When most people think of fungus, visions of culinary delights and life-saving medications are not what usually comes to mind. Athlete’s foot, molds growing on food, and mildew in dirty showers are common visual responses when the word fungus is mentioned.
The truth is that there are over 100,000 different species of fungi. Fungi is a kingdom which includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
Pencillin, an antibiotic, and cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection, are two life-saving medicines that come from fungi. Wine, beer, and soy sauce are produced by a fermentation process involving fungi. Culinary mushrooms appear in popular dishes throughout the world.
A category of beneficial fungi little known in the West is that of medicinal mushrooms. Used to treat a wide variety of ailments for over 3,000 years in the East, knowledge of these powerful plants is just beginning to blossom on the other side of the globe.
There are quite a few species of mushrooms that have been documented in the Traditional Chinese and Japanese medical literature. The Pen King, believed to have been written between 221 and 264 AD, is a classic within Traditional Chinese Medicine, and lists a number of medicinal mushrooms and their healing properties.
Modern research has performed numerous clinical trials, many of which have backed up the claims made throughout history within the ancient medical texts.
Three mushrooms that are prized within Traditional Chinese as well as Japanese medicine are Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake. These mushrooms have been extensively studied in modern times as well for their remarkable medicinal value.
Reishi (Ling Zhi)
There are quite a few species of mushrooms that have been documented in the Traditional Chinese and Japanese medical literature. The Pen King, believed to have been written between 221 and 264 AD, is a classic within Traditional Chinese Medicine, and lists a number of medicinal mushrooms and their healing properties.
Modern research has performed numerous clinical trials, many of which have backed up the claims made throughout history within the ancient medical texts.
Three mushrooms that are prized within Traditional Chinese as well as Japanese medicine are Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake. These mushrooms have been extensively studied in modern times as well for their remarkable medicinal value.
Reishi (Ling Zhi)
Pharmaceutical Name: Ganoderma Lucidum
G. Lucidum is know as “Ling Zhi” in China and “Reishi” in Japan. It is most commonly referred to as Reishi in Western cultures as well. It is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” and the “great protector.”
The medicinal uses of Reishi can be traced back for over 4,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese medicine. Numerous clinical studies in modern times have documented its tremendous health benefits as well.
Reishi has demonstrated strong immuno-modulating properties, and studies suggest it is beneficial in treating stress-related conditions, insomnia, Hepatitis B, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, and fatigue.
Shiitake
Pharmaceutical Name: Lentinula edodes
Shitake has been renowned in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for thousands of years.
During the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644), the writings of physician Wu Juei stated that the mushroom could be used not only as a food but as a medicinal mushroom, used to relieve upper respiratory diseases, poor circulation, liver problems, exhaustion and weakness, and to boost qi, or life energy. Modern research has confirmed its wide range of beneficial effects. Studies have demonstrated its immune regulating, cardiovascular, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and cancer preventative benefits.
Maitake
"Maitake" is Japanese for "dancing mushroom." It is believed it was so named because the fruiting bodies of the adjacent bodies look like butterflies in a wild dance. Maitake is a type of mushroom renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese medicine for its numerous health benefits. Traditional uses and modern research highlights its benefits to regulating blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and cholesterol levels. Its immune supportive and hepatoprotective properties are impressive. It is helpful for patients undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS and cancer.
To learn how to safely and effective use medicinal mushrooms for health benefits, it is best to seek the counsel of a Chinese medical practitioner.
References:
Healing Mushrooms by Georges M. Halpern, M.D., Ph.D. (2007 Square One Publishers)
Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. (1995 Botanica Press)
MycoHerb: Clinical Guide for Practitioners by Kan Herb (2008 Golden Mirror Press)
To learn how to safely and effective use medicinal mushrooms for health benefits, it is best to seek the counsel of a Chinese medical practitioner.
References:
Healing Mushrooms by Georges M. Halpern, M.D., Ph.D. (2007 Square One Publishers)
Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. (1995 Botanica Press)
MycoHerb: Clinical Guide for Practitioners by Kan Herb (2008 Golden Mirror Press)
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