Medicinal Mushrooms

120 Argaricus blazei
This is one of the most amazing medicinal mushrooms ever discovered; many scientists believe that this mushrooms active ingredients are more potent than any other mushroom. It is as possibly as important a finding as was penicillin in the 1920's. In the next few years it may have just as much impact upon the treatment of immuno-deficient diseases such as CANCER and AIDS, as did the discovery of antibiotics upon infections. Uses: Increases production of interferon and interleukins; fights cancer metastisis (uterus); reduces blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and the effects of arteriosclerosis; anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic; whitens skin.

121 Cordyceps sinensis
Known in China for at least 1,000 years, recognized as a national treasure, a precious and virtually sacred tonic. Known as a health supplement to increase energy and vitality. Uses: Anti-asthma and bronchitis; controls atherosclerosis; lowers cholesterol; safely and effectively controls arrhythmias; helps control diabetes; antiviral (HIV, HBV); prevents liver cirrhosos (post-hepatitis); increases stamina and fights fatigue; increases libido and sperm count.

122 Coriolus versicolor
Coriolus, also known as Yun Zhi and Turkey Tail, is a mushroom widely used in Japan as an adjunct to biomedical cancer treatments. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Coriolus is said to clear dampness, phelgm and heat. Over 400 clinical studies have demonstrated that Coriolus polysaccharide extracts have immune modulating and anti-tumor effects. In vitro and laboratory experiments have demonstrated that Coriolus boosts NK cell activity, inhibits metastic activity, improves interferon and interleukin-2 response, and T cell proliferation. It also counteracts the depressive effect of cyclophosphamide on white blood cell counts. In laboratory experiments Coriolus polysaccharides antagonize immuno-suppression by prednisone, and have radio protective and liver protective effects. Patients using Coriolus as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments have increased survival rates.

123 Hericium ernaceus
In traditional Chinese medicine, this mushroom, also called Lion's Mane, is prescribed for
stomach disorders, ulcers, and gastrointestinal ailments. It is a culinary as well as a medicinal mushroom, giving a hint of seafood, crab or lobster flavor. Uses: Styptic; immunostimulant; anti-cancer (stomach, esophagus, skin); anti-sarcoma; helps control Alzheimer’s disease; antioxidant; regulates glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol (mostly LDL) blood levels.

124 Inonotus obliquus
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a highly prized medicinal fungus that has been used in Siberian folk medicine as a cleansing and disinfecting substance, often used to treat stomach discomforts. Folk medicine practitioners have traditionally removed these mushrooms from the trees they grow on and prepared teas and other decoctions for the treatment of diseases. More recent pharmacological studies using Chaga in Poland, Russia, and the U.S.A. have shown anti-tumor activity related to the mammary glands and female sexual organs. Much of this research was carried out in Finland by researchers at the School of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. The most active compound, inotodiol, has shown activity against influenza viruses A and B, and various cancer cells. Studies in Japan have also confirmed antiviral activity, (inhibition of the protease enzyme of HIV-1). Uses: stomach disease; intestinal worms, liver and heart ailments and cancers.

125 Maitake
A delicious culinary mushroom but is also valued for its medicinal, cancer fighting
properties. Used traditionally in Japan as a tonic to boost the immune system and increase vitality, and it was purported to prevent cancer and high blood pressure. Uses: Helps control diabetes; weight loss; lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol; anti-HIV; helps control high blood pressure; anti-prostate and bladdercancer; protects the liver; immunomodulator.

126 Phellinus linteus
For several hundred years, Korean physicians have prescribed this mushroom as a treatment for cancer, stomach ailments, and arthritis. Uses: Powerful immunostimulant; anti-cancer (lung, stomach, esophagus); lowers LDL cholesterol; antiviral (HIV, cytomegalovirus); controls septic shock.

127 Poria cocos
Known in China as Fu Ling and elsewhere called Tuckahoe or Hoelen. Also known as the Indian potatoe as European settlers saw American Indians digging the mushroom out of the ground. Uses: sooths the heart, strengthens and increases vital energy and calms agitation; anti-tumor; diuretic and is known to cure edema; anti-inflammatory activity that may be useful for psoriasis.

128 Reishi
Considered the king of herbal medicines, with many herbalists ranking it above ginseng. Uses: Analgesic; anti-allergic activity; expectorant and antitussive properties; bronchitis-preventative effect; anti-inflamatory; antibacterial against Staphylococci, Streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae; antioxidant; antitumor activity. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma and other respiratory complaints. For four millenia, 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-viral and antioxidant properties. In vitro experiments also indicate that reishi may help fight cancer tumors. In addition, a protein isolated from reishi - Ling Zhi-8 - may reduce the risk of transplant rejection.

129 Shiitake
The second most popular culinary mushroom in the world. It has a meaty flavor and compliments almost any dish. Medicinal uses: Major anti-cancer agent in Japan (Lentinan); anti-viral (HBV, HIV); anti-bacterial (strep throat; fights caries); protects the liver; lowers cholesterol; help control high blood pressure. Shiitake appears to be effective against some of the more serious viruses we face today, including HIV and hepatitis B.