Topic Reviews

Fight Cancer With Reishi Mushroom

Posted June 15th, 2009 by admin

Reishi has been shown to contain complex sugars that have anticancer and immune stimulating properties. For example, complex sugars known as beta-glucans have been shown in laboratory experiments to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. When animals were fed beta-glucans, certain aspects of their immune system become more active. Limited data from clinical studies suggest Reishi mushroom can strengthen the immune responses in humans.

In addition, reishi mushrooms contain sterols that can act as precursors to hormones in the body, along with substances called triterpenes that may have blood pressure lowering and anti allergy (anti histamine) effects. Reishi mushrooms have also been shown to slow the process of blood clotting.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma and other respiratory complaints. “It has a healing effect on the lungs,” she says. “Reishi is good for respiratory strength and for coughing”. At least one population study confirms this claim. When more the 2000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis took reishi syrup during the 1970s, within two weeks, 60 to 90% felt better and reported an improved appetite, according to “Medicinal mushrooms,” by Christopher Hobbs, published in “s for Health, Jan/Feb 97.

For 4000 years, the Chinese and Japanese have used reishi mushroom as a medicine for liver disorders, hypertension, and arthritis. Through in vitro and human studies, today’s researchers have found that reishi has anti allergic, anti inflammatory, anti viral, anti bacterial, and antioxidant properties. In vitro experiments also indicate that reishi may help fight cancer tumors. In addition, a protein isolated from reishi may reduce the risk of transplant rejection.

The reishi mushroom is a purplish brown fungus with a long stalk, brown spores, and a fan-shaped cap with a shiny, varnish coated appearance. Reishi grows on decaying wood or tree stumps, preferring the Japanese plum tree but also found on oak. The mushroom is native to China, Japan, and North America but is cultivated throughout other Asian countries. Cultivation of reishi is a long, complicated process. The reishi grows in 6 colors, each thought to have different characteristics and known as: Aoshiba (blue reishi), Akashiba (red reishi), Kishiba (yellow reishi), Shiroshiba (white reishi), Kuroshiba (black reishi), and Murasakishiba (purple reishi).

Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more years for treating fatigue and to promote longevity. The Chinese name lingzhi means “herb of spiritual potency.” A Japanese name for the reishi is mannentake, meaning “10,000-year-old mushroom.” Reishi’s use is documented in the oldest Chinese medical text, which is more than 2,000 years old. Cultivation of reishi began in the 1980s. A survey conducted in Hong Kong found G. lucidum to be the third most common herbal preparation taken by preoperative surgical patients.

Reishi mushroom can be found in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray brand and Planetary Herbals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Reishi mushroom is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.