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Reishi Mushroom

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Immune deficiency - Cancer treatment adjunct - Viral hepatitis - Myasthenia gravis - Asthma - Bronchitis - Hypertension - Coronary heart disease - Stress

Clinical Applications/Research

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi is a mushroom found in China and Japan. It is a tree fungus known for its magical healing properties. It was revered by the ancient Taoists and has been marketed by many as the cure-all for many chronic conditions including cancer, viral hepatitis and autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis. The Chinese prized this herb as an “elixer of immortality”, because it vivified the entire system and was said to restore life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ling Zhi (“spirit plant”) is used as a tonic, stomachic, and sedative. It is used to nourish, detoxify, and increase longevity. In that tradition, it is applied in modern usage, to nervous exhaustion, insomnia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, chronic hepatitis, nephritis, asthma, allergies, heart disease, and pneumonia (Kee Chang Huang, The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. New York: CRC Press, 1999; Willard T, Textbook of Advanced Herbology. Calgary: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, Ltd., 1992, p86-90). Chinese studies claim a high percentage of bronchial asthma patients benefit from the use of Reishi (Kee Chang Huang, Willard). Chinese studies report a 60-90% rate of efficacy in chronic bronchitis (Kee Chang Huang). Several studies indicate that Reishi is an excellent botanical component of a regimen for high blood pressure. It has particular influence on diastolic pressure, suggesting that its effects are focused on arterial smooth muscle (Willard). The tendency of Reishi to increase cAMP is probably a major factor in this application. Based on lab studies and modern use in China, Reishi may be beneficial in: * Hyperlipidemia * Immune support * Cancer treatment adjunct * Coronary heart disease * Stress adaptogen * Hypochlorhydria

Suggested Dosage

500-1000 mg two times daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindications/Toxicology

The toxicity of this botanical is low, with LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg daily for 30 days in humans (Willard). Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been confirmed. The anti-platelet properties of Reishi warrant caution and careful monitoring for patients on anti-platelet/ anti-coagulant/ anti-thrombotic therapy. An elevation in cAMP may, in some patients, increase the production of HCl by stomach parietal cells. Therefore, caution is warranted in patients with peptic ulcers.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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