in copper is a factor in the development of coronary heart disease. In addition to copper, Shiitake also contains compounds of pantothenic acid (allergies, prevents graying of hair), and selenium (anti-cancer), both in a highly absorptive form.

Shiitake provides energy as it is digested. This vital energy  inhibits oxidative stress with a naturally occurring antioxidant called ergothioniene. Erogothioniene helps to reduce inflammation, and discourages the formation of tumors.  Shiitake helps protect your body from the collection of bad bacteria, all while it extracts energy for health, from your ingestion of carbohydrates (fat absorbing), fats, and proteins.

There are multiple benefits to eating this mushroom daily.  Here are a few of these potential benefits;

• Modulates the immune system
• Anti-viral
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-cancer
• Contains high levels of interferons
• Improves the level of copper
• Contains linoleic acid, selenium, and panthothenic acid
• Lowers high cholesterol
• Protects you from bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, radiation, heavy metal toxicity, and cancerous cells
• Prevents the replication of pathogens
• Absorbs fat and help with weight loss similar to Maitake Mushroom
• Increases recovery time from radiation treatments and chemotherapy, protects the body from cellular damage
• May prevent chromosomal damage from pharmaceutical cancer treatments
• Extracts energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• Non-animal source of a complete protein which builds strength in the body just as meat
• Inhibits oxidative stress

Dosage: 2-4 grams, 1-2 times daily  Therapeutic Dosage:  3-16 grams, in divided doses, depending upon condition

Polyporus Mushroom– Zhu Ling  (grifola umbellata)

A lesser known, powerful medicinal mushroom, found by other names depending upon its origin.

Chinese Name – Zhu Ling (sclerotium)
Japanese Name – Chorei Maitake (fruiting body)

Primarily affects the;  kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, spleen, and liver.  It is indicated for illnesses involving dampness and harmful body-fluids such as in cases of;

• Edema
• Scant Urination
• Cloudy Urine
• Chronic Bladder Infections
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Water Retention & Puffiness
• Lung Cancer
• Cirrhosis of the Liver
• Hepatitis
• Benefits Against Tumors & Various Cancers
• Protects the Immune Cells Against Side Effects of Radiation & Chemotherapy
• Kidney Infection & Dysfunction
• Disorders of the Spleen
• Vaginal Discharge
• Painful Urination

This medicinal is useful to promote urination and reduce edema, water retention, and puffiness. Used long term it is found to promote better production of serotonin– which is why it has a reputation of making feel happy. It is an anti-aging mushroom with plenty of other benefits. It has anti-cancer, anti-tumor actions and is often used for cancer of the lung. Just as many other medicinal mushrooms, it too helps to reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Polyporus enhances the immune system function by promoting an acceleration of IgM and strenthening monocytes.  It has been found to remedy chronic hepatitis and has a favorable effect on disorders of the liver. In one study, Polyporus, when used as part of an herbal formula, was able to actually cure 17 of 39 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and brought about significant liver improvement in the 19 remaining subjects.

Remedy for Water Retention & Edema:  For many, a dose of 5 grams in water, tea, or diluted juice on an empty stomach will cause a 62% increase in urine volume over 6 hours.

Chinese Medicine:  Polyporus is not used with a Yin deficiency or it causes damage to Yin (or vision)

As a Significant Diuretic:  Dosages higher than 5 grams has been an excellent remedy as a diuretic.

Studies & Research–  Therapeutic Dosages Applied to the Following– generally a 5 gram dose    Extract 4:1 (4 pounds of mushroom in a 1 pound concentrate)  2 grams

• Diuretic-  5 gram dose causes a 62% increase in urine flow over a 6 hour period
• Anti-Bacterial Action- reduction in chronic infections of the kidneys, and bladder
• Has been found to reduce the growth of Sarcoma cancers in mice b 70-80%.  Found in Japanese studies back as long ago as 1973 to have anti-cancer effects.
• 1992-  found to be cytotoxic to leukemia cells
• 1994- found to reduce the postoperative recurrence rate of bladder cancer by as much as 64% in the Control Group
• 1994- found that when combined with chemotherapeutic treatment, it increased the lifespan of mice with tumors
• 1997-  found that the polysaccharides in Polyporus inhibited Cachexia in cancer patients which is the side effects of often severe weight loss, edema, muscle atrophy, and the weakness & fatigue often accompanying these treatments or by a compound secreted by tumors which break down fatty acid tissue in the patient. The breakdown byproducts promote the growth of cancer cells which contribute to the further weakness and illness-induced anorexia.  The studies found benefits especially in cases of lung cancer and gastrointestinal illnesses
• 2005  Ergone– an ergosterol derivative isolated from an alcohol extraction of polyporus umbellatus, was shown to be effective in killing various human cancer cell lines against gastric carcinoma and cervical cancer.
• 1964  Clinical studies found polyporus umbellatus was an exceptional diuretic without side effects
• 2004  A hormone produced by the adrenal gland, aldosterone- a steroid, which regulates potassium and sodium in the blood, found polyporus to have an anti-aldosteronic diuretic effect
• 2006  Prevents formation of kidney stones
• 1991  Found to improve cellular immunity
• 1994  Found to increase lifespan of tumor-bearing mice
• 1999  Promotes hair regrowth in mice, in
• 2005 hair growth was found to be increased also in human studies with low doses only.  High doses inhibited hair growth
• 2000 – 2001  Polyporus was found to possess inhibitory activity against chlamydia, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease

Lion’s Mane  (hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane research has intensified due to its neuroregenerative properties discovered since 1991. This mushroom contains a class of NGFs (Nerve Growth Factors) which have been found to stimulate the differentiation and re-myelination of neurons termed “erinacines” and “hericenones”.  These substances; hericenones and erinacines, work within the brain to increase NGF and new neuron production.  A Study at the Hokuto Corporation, Isogo Central and Neurosurgical Hospital in Japan found that after giving their patients Lion’s Mane continuously for 16 weeks, all with cognitive impairment resulted in significant improvements so long as the mushroom therapy continued. When therapy was discontinued, cognitive function began to diminish after 4 weeks. Lion’s Mane has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of NGF (nerve growth factors) which passes easily across the blood-brain barrier. Because Lion’s Mane can help reduce plaque in the brain, it can also be combined with certain foods or herbs for more benefits or protection; such as turmeric, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, periwinkle, ginger root, and others.

Lion’s Mane’s neuroregenerative properties are being studied for its benefits to fight against Amyloid Plaque formation in the brain, which is found in Alzheimer’s patients. In mice studies, it was found that impaired subjects, given Lion’s Mane showed marked cognitive function improvements including those of curiosity.  The beta amyloid plaque reduction in mouse experiments was nothing short of remarkable compared to those mice who did not receive the Lion’s Mane. This beta amyloid plaque formation in the brain is a source of neuro-inflammation. This inflammation leads directly to nerve degeneration and the transmission of neurons.

Lion’s Mane increases interferon. Interferons are a key factor in almost any type of healing. This function enhances stomach mucus barriers which attributes to healing gastrointestinal ulcers and the reduction of inflammation throughout the body. Not only can Lion’s Mane reduce inflammation in the brain, but it can reduce it throughout the entire body.

Potential Benefits of Lion’s Mane

• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• ADD
• ADHD
• All Cognitive Disorders
• Demensia/Senility
• Poor Memory
• Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Colitis, IBS
• Lupus
• Anxiety Disorders
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Hyperactivity
• Learning Disabilities
• Alcohol & Drug Recovery Programs
• Gastrointestinal Ulcers
• Inflammation
• Menopause caused “brain fog”, depression, anxiety, and sleep issues
• Brain Inflammation

Dosage: 2-4 grams    Therapeutic Dosage:  3-5 grams, 1-2 times daily

Extract 8:1 (8 pounds of mushroom in a 1 pound concentrate)  2 grams

Phellinus (phellinus linteus)

Phellinus is known in Asia as “miracle medicine” and valued for its wide spectrum of overall health benefits. It helps to reduce bleeding, supports the immune system; it’s an anti-cancer, antibacterial, and anti-diarrhea; it modulates blood sugar and conditions of the bowel. Here is a vast list of the benefits of this medicinal mushroom– 

• Diarrhea- stops any diarrhea which bacteria caused
• Regulates Type 2 Diabetes- contains a compound regulator known as Interfungins A
• Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
• Anti-Cancer
• Hemorrhage- promotes normal blood clotting
• Intestinal Bleeding- related to all bowel diseases
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
• Bleeding of the Ovaries
• Research is underway on Phellinus’s effects on Haemophilia
• Anti-Bacterial, Resistant Bacterial Strains, Superbugs
• Breast Cancer– disrupts the performance of the AKT enzyme involved in the prevention of breast cancer development
• Gastroenteric dysfunction- a condition where bowels do not work properly even though no reason is determined
• Immune Modulator- Containing both Lectin & Beta D-Glutan (polysaccharide protein complexes which control the immune system)
• Contains the Antioxidant known as Hispidin- important to inhibiting free-radical damage and the distortion of cells which lead to cancer
• Anti-Bacterial Properties;  the methanoextracts contain compounds (CHC3, n-BuOH, H2O) which are antibacteria against resistant strains to existing medication including Staphylococcus aureus which has become resistant to Methicillin
• Helps the body fight against bacterial infections caused by public exposure, including septic arthritis, and infections from use of prosthetics, and infection of the heart valves (staphylococcal endocarditis)
• Recovery of the bowel following frequent use of laxatives (beneficial with dietary changes to prevent constipation)
• Urination Disorders
• Stomach problems, Gastric Ulcers
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Asthma & Bronchitis
• Penis ache
• Palsy
• Chronic Nose Bleeds
• Lymphoma
• Cleans the blood
• Adaptogen for repairing the body from damages of stress
• Refreshes the body and promotes longevity;  referred to in Asia as “miracle medicine”
• Skin cancer including melanoma

Tremella (tremella fuciformis)  

This is the ancient mushroom of beauty and known as the great rejuvenator.  It is priced for being a tonic for a healthy complexion and for its anti-aging compounds. It can be used both internally and externally. It is a medicinal mushroom for many remedies as well as an effective face mask. It is one of the most potent immune modulating mushrooms next to Maitake and is important to protecting your body against radiation, heavy metals, while boosting your body’s antioxidant levels. Here is a long list of the many benefits of supplementing Tremella Mushroom-

• Treats chronic cough, dry cough, and lung disorders (heat in the lungs), asthma, bronchitis
• Highest known food source of Vitamin D known
• Contains 18 amino acids
• Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol
• Increases body’s antioxidant levels
• Anti-tumor
• Protects the body against radiation treatment side effects
• Restores the blood-producing mechanism of the bone marrow caused by Cobalt-60 Radiation Treatments- when taken for a week prior to treatments
• Powerful immune enhancer (second to Maitake)
• Anti-cancer
• Immune Modulator
• Stimulates DNA synthesis in the vascular cells, beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis & high blood pressure
• Increases clotting time and reduces platelet adherence
• Protects the cells from histamine damage as related to allergies and IgG antigens
• Anti-aging effects increases SOD activity in the liver and brain
• Used in the treatment of neurological damage and may be beneficial to those who have had a stroke (also see Lion’s Mane)
• May significantly increase memory, cognitive functions, and learning when used in a therapeutic dose
• Strengthens bone
• Supports the kidneys, lungs, and stomach
• Supports ideal weight management
• Skin– externally
  • Improves moisture retention
  • Protects
  • Makes skin more flexible and elastic
  • Flattens skin imperfections
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Prevents degeneration of the micro-vessels which maintain blood perfusion to the skin surface
  • Anti-aging
  • Smooths wrinkles and hydrates
  • Topical application of the polysaccharides in Tremella, as a mask or in creams and cosmetics, helps skin to hold the water equivalent of 500 x its weight, which is greater than both vegetable glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Applied to skin daily for 4 weeks, increases the skin’s ability to retain and hold hydration.
  • Improves the corneum layer of the skin’s surface for more radiant appearance
  • Cascading antioxidant effects to neutralize free radicals and damage to the skin surface. Promotes your own body’s ability to fight against free-radical damage.
  • In a study it was found that the polysaccharide found in Tremella, when mixed with hot water and then applied as a face mask, inhibits melanin production in the skin. Without any chemical agent, it could prevent the formation of skin discoloration and age spots by as much as 59%.
  • Made into a paste and applied to burn wounds immediately after injury, quickens cell-growth and accelerates healing and recovery

Dosage:    Therapeutic Dosage:

Oyster (pleurotus ostreatus)

The Oyster Mushroom has been found to strengthen veins and to relax tendons.  It is beneficial for those with arthritis, indicated for joint and muscle relaxation or soreness. It is used in the treatment of numb limbs and other discomforts.  This mushroom is high in iron and is a good blood builder. 

• Prevention of high cholesterol
• Blood vessel and tendon discomfort
• Lumbago
• Joint pain and relaxation
• Muscle relaxation or aches & pains
• Strengthens tendons and veins
• Numb limbs
• Anemia- good blood builder
• High altitude transition because red blood cells need to be built quickly in order to support the demand on oxygen (also supplement Vitamin C)

Dosage:  3-5 grams   Therapeutic Dosage:  3-9 grams daily in divided doses

Poria Mushroom– (wolfiporia extensa)

Used in traditional medicine, the poria mushroom are used for loss of amnesia or week or failing memory, fatigue, stress & tension, depression, dizziness, edema or water retention and bloating, anxiety, restlessness, nervous disorders, nervousness, insomnia and sleep disorders, urination, enlarged spleen, digestive disorders, stomach problems, diarrhea, tumors, to control coughing- even with unknown reasons (likely from a signal from the brain), urination problems.

Primarily affects the;  helps with urination problems and edema, various digestive issues, depression with anxiety and nervousness, nerve problems.

• Edema
• Urination
• Depression
• Digestive Disorders; stomach disorders, digestive weakness, upper digestive issues
• Insomnia, Nerves
• Diarrhea

Dosage:  3-5 grams   Therapeutic Dosage:  3-9 grams daily in divided doses

REFERENCES For Your Further Research

1. Ubbink JB, Vermaak WJH, van der Merwe A, Becker PJ. Vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folate nutritional status in men with hyperhomocysteinemia. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1993; 57:47-53.

2. Riggs KM, Spiro A, Ticker K, Rush D. Relations of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate and homocysteine to cognitive performance in the Normative Aging Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1996; 63:306-314.

3. The Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms, Mark Stengler, N.D., Basic Health Publications, Inc., 2005

4. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Vol. 8, pp.343-349 (2006)

“ “ Volume 1, pp. 301-316 (1999)

“  “ Volume 1, pp. 105-119 (1999)

5. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Volume 6, Number 3 (2004)

6. Cancer Immunol Immunother (1990) 31:261-268

7. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) Vol. 8, No. 3 (2005)

8. The Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, Volume 4, No. 3, pp. 289-303 (1998)

9. Food Reviews International, 11(1), 167-172 (1995)

10.cBorchers AT, Stern JS, Hackman RM, Keen CL, Gershwin ME. Mushrooms, tumors, and immunity. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1999;221:281–293.

11. Park, Lee et al. Chaga mushtroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay. Biofactors 21 (2004) 109-112.

12. Ja Young, Kyung Kim et al. Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G₀/G₁ arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. World J Gastroenterol. 2008 January 28; 14(4): 511–517.

13. P. K. Bulatov, M. P. Berezina, and P. A. Yakimov, Chaga and Its Use for the Treatment of Stage IV Cancer [in Russian], Medgiz, Leningrad (1959), pp. 261 – 312.

14. P. K. Bulatov and E. Ya. Martynova, Complex Investigation of Physiologically Active Substances of Lower Plants [in Russian],Acad. Sci. USSR, Moscow – Leningrad (1961), pp. 247 – 253.

15. S. Pyaskovskii and S. Rikhter, Complex Investigation of Physiologically Active Substances of Lower Plants [in Russian], Acad. Sci. USSR, Moscow – Leningrad (1961), pp. 258 – 263.

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