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Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles
> Reishi
Mushroom |
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Supplement Articles |
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REISHI MUSHROOM
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Otherwise known as
Ganoderma Lucidum, Reishi
mushrooms are a long time
friend of the immune system
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REISHI MUSHROOM |
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Reishi Mushroom can
be beneficial for
diabetics and those
with high blood
pressure |
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Reishi are a member
of the fungi Kingdom
and are one of the
oldest mushrooms to
be used in
Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM).
Ganoderma has an
affinity for the
immune system, which
is why it has been
studied extensively
in the treatment of
cancer. It has been
shown to prevent
angiogenesis, the
formation of new
blood vessels, which
many cancers use to
form new cancer
cells and keep the
disease strong and
growing. |
Ganoderma is
also used in cancer as a
form of palliative care,
improving quality of life by
decreasing symptoms such as
sweating, nausea, vomiting
and insomnia. In terms of
immune disorders, it is also
showing promise against HIV
activity, slowly the
progression to AIDS in some
individuals. Ganoderma has
anti-viral, anti-bacterial
and anti-microbial action.
Reishi is both immune
modulating and immune
supportive, meaning it not
only helps to strengthen the
immune system when needed
but in immune disorders in
which it is dangerous to do
so, it actually balances the
immune system out. This
prevents our immune system
from over reaction and
creating too much
inflammation. Allergy is an
example of a concern for
which Reishi’s may be
indicated due to its
anti-inflammatory
properties, along with its
ability to balance out our
innate immune response.
Reishi reduces cholesterol
synthesis in the liver
(which also benefits the
heart) and has recently been
looked at as a treatment for
hepatitis, an inflammatory
disease of the liver. It has
been shown to protect
against atherosclerosis, and
reduce blood clotting by
inhibiting platelet
aggregation, which is part
of an inflammatory cascade.
It has also been shown to
decrease blood pressure.
Individuals with diabetes
have found it helpful in
decreasing blood sugar.
Reishi is also an
antioxidant and can be used
to prevent free radical
damage.
Reishi can be crushed and
taken directly in capsules,
or pieces of the mushroom
can be steeped in hot water
to make a tea. Recommended
dose varies, depending on
health concern, although
anywhere from 2-6 g/day is
considered safe. Some
individuals have reported
headaches, skin rash and
dizziness. If you are on
anti-hypoglycemic or
medication to lower blood
pressure, be cautious that
these levels do not decrease
too quickly or become too
low while taking Ganoderma.
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Reishi
Mushroom –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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The whole
mushroom, or
extracts of
the whole
mushroom |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Immune
support,
Infection,Cancer,
HIV,
Diabetes,
High Blood
Pressure,
High
Cholesterol,
and free
radical
damage. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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2-6 g/day.
More or less
may be
recommended,
depending on
your health
condition. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Other
medicinal
mushrooms,
such as
Cordyceps
and Maitake. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Reishi
Mushroom is
to be used
in short
sessions, no
longer than
a 6 month
period as it
could cause
upset
stomach, dry
mouth,
dizziness
and nose
bleeds |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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