In Japan and China, reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today in the United States, clinical trials are testing the effectiveness of mushrooms as cancer treatment.
Reishi
Reishi is proven to stimulate the body's production of interleukin-2, which fights several types of cancer. Reishi also stimulates the creation of protein in bone marrow and contains compounds that are especially beneficial in fighting liver cancer.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which fights cancer in several ways. Lentinan activates the immune system's killer cells, counteracts prostaglandin formation and increases production of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor, which prevents the growth and spread of cancer.
Maitake
According to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," in laboratory tests, maitake increased the activity of three types of immune cells--macrophages, natural killer cells and T-cells--by 140, 186 and 160 percent, respectively.
Types
Medicinal mushrooms are available as a liquid, powder, tea, syrup, tincture or raw and can be used in food.
Warning
People who take blood-thinners should use medicinal mushrooms only under a doctor's supervision. People who have known allergies to any type of mushroom or molds should avoid them altogether.
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