How to Boost Immune System

Preparing for the cold season

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Your immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micro nutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its co-factor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucans, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

The Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies in random order. You may already know most of them, or maybe wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• manuka honey
• astragalus
• raw apple cider vinegar
• German chamomile taken as herbal infusion 
• lime flowers taken as herbal infusion
• citrus fruit
• colostrum
• lactoferrin, vitamin C and zinc
• eleutherococus
• echinacea purpura 
• Umckaloabo (South African Pelargonium Root)
• garlic
• onions
• lacto-fermented, unpasteurized sauerkraut
• unpasteurized kimchi, preferably home-made
• ginger
• turmeric
• hot peppers
• raw local honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• elderberry sirup
• rose hips
• seabuckthorn 
• medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake, cordiceps, hericium, and shiitake
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, and lavender used in aromatherapy lamp 

The list does not end here. These are, however, the best known and most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills or capsules; others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Chose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

If you catch your first cold, remember to never ever take antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria not viruses, but common cold and flu are caused by viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. There are about 200 different viruses that cause the flu symptoms!

Antibiotics will only weaken your immune system as they destroy the flora in the small intestine which is the seat of the immune system in the body. You will only end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, take a concentrated action to boost the activity of your immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms to fully develop to a flu. Take time to heal your infection, rest and relax as much as you can. Sleep is vital as our immune system recovers during the night.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you come home from work.
• Avoid sick people.
• Dress up for winter - keep you body warm, especially your hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Put as much fresh fruit and vegetables on your plate as you possibly can. 
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as diary and white bread.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bio-available minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.
 
Be gentle with your body and take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it is outside, always let the sun shine from the inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2022

This article was first published on my raw food blog Passionately Raw! that is full of wholesome, immune system supporting recipes.

Image featuring Stags And The Northern Star Nordic Style Pullover Sweatshirt by Jimmo Designs on Redbubble. I do not receive any royalties from Jimmo Designs. I simply support an independent artist.

*Information in this article is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Natural Relief for Anxiety

Many people experience emotional discomfort or a feeling of being powerless in face of certain circumstances. Some people can cope better than others as they consider difficulties to be a component part of life. For others the daily struggle may have a debilitating effect. They develop irrational fears and anxiety.

Each of us can get affected, but sometimes we manage to find a solution or receive help from others and everything returns to a more or less perfect order. We are either mobilized to action or completely "paralyzed" by the situation and our emotional response to it. 

Some of us are naturally better at solving problems than others. Some people are simply unable to cope alone and need help. They seem to have a perfect memory of the difficulties experienced before and begin to worry that the same situation will occur again. They begin to worry that they will not be prepared or able to deal with it. They expect the signs of the coming demise to show up in every new situation and develop anxiety. With time they become anxious that they will not be able to cope with almost anything and spent a lot of their mental and emotional resources trying to "prevent" situations that may never occur. And although some fears may be justified, others are "irrational". The feeling of inadequacy is debilitating and makes a simple day to day existence very challenging. The fear of failure and anxiety not only make our existence painful, but they also prevent us from personal growth.

There are many ways to deal with chronic anxiety. Meditation, prayer, yoga, psychotherapy, autogenic training, and medication are the strategies that work to different degrees in different people. Anti-anxiety medication is a very popular quick fix to the problem, but many people are reluctant to take drugs. They are looking for natural solution instead. Once again Nature provides us with time-tested remedies. 

Herbs such as

• kava kava 
• valerian root
• passion flower
• St. John's Worth
• tulsi (holy basil)
  
• red ginseng
• rhodiola
  
• catnip
• ashwagandha
• lemon balm
• lemongrass
• German chamomile
• lavender

are very effective and work for most people. 

They provide calm, but do not cause lethargy. Some of them can be used in aromatherapy while others can be taken in form of capsules, tinctures, or drank as tea. Unlike capsules, a warm herbal infusions can add a feeling of comfort on a bad day. 

Since most herbs are rather bitter, you may have to add some honey, stevia, or maple syrup to your infusion. Do not, however, get tempted to save calories and sweeten your infusion with artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are well known for their adverse activity in the brain. They disrupt the flow and synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain thus further contributing to emotional imbalance. 

Anxiety has a debilitating effect on relationships as well and should be addressed as early as possible. No one likes to be around gloomy or anxious people and the anxious person may end up alone and lonely with his or her vision of doom.

Herbs are wonderful and very effective, but it may time to improve one's delicate chemistry. Very often behavioral therapy is needed. A certified therapist with a holistic approach may be exactly what a person suffering from chronic anxiety requires.

By Dominique Allmon 

Dominique Allmon©2022

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease. Please consult a certified physician before ingesting any herbs as they may interfere with your medication.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera - leaf and jelly

"Of all the herbs I've ever studied - and I've written thousands of articles on nutrition and disease prevention - aloe vera is the most impressive herb of them all." - Mike Adams 

Aloe vera is a succulent household plant from a lily family. It has been used in herbal medicine thousands of years. Earliest records date back to Sumeria and Ancient Egypt. It is believed that Cleopatra used aloe vera in her legendary beauty regimen.

The plant is native to the African continent and has been widely cultivated throughout the world. It grows in the Arabian Peninsula; Eastern Africa, including Sudan; Western Africa, including Nigeria; throughout North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania; Southern Spain and the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde; China, Mexico, United States, notably New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Florida; Australia and Barbados, to name the most important regions. The leaves are harvested to obtain the inner jelly-like section for health and beauty purposes.

Traditionally, Aloe vera plant has been used to cure many ailments and diseases, including constipation, fungal infections and candida, skin disorders, and even cancer. There are more than 700 scientific and clinical studies documenting efficacy of this plant. Both, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, use Aloe vera in their preparations.

Aloe vera contains more than 200 biologically active compounds such as amino acids; polysaccharides; antioxidants; vitamins such as the B vitamins, including B12, vitamin C, beta-carotene, choline, and folic acid; minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, copper and manganese; unsaturated fatty acids and enzymes. All the compounds act in synergy to provide unique healing effect.

Aloe vera jelly can be applied to injured, inflamed, infected, burnt or dehydrated skin. it is anti-sceptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It moisturizes and disinfects, and helps reconstruct damaged skin.

The precious jelly, however, can do so much more. You can use it for: 

• detox - the jelly helps clear and expel toxins form the intestines as well as from the liver; 
• immune system support - vitamins and polysaccharides, especially the acemannan in Aloe vera, support healthy immune system. Acemannan stimulates the action of the macrophages or the defense cells that are responsible for fighting infections within the body;
• alkalization - Aloe vera has the same pH as the human skin and can be used to heal the skin, but also internally to normalize the body pH;
• to improve digestive health - compounds in Aloe vera help reduce inflammation of the  stomach and the intestinal tract, and provide relief from heartburn;
• to prevent constipation - skin of the Aloe very leaves contain two laxative substances - aloin and emodin. Preparations containing these substances help improve regularity and prevent constipation; 
• to balance cholesterol - beta sitosterol in Aloe vera may help balance cholesterol levels in serum and thus promote cardiovascular health; 
• to regulate blood sugar - compounds in Aloe vera such as lectins, mannans, and anthraquinones help regulate blood glucose levels;
• to reduce weight - improved digestion, balanced blood sugar and healthy cholesterol levels together with some additional lifestyle changes, lead to weigh loss. Regular consumption of Aloe vera helps maintain optimal body weight;  
• to reduce inflammation - Aloe very soothes inflammation inside and out. 

There are many high quality, certified organic products on the market. Capsules are made mostly for internal use. Aloe vera juice or gel (jelly) are intended for both, internal and external, use. There are also cosmetic products containing certified organic Aloe vera juice. Such products usually help soothe and improve the health of skin, but are not intended of internal use. Choose wisely.

An Aloe very plant on a windowsill in a kitchen or in the garden is a perfect way to prepare for emergencies such as small burns or sunburn. Remember, however, that Aloe vera plant is toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, keep the plant in place where they cannot reach it.

Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2016

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

8 Great Uses For Oregano Oil

According to Greek myth, oregano was a beloved and cherished herb of the goddess Aphrodite. She grew it in plentiful amounts in her garden on Mount Olympus. Given this history, it’s no surprise that oregano has been studied intensely and its benefits for human health are well known. It’s potency is due to the active compound in oregano — carvacrol.

Oregano oil is a potent concentration of the herb and can be applied in various ways - directly on the skin or internally. Here are 8 of the many powerful ways oregano oil can benefit the body.

1. Cold Sores - Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Although carvacrol isn’t a cure for herpes or cold sores, it has been shown to have some activity against the microbes that cause flare ups. A recent study suggests that carvacrol can kill up to 90% of herpes simplex type 1 viruses within an hour. 

2. Food Poisoning - Undercooked food is a haven for the toxic organisms that can really do a number on your system. Some research has found that these organisms may be inhibited by the active chemical compound in oregano oil. 

3. Muscle Discomfort - Oregano itself is tremendously soothing and research shows that oregano oil may be helpful for reducing discomfort in joints, muscles, and bones. Best of all, it doesn’t work like opioids and doesn’t have addictive tendencies. 

4. Promoting Intestinal Balance - Keeping a proper balance of bacteria in your intestines is crucial for supporting good health. A healthy colony of intestinal flora is necessary for proper digestion and it defends against sickness. Good bacteria also supports the immune system and may be helpful for balancing mood. Carvacrol promotes gut health by creating an appropriate balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria. 

5. Bone and Joint Discomfort - Redness from irritation is one of the main contributors to arthritis, a painful condition that targets one or more joints throughout the body. Science is moving swiftly to discover how oregano affects arthritis but preliminary studies suggest that carvacrol may hold some promise for easing the discomfort associated with arthritis. 

6. Harmful Organisms - If you travel to underdeveloped areas of the world, you may be exposed to organisms that can wreak havoc on your health. Avoiding the water may not be enough to completely protect you either. Even harmful organisms in your natural environment carry a high infection risk, especially if the body is already in poor health. Research has shown that carvacrol may be able to fight some of these invaders. Bring your oregano oil while traveling! 

7. Yeast Infections - Carvacrol is to fungus what Raid is to cockroaches.  Research shows that plants containing this compound are effective in fighting candida. 

8. Liver Toxicity - Toxins exist in our water, food, and even the air we breathe. The ever-present barrage of toxins in our environment is extraordinary, and the burden it places on our liver is equally mind boggling. Carvacrol may help detox the liver, our primary detoxifying organ. Using this herb during a regular detox regimen may be helpful for boosting the detoxifying process. 

There’s a few options for oregano oil on the market, Global Healing Center offers a really nice organic blend of oregano oil. Have you tried it? What are your experiences? Leave a comment and let us know.

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

An Introduction To Traditional Chinese Medicine

Countless volumes were written about the Chinese medical theory and the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ongoing research in China and in the West is testing the efficacy of traditional treatments and the herbs used by the Chinese for many thousands of years. Chinese medicine finds new applications in the treatment of terminal cancer patients. Many chronic disorders that are hopelessly incurable in the West seem to improve considerably with the Chinese approach to disease. This article presents an introduction to a highly developed and complex medical system. 

 

"When the mind is calm and stable, the vitality of life circulates harmoniously throughout the body. If the body is nourished and protected by this circulation of vitality, how can it possibly become ill?" From Huangdi Neijing also known as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine

Chinese Traditional Medicine is one of the oldest systematized medical systems in the world. Its recorded history dates back to about 1,000 BC, but its concepts are much older and deeply rooted in the Chinese culture and the Taoist philosophical thought which originated in China more than 5,000 years ago. It is almost impossible to understand the concepts of Chinese medicine without a rudimentary understanding of the philosophy and cosmology of traditional China where immortality was considered to be the highest purpose of life. The Chinese medical ethics developed around this goal and physicians strove to preserve life and prevent disease. They received payment for as long as the patient remained healthy.

Human Body and the Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine regards human body holistically as a part of a greater whole. This attitude is based on Taoist philosophy and its understanding of the universe. Just as much as an individual has an effect on his or her environment, the environment in which he or she is immersed, has an influence on the individual. Everything we do has a consequence and manifests itself in the flow of energy. Our actions disturb the harmony in nature within and without. We must strive to restore balance and maintain the equilibrium. Symptoms of disease are seen in the context greater than the patient's body and are understood as a disturbance in the flow of energy. To heal means to restore the balance and harmony. 

The anatomical classification of a human body differs form the classification known to the Western medicine and there is no dichotomy between the body and the mind, and both, physical and mental illness, is regarded as a manifestation of an obstructed energy flow within the body and between the human body and the environment. 

Key Concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Qi (chi) is one of the most important philosophical concepts in Taoism. Qi literally means air, gas, or breath and is often translated as energy or energy flow. Although not really identical, this concept is often compared to the Greek pneuma or the Indian prana for a better understanding. Qi is the life force that permeates everything that exists in the universe. Obstructions in the flow of qi result in disease and illness. To restore health means to open energy blockages and restore the qi flow in the body.
• Jing Luo* or meridians are the channels through which the qi energy circulates in the body. Disease occurs when the flow of energy in the meridians is obstructed. Complex techniques were developed to open blockages and restore the flow of energy.
• San Bao or three treasures are considered to be the three elements sustaining human life. They are the Jing or essence, Qi or energy, and Shen or spirit, soul, or mind. Longevity depends on the properly nurtured body where everything is in balance and the essence jing is abundant. Depleted jing means premature aging, disease, and premature death.
• Jin Ye or body fluids are generated mostly in the digestive system from the nutrition that enters the body. In the body the fluids undergo multiple transformations until pure fluids are separated from the impure or turbid ones. The pure fluids are transported upwards to the lungs and excreted through the breath. The turbid fluids are transported downwards and excreted through the bladder. Multiple body organs are involved in the transformation of the fluids.
• Xue or blood is understood as a dense form of body fluids that are under the energizing influence of the qi. Xue does not only flow in the anatomical blood vessels, but also in the meridians because of its relationship with the qi energy. The Chinese developed a very complex theory of blood and its importance to health. Blood provides moisture and nourishment to the organs, bones, tendons, muscles, and the skin. Energized with qi, blood is the foundation for mental activity.
• Yin Yang represents another ancient concept in Chinese philosophy. Yin and yang are complementary, interdependent aspects of a greater whole. They do not represent duality or dichotomy, although in the West they are often understood as such, but are rather understood as polarities in the non-dualistic Chinese thought. They arise together and the harmony in the universe depends on the balanced flow or interplay between the two forces. In Chinese medicine, health is understood as a perfect balance between the two forces. Because these forces fluctuate constantly, even a healthy body undergoes changes under the influence of the external and the internal environment. Shift in balance is natural. When it becomes pathological it manifests itself as a disease. TCM doctor has to determine the reason for imbalance and bring it back.
• Wu Xing or the Five Phases also known as the Five Elements, is another concept central in the Chinese thought and was devised to explain the changes in the universe. In the Chinese medicine wu xing correspond with the organs of the body and represent natural cycles and patterns of change where one element affects another causing change in another one. The five elements are: earth, fire, metal, water, wood.
• Zang Fu* theory divides the body into five zang organs and six fu organs. The zang and fu organs do not exactly represent the anatomical organs in the body, but are rather generalizations of physiology and pathology of associated systems in the human body. The zang organs are responsible for the production and storage of essence: qi, blood, body fluids. The fu organs receive and digest nutrition, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. Health is understood as the perfect function and harmonious interplay between the organs. To restore health means to calm overactive systems or to energize those that are failing to function properly.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease

Like in the Western medicine, the Chinese doctors examine their patients, make a diagnosis, prescribe medication and treatment. The anamnesis (or gathering of the case history) involves:

• pulse diagnosis
• tongue diagnosis
• diagnosis of the feces and urine
• examination of physiognomy

A doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine uses his senses to assess a patient's health. Everything that can be observed is useful for a diagnosis of disorder: skin color and texture, body odor, sound of the voice, breathing, etc. After the diagnosis is made, an adequate medication and treatment will be prescribed to restore the energetic balance within the patients body and with the environment. Medication in TCM is based on the more than 5,000 years old documented tradition. Chinese Materia Medica includes plants, minerals, and body parts of particular animals. A special diet will be suggested as certain foods may be detrimental to the condition of a patient, while others restore the balance and enhance the energy flow in the body.

Practitioner of TCM seeks to cure the symptoms of a disease and to eradicate the cause of it. Herbal medication may be sufficient in some cases, however to restore health, a particular treatment or a combination of treatments will prescribed by the doctor. Treatment may include:

• Acupuncture is a method of treatment unique to Chinese medicine. It was developed and perfected over thousands of years. Because disease is understood as an obstruction in the flow of qi along the meridians, acupuncture is used to restore the flow and create a balance within the body. To achieve this acupuncturist manipulates the energy flow with the help of thin needles that are inserted into the acupuncture points along the meridians of affected organ system. There are twelve main meridians and 400 acupuncture points that are recognized by the World Health Organization. Depending on the patients condition multiple acupuncture sessions may be necessary to remove the energy blockage.
• Moxibustion is a treatment in which mugwort herb or moxa is used to warm the area in the vicinity or directly on the acupuncture point in order to stimulate circulation. Depending on the diagnosis, moxibustion is used together with acupuncture to especially treat chronic health problems and health problems associated with aging.
• Cupping is a therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin in the area where the energy is congested and does not flow properly. The cups create suction and draw the blood into the area. This treatment leaves the patient with dark bruises on the area of application, but is very effective for treating cold and flu as well as muscle injuries and headaches. Bruising depends on the severity of injury or congestion and disappears after a few days after the treatment has been completed.
• Tui na is a Chinese body work developed to restore the balance in the body. The therapist uses a wide range of massage techniques to manipulate the energy flow in the meridians. Tui na is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
• Qi gong is therapy that combines breathing, movement, and meditation. It helps to restore and regulate the flow of qi in the body and to promote overall mental and physical health. The exercises were devised to promote longevity.
• Five elements nutrition is a diet based on the qualities of certain foods according to the Five elements theory. Depending on his condition, a patient is advised to follow a particular diet and to avoid foods that are detrimental to his condition. Emphasis is put on balance and energetic tendencies of certain foods and their interaction with the body systems.
• Herbal medicine uses thousands of herbs, minerals, and body parts of certain animals. After a diagnosis is made, Chinese practitioner prescribes the most efficient herb or a formula. Over the millennia, countless standardized formulas were developed to treat diseases and conditions. They are all based on the same energetic principles that underlay Chinese medical theory and are meant to restore balance in the body of the patient. Herbs may be added to food and eaten with stews or soups. They can be drank as teas, used in poultices, as tinctures, or as pills.

Chinese medical system was successfully used for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries where the Chinese established their colonies. It was brought to the West with the influx of Chinese immigrants. Its efficacy is legendary and its popularity is growing. As a holistic system, TCM is not only interested in alleviating the symptoms, but most importantly, it addresses the causes of the disease and seeks to restore balance and modify behaviors that disturb the inner and outer flow of energy. All aspects of existence are being addressed to align the body, mind, and spirit.

By Dominique Allmon

Glosary:

*Five Zang organs: heart including the pericardium, lungs, liver, slpeen, and kidneys. Six Fu organs: the gall bladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, and sanjiao* which represent three different areas of the body. There are also extraordinary fu organs that include the brain, bones, bone marrow, blood vessels, and uterus. Although they are named fu, their function is similar to that of zang organs.

*Jing luo or Meridians. There are twelve standard meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. The twelve standard meridians extend along the arms and legs. They are divided into yin and yang meridians and are assigned to particular organ systems in the body. The eight extraordinary meridians are not directly associated with the zang fu organs. They are rather described as storage vessels for the qi energy and are of great importance to the cultivation of immortality by the adepts of the esoteric art of Chinese alchemy.

*San jiao or triple warmer or triple burner represents an energetic model of the human body in which the body is divided into three areas. The upper warmer corresponds to the thoracic cavity and is responsible for the respiration. The middle warmer corresponds to the dorsal cavity and is responsible for digestion. Lower warmer corresponds to the lower dorsal cavity and is responsible for elimination.

Dominique Allmon©2014

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure

A few months ago a colleague of mine told me that her grandmother makes her own garlic potion to stay healthy. She marinates garlic in alcohol for up to six weeks and when the potion is ready, she drinks few drops a day for few weeks. She repeats this cure every year and never gets sick.

Organic garlic

I wondered if anyone else knew about the garlic cure and started an online search. To my surprise the search produced "Tibetan garlic cure." The post showed up on several blogs and some bloggers claimed that this ancient garlic recipe was discovered in Tibet in 1970s by an UNESCO commission. 

Unfortunately I do not have any better information and cannot verify this claim, but I know that the therapeutic properties of garlic were known in many cultures for centuries, and that many cultures use alcohol to prepare herbal liquors, tinctures and medicinal wines. The Chinese used therapeutic liquors for centuries; so did Hildegard von Bingen in Medieval Europe. Herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and even small animals (such as snakes) or animal parts were preserved in alcohol. Alcohol potentiated the healing properties of used ingredients and allowed better preservation from spoilage. To this day Chinese pharmacies in Hong Kong and everywhere where Traditional Chinese Medicine is practiced, sell therapeutic wines. You can see a coiled snake or a ginseng root that has been preserved to extract the its highest healing potential. 

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant native to Central Asia. For thousands of years garlic has been used not only in cooking, but also as medicine. The Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Tibetans, Indians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, all valued garlic's therapeutic qualities. They discovered garlic's potential to kill germs and used it as medicine to cure various infections, including typhus, dysentery, influenza, and cholera.

Modern research confirms what the ancients knew for ages. Garlic not only kills germs, it is also an effective herb that can be used modulate and strengthen the immune system. Scientists also found that garlic can also prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure.

 Miron glass jar

Garlic seems to be a very healthy herb all by itself. Is it possible that preserving it in alcohol enhances its healing potential even more?

To make the garlic solution you will need about 12 ounces (350 g) garlic, 3 ounces of 96% pure, food grade alcohol, and a tight closing jar.

I decided to use a violet Miron glass jar. Miron glass blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of the violet part. At the same time it allows a certain part to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UV-A, and infra red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products. Scientists in Germany found that Miron glass enhances the therapeutic strength of products stored in it. 

Making of the Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure:

• Wash and dry the jar. Set aside.
• Peal the garlic cloves. You may want to wear rubber gloves.
• Roughly chop the garlic cloves and transfer them into your clean jar.
• Slowly pour the alcohol into the jar making sure that the garlic is well covered. Add more alcohol if you find it necessary. 
• Tightly close the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the garlic to marinade for 10 days.
• After 10 days carefully open the jar and strain the garlic tincture through a sieve pouring it into a clean measuring jar. 
• Pour the clear liquid into a clean dark glass bottle and close it with a pipette stopper.  (I used Miron glass bottles)

This is how the Tibetan garlic should be made according to various websites. I changed the method a bit remembering that my colleague's grandmother kept her garlic in alcohol for at least three weeks. I allowed the tincture to mature even more when I transferred it into two small Miron glass bottles. I stored the bottles for another three weeks before I began the cure.

Miron glass bottles with garlic tincture

There is a suggested way to administer the garlic cure beginning with one drop at breakfast on the first day and increasing the amount with each meal up to 25 drops on day eleven. Continue taking 25 drops per meal until the tincture is finished. Remember to shake the bottle before each use.

I am not sure that such "schedule" is necessary, although some homeopathic or alchemistic principles might be involved here. I decided to take two drops with each meal, three times a day and I take it in a spoon of yogurt to neutralize the strong garlic odor. 

The tincture is said to have incredible healing potential: 

• it may help decrease blood pressure
• it may improve blood circulation
• it may help regulate and balance blood lipids
• it may prevent the LDL cholesterol buildup in arteries
• it may help prevent thrombosis
• it may help speed up metabolism and stimulate fat burning in the body
• it may help detoxify the kidney and improve the kidney function
• it may help improve the function of the immune system
• it may help eradicate candida 

November is a perfect time to start caring for the immune system. If the cure works I should be infection free till the end of winter. 

By Dominique Allmon

*A word of caution: The tincture contains alcohol and is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and people who have alcohol addiction problem. 

**This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

The Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical perennial plant native to Southeast Asia that is also cultivated in West Africa and the Caribbean. The Latin name is derived from the Sanskrit word shringavera which means "horn shaped" and pertains to the horn-like protrusions on the rhizome.

 

History

For centuries rhizome of the ginger plant has been used as a spice in Asian cooking. Its healing properties did not go unnoticed in China and in India where ginger is used to this day to cure various ailments and health disorders. Ginger was described in the Classic of Herbs, a compilation by the Chinese around 3000 BC. Confucius (551 - 479 BC) praised its many benefits. The Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides (circa 40 - 90 AD) wrote about ginger's ability to soothe the stomach. Ginger was also valued by the Arabs and in the Ancient Roman Empire which imported it from Asia. The Romans introduced ginger to various parts of continental Europe and to Britain. The Vikings used it to prevent sea sickness.

Health benefits

Traditionally, ginger has been used to alleviate such health problems as nausea, infections of the upper respiratory tract, digestive disorders, and migraines and was even considered to be an effective aphrodisiac. Applied topically, ginger was used to cure rheumatism, arthritis, minor sprains, and burns.

Ginger contains powerful compounds such as shogaols, zingerone, and gingerols, that are potent antioxidants responsible for the remarkable healing properties of this spice. The rhizome is rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. The ginger rhizome has a firm, but striated texture and a characteristic pungent and hot taste. Its flesh is either white or yellow in color and is quite aromatic.

Modern scientific research confirmed the ancient knowledge making ginger one of the most versatile medicinal plants. Healing benefits include the ability to alleviate or cure following health issues:

• Gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ache, indigestion, diarrhea, and dyspepsia - active compounds in ginger increase the production of bile, reduce inflammation, and help detoxify the digestive tract.
• Motion sickness and vertigo - various studies demonstrated that ginger is as effective as many over-the-counter drugs. The exact mechanism in not yet well understood, but it is believed that ginger increases stomach acidity balancing at the same time the pressure in the inner ear canal.
• Morning sickness during pregnancy - for thousands of years ginger has been safely used for morning sickness that accompanies pregnancy. Ginger has no side effects and does not cause any birth defects. Practitioners of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, advise to use ginger rather sparingly during pregnancy and only to treat the morning sickness.
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea - studies conducted on cancer patients demonstrated that those who drank high protein shakes infused with ginger reported fewer episodes of nausea after their chemotherapy treatments.
• Inflammation - the active compound in ginger called gingerol is characterized by a very strong anti-inflammatory activity. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that patients suffering from arthritis who took ginger over a longer period of time experienced less pain than those who did not. These patients also reported improved mobility.
• Cancer of the colon - in a study conducted at the University of Minnesota, gingerol exhibited a strong anti-tumor activity. It inhibits the action of a protein involved in the genesis of the cancer cells in the colon, thus preventing the growth of tumors.
• Ovarian cancer - gingerol has the remarkable ability to kill ovarian cancer cells. It induces apoptosis or a programmed cell death of these cells, as well as their self-digestion or autophagocythosis. The studies conducted at the University of Michigan also demonstrated that the ovarian cancer cells do not become resistant to ginger.
• Weak immune system - ginger stimulates thymus gland and increases body's own ability to fight infections. It also has anti-microbial, anti-candida, and anti-parasitic properties.
• Common cold and flu - ginger reduces inflammation, eases congestion, and induces sweating, which helps speed up recovery from infections.
• Pathological blood clotting - studies conducted in Denmark and at the Cornell University demonstrated that ginger is a very potent anticoagulant and is, therefore, valuable in preventing cardiovascular disease. The active compound gingerol has a chemical structure that resembles that of aspirin. 
• Elevated cholesterol - taken therapeutically over a longer periods of time, ginger has the capacity to lower the "bad" cholesterol and reverse the damage caused by diet high in fat, thus reducing the chance of stroke.

Dosage

There is no established daily dose of ginger. The suggested dose is 150 mg of full spectrum ginger extract taken three times a day.

Ginger can also be taken in the form of tea or added to freshly made fruit and vegetable juices and, of course, added to many Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

A powdered, dried ginger can be used to make a detoxifying, hot bath. Essential oil of ginger may be used topically as analgesic.

When buying ginger, fresh rhizome should be chosen over the dried one. Fresh ginger not only has a better aroma and taste, but it also contains higher levels of the active compound gingerol.

Caution

Like any other plant, ginger may cause allergic reactions. A caution is also advised for those who suffer from gall bladder disease as ginger increases the production of bile. As mentioned before, ginger has blood thinning properties. A caution is advised for those who take blood thinning medication.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Health Benefits of Ginger by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://helpyourselftohealth.blogspot.com/.

Health Benefits Of Siberian Ginseng, Chaga, and Rhodiola

From Russia, With Love - Herbal Tradition 

The use of herbs in Russia dates back many centuries. On the one hand, herbs were used in traditional folk medicine and by the shamans, on the other, herbal medicine was introduced to Russia by the Byzantine Empire together with the Orthodox Christianity. The early herbal tradition is not very well documented and it seems that by the early 16th century the healers in Russia experienced the same difficulty as did their brothers in trade in Western Europe. The Church condemned any use of herbs in healing. By the end of the 16th, however, many monasteries established herb gardens and revived the ancient Greek and Roman herbal recipes.

The Russian expansion to the Far East gave the herbal healers and doctors access to herbs and medicinal plants that were traditionally used by the native folks living in the steppe of Asia and in Siberia. Some of these plants were highly valued by the Chinese who incorporated them into their Materia Medica.

With time, the Russians developed a rich herbal tradition that uses hundreds of herbs, some of which grow only in the Russian territory. Today, herbalism is a highly regarded healing art in Russia. Herbs are widely researched and well understood. Most medical schools offer courses in herbal medicine and treatment of diseases usually includes pharmaceutical drugs, herbs and natural therapies such as massage and cupping.

A serious, scientific research of certain herbs began in 1947 when a Russian pharmacologist, Nikolai Lazarev observed that some of the herbs and plants were traditionally used as tonics in Siberia and the Russian Far East. These tonics were used to alleviate fatigue after long periods of exertion. Very often, these tonics were used before the taxing activity to increase endurance.

Dr. Lazarev coined the term "adaptogen" to describe the properties of these particular herbs. An adaptogen is a substance that is supposed to help the body better cope with stress, either mental or physical. Although botanically unrelated, all herbs researched by Dr. Lazarev and his followers had one important quality - they were all able to modulate the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

Adaptogen research was taken to the next level by Lazarov's student, Dr. Berkhman who conducted wide ranging experiments and later prescribed  them to the Cosmonauts and the Russian Olympic athletes who were able to produce extraordinary results.

There are many healing plants in Russia, but probably the best known in the West are the Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola, and Chaga. Their efficacy was confirmed by the research in the West, but as with other potent herbs a caution is advised as some herbs may interfere with other medication.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, has been used for centuries in Russia for centuries to prevent colds and flu, to increase stamina, and to prolong the lifespan. Despite its name, Siberian ginseng in not related to panax ginseng.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Studies conducted in Russia demonstrated that eleuthero stimulates the immune system. It is not only useful in warding off cold and flu, but also in reducing the duration of infection and the severity of symptoms. Its efficacy was also tested on people with herpes simplex infections. The herb is capable of reducing the duration and frequency of herpes simplex outbreaks.

Siberian ginseng is a well known and widely used adaptogen. It helps reduce stress and improve concentration and memory. It also helps reduce chronic fatigue. The herb is also used by physically active people to increase energy and physical performance.

Siberian ginseng supplements are made from the root which contains the active components called eleutherosides. Eleutherosides are responsible for the therapeutic effects. The root is also rich in polysaccharides which were demonstrated to improve the immune function and to lower the sugar levels in serum. Siberian ginseng is available in form of tinctures, dry extract, bulk powder, as capsules or tablets, and as a dried, sliced root that can be used to prepare infusions.

The recommended daily dose is 100 - 200mg  of standardized extract or 500 - 3000mg of root taken in form of infusion. Siberian ginseng is not recommended for children.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) also known as birch fungus, grows in the Northern part of Russia on birch, beech, and alder trees with the best specimens coming from the cold climate of Siberia. The medicinal chaga is harvested from birch trees.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

The primary active compounds in Siberian Chaga are triterpenes, sterols, saponins, and polysaccharides.

It is used to stimulate the immune system and improve metabolism. This fungus also stimulates the central nervous system as well as the cardiovascular and the endocrine systems. It helps with respiration and digestion. It regulates blood sugar and lowers blood pressure. Chaga contains large amounts of the antioxidant SOD enzyme. It is also rich in betulinic acid which has very strong anti-cancer properties. It inhibits the growth of tumors and slows down the development of metastases in the body. Chaga is a very powerful antioxidant. It has the highest ORAC value ever measured.

Chaga can be taken as tincture or as a powder mixed in a non-alcoholic liquid. As with other herbs, there is no established daily dose. Healthy people should take 200 - 300mg of powdered extract for disease prevention. Sick people should take higher doses in order to stimulate their immune system. The suggested amount is 700 - 1000mg daily.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea also known as golden root, is a Siberian herb with a very long history of therapeutic use. The main active compound is called rosavin. This herb is thought to strengthen the nervous system, improve mood, enhance immune system, increase endurance, enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function, and improve energy levels. It has long been known and used as a potent adaptogen.

Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea)

Rhodiola is used traditionally to prevent cold and flu and to increase physical performance. The herb is also capable of reducing mental stress and chronic fatigue. It is also successfully used to alleviate depression and fatigue syndrome.

Research shows that rhodiola rosea can shorten recovery time after prolonged physical exertion. The plant extract increases the level of RNA as well as the enzymes and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive physical activity. It stimulates glycogen synthesis in muscles and liver.

Rhodiola also demonstrated some anti-tumor activity as it stimulates the immune system and the body's resistance to toxins.

Rhodiola can be taken as a tonic or in form of capsules. There is no established daily dose, but for the best results it is suggested to take 300 - 500mg of full spectrum herb.

Conclusion

These three herbs from the Russian Far East are well researched and show very good therapeutic results. They are powerful adaptogens and immune system modulators. A caution is advised as the active ingredients may interact with certain drugs. Please contact your health care provider before commencing self medication.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.


From Russia with Love - Health Benefits of Siberian Ginseng, Chaga, and Rhodiola by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms and Fungi

 

For thousands of years mushrooms have been valued in different cultures for their medicinal and psychedelic properties. They were used by shamans and medicine men and found a way to highly organized medical systems such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ancient Chinese believed that mushrooms were longevity tonics and used them to strengthen the body and prevent disease. Modern research shows that mushrooms, especially the species known in China and Japan, contain active compounds which are able to enhance the immune system and fight tumors in the body.

 

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi, mostly of the order Agaricales. More than 14,000 different types of mushrooms have been identified around the world. It is considered that around 3,000 are edible. About 700 different mushrooms have medicinal properties and about twice as many are highly poisonous. Some mushrooms contain hallucinogens such as psilocybin and other psychoactive tryptamins. They were used by shamans in mystical ceremonies.

Edible mushrooms are source of fiber, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, and minerals, especially copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. Mineral content often varies depending on the soil on which the mushroom grows. Mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, especially the immune system enhancing beta glucans. They consist mostly of water - between 80 and 90 per cent, and are used in many cuisines for their nutritional value, texture, and aroma.

Ever since Alexander Fleming isolated penicillin from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum 1924, laboratories all over the world are researching medicinal properties of mushrooms and fungi. In 1976 the first statin drug was isolated from Penicillium citrinum by a Japanese scientist, Dr. Akira Endo. Properties attributed to mushrooms by ancient cultures and folk medicine are being tested and confirmed in laboratory setting. Researchers in China and Japan are testing mushroom species that are traditionally used in cooking and as medicine in these countries. Thanks to the ongoing research, mushrooms find application in the treatment of certain cancers as well as in the treatment of a weak immune system as well as auto-immune diseases. Some of the species are known to regulate blood sugar.

Medicinal mushrooms

• Agaricus blazei known as Murill mushroom, almond mushroom, or Himematsutake originates in Brazil and contains very high levels of beta glucans. It enhances the immune system by stimulating macrophages and the NK cells among others. Because of its strong anti-tumor activity, it is used in alternative and complementary cancer therapies in certain cancers. It also has the ability to regulate the blood sugar as it boosts the levels of adiponectin in the body. Moreover, it regulates the levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is also successfully used to cure some types of hepatitis.
• Agaricus bisphorus or the common Champignon mushroom and the Portobello mushroom contain compound that inhibits activity of the enzyme aromatase. Women who consumed as little as 10 grams of fresh mushrooms a day had decreased incidence of breast cancer. Portobello mushroom is a great vegetable source of the CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which is an antioxidant with strong anti-cancer properties.
• Auricularia polytricha or Auricularia auricula-judaealso known as Mu Er or the Judas' ear used in Chinese cuisine has a remarkable blood thinning properties. Already a small amount can prevent blood platelets from sticking together. This anti-coagulant ability can help prevent heart disease and stroke. Mu er also has the ability to strengthen the immune system and to regulate the blood lipids levels.
• Boletus badius also known as Bay bolete is an edible mushroom rich in antioxidants. Studies have shown that polysaccharides extracted from the mycelial culture of this mushroom have extraordinary capacity to inhibit the growth of sarcoma 180. Boletus badius contains substantial amounts of theanine normally found only in Camelia sinensis or tea plant. Theanine has an anti-anxiety effect. It promotes relaxation and serenity. It also shows tumor inhibiting properties.
• Coprinus comatus known as the shaggy ink cap or shaggy mane was valued for its black pigment that was used in the past as an ink. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used to treat diabetes, circulatory disease, digestive disorders, and piles. It has a very high lectin activity, contains the antioxidant ergothionein, and shows strong anti-tumor activity in hormone dependent tumors. It helps to regulate glucose levels.
• Cordyceps sinensis or Caterpillar fungus is a parasitic fungus that acquires nutrients for its growth from several species of caterpillars. It is found at a high altitude in China, Tibet, and Nepal. It has been used for centuries in the Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as in the Tibetan medicine. It is an adaptogen that increases energy levels, endurance and stamina. In the Orient it was used to improve the kidney and lung functions, and was considered to have rejuvenating properties. Research shows that it balances the blood sugar levels and may also be able to protect liver from damage. Like many other medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps shows strong anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic activity. Scientists isolated a comopund called manno-glucan that demonstrates very strong anti-tumor activity.
• Flammulina velutipes also known as Enoki or Enokitake used in Japanese cooking, contains an antioxidant called ergothioneine that is protecting the body from the hydroxyl radicals and the hypochlorous acid. Enoki also contains a compound called flammulin that has a very strong anti-tumor activity. The mushroom also has an immune system modulating properties.
• Fomitopsis officinalis also known as Agarikon is one of the largest and longest living mushrooms in the world. In ancient Greece it was used to cure tuberculosis. This mushroom is now extinct in Europe where it was known as the elixir of long life, but it can be found in North America. Unfortunately it isn't well researched yet, but it has been used to cure lung and respiratory diseases. Agarikon is believed to enhance the female libido. It has strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and is currently tested by the US Army scientists.
  
• Ganoderma lucidum also known as Ling Zhi or Reish has been used in Asia for thousands of years. It is a powerful immune system modulator and helps to heal allergies and autoimmune diseases. It shows a very strong anti-tumor activity and is successfully used in alternative and complementary cancer therapies. It promotes cardiovascular health and regulates blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It reduces inflammation in the body and has very strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It protects the liver and the urinary tract. It is an adaptogen that helps to relieve fatigue, build up stamina and resistance to stress.
• Grifola frondosa or Maitake is one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms. It is antiviral and supports the immune system and a healthy blood pressure. Thanks to the compound called alpha-glucosidase inhibitor it is able to normalize the blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. It may therefore be very useful for people with diabetes and people who struggle to lose their weight. It also shows a tumor inhibiting activity in the lung, breast, and liver cancers.
• Hericium erinaceus also known as Hou Tou Gu, Lion's Mane, or Yamabushitake has been used in China to successfully treat gastrointestinal problems. It shows a strong immune modulating activity and it also regulates the blood sugar levels. It contains compounds called erinacines known to stimulate the growth of nerve cells. The mushroom is used to promote cognitive health. Some of the compounds found in this mushroom have a very strong antioxidant activity. Phytosterols in this mushroom are able to regulate lipid levels in the blood. This mushroom also shows a strong antibacterial activity and is successfully used to heal the Helicobacter pylori infection. It enhances the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes in the body. It also shows strong anti-tumor activity.
• Inonotus obliquus known as Chaga or Kabanoanatake grows in the North on birch, beech, and alder trees with the best specimens coming from the cold climate of Siberia. The medicinal chaga is harvested from birch trees. It is used to stimulate the immune system and improve metabolism. It stimulates the central nervous system as well as the cardiovascular and the endocrine systems. It helps with respiration and digestion. It regulates blood sugar and lowers blood pressure. Chaga contains large amounts of the antioxidant SOD enzyme. It is also rich in betulinic acid which has very strong anti-cancerogenic properties. It inhibits the growth of tumors and slows down the development of metastases in the body.
• Lentinula edodes or Shiitake is an edible mushroom that contains all the eight essential amino acids. It contains a polysaccharide called lentinan with a very strong anti-viral and immune system stimulating properties. Research shows that lentinan kills a very broad spectrum of viruses and is stronger than the powerful prescription antiviral drug amantadine hydrochloride. Shiitake stimulates the immune system to produce more interferon which the body uses to fight viruses and cancer. It also contains eritadenine - a compound known to substantially reduce blood cholesterol. Further, it has a blood thinning properties.
• Phellinus linteus called song gen in Chinese or meshimakobu in Japanese, is widely used in China, Korea and Japan and is often drunk as an infusion. It shows a very strong anti-tumor activity. It inhibits the proliferation of lung, prostate, and the skin cancer cells. The latest research shows that this mushroom can also prevent the growth of breast cancer. A compound called Interfungin A shows the capacity to inhibit the protein glycation process.
• Pleurotus ostreatus or the Oyster mushroom has the ability to reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood and is the source of statin drug Lovastatin. Moreover, it shows an anti-cancer activity, especially on the cells of colon cancer.
• Trametes versicolor known as Turkey tail, Yun Zhi, or Kawaratake is the mushroom with the best researched anti-cancer properties. it is a source of the anti-cancer drug called Kresin or PSK (Polysaccharide-K). Kresin is used in conjunction with chemotherapy in patients with the breast, stomach, lung, and colorectal cancers increasing the survival rate. 

There are many more mushrooms species with medicinal properties. The ongoing research is discovering new compounds that can be used to enhance the immune system, regulate blood sugar and treat diabetes, prevent cancer, inhibit the growth and destroy existing tumors. Mycotherapy has a long tradition in Asia and it has a promising future as a branch of the alternative medicine in the West as well. Mushrooms were used as medicine in ancient Greece and in mycophile cultures of Eastern Europe. New scientific research only confirms the intuitive uses of mushrooms in this region.

Some of the medicinal mushrooms can be used in daily cooking. Others are consumed in form of capsules, extracts, tinctures, or infusions. Regular consumption of fresh mushrooms and mushroom supplements will help maintain and enhance the immune function and prevent many diseases, including cancer. It is important to purchase mushroom supplements of the highest purity and concentration. 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2010

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease. Please, remember that you should consult a certified health care provider before commencing a home treatment.

 

Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms and Fungi by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.