kt
mushroom
Until recently mushrooms have been largely overlooked in the west. Mushrooms are the above ground, spore-producing, fruiting bodies of fungi. Many of us consider the mushroom on our plate a minor player, spore-producing the main course. Perhaps your childhood memories include the squishy gray lumps in the green bean and cream of mushroom soup casserole that mom served up for Thanksgiving. It is only recently that we have come to understand the value of fungi and their many talents: fighting cancer and viruses, enhancing immunity and restoring the environment.
Mushrooms are a hot topic in the world of medical research and are gaining prominence as therapeutic agents. For the last 30 years researchers have been studying the anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and immunity enhancing effects of many different species. Additionally, mushrooms play a vital role in bioremediation, used to clean oil spills and detoxify soils contaminated with PCBs and other disease-causing chemicals. Many, like the tasty, cancer-fighting Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms, show up on our dinner plates. Mushrooms can play a large part in detoxifying our bodies? internal landscape, helping us to overcome the disease.
Fungi fight cancer! Medicinal mushrooms like Yun Zhi, Coriolus Versicolor (Turkey Tail) and Reshi, Ganoderma have been extensively studied. Polysaccharides contained within Yun Zhi and Reshi enhance the body's immune response to diseases like cancer. They have anti-tumor qualities that stimulate natural killer cells and activate macrophage activity. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell and part of our immune system. They contain enzymes that target and kill tumor cells. Macrophages, the body's garbage cleansers, engulf and destroy foreign materials. Dong Chong Xia Cao, Cordyceps, another mushroom that grows on the bodies of dead ants, has been shown to reduce fatigue associated with radiation and chemotherapies. Dong Chong Xia Cao also increases the body's natural interferon levels.; Interferon, a protein found in the body, fights cancer and infection. These factors help increase cancer survival rates by as much as 73% according to some studies.
Adding mushrooms like Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake or Enokitake a few times per week to your diet is a flavorful means to enhance immunity and improve overall wellness. Nutrient-rich mushrooms are beneficial to people recovering from cancer or undergoing cancer therapies. "Gourmet" mushrooms are increasingly common in grocery stores and are very common, both fresh and dried in Asian food markets.
Medicinal mushrooms are easily taken as tinctures, in capsules or in teas. Many very good quality blends are now available to consumers through Chinese herbalists, health food stores, and via the internet. I always advise people seek out preservative free and organic herbal products whenever possible.
Clearly, the mushroom is a mighty player and should not be overlooked in the fight against cancer and disease.
Chinese herbal supplements should be used properly and thoughtfully under the guidance of a licensed Chinese herbalist. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used properly, is an adjunctive therapy and, therefore, complementary to veterinary treatment. Information presented here is not intended to replace proper veterinary diagnosis or treatment and should not be used for that purpose.
To learn more about herbs, horses and acupuncture visit www.wholehorse.com
To learn more about mushrooms visit www.fungi.com
Recommended reading: Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets