MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS Natural healing with tradition A brief overview 1,50 €

Content

Introduction

Introduction ............................................................................ 3

Mushrooms are fascinating creatures. They are neither flora nor fauna and have devel-

Mushroom powder or extract? ............................................... 4 Agaricus blazei Murrill – Mushroom of the sun, almond mushroom ............................... 6

oped intelligent survival strategies which protect their existence to this day in a wide variety of types and almost all over our planet. Particularly in Asia, but also in European monasteries, the healing power of the mushrooms was recognised many centuries ago. They were successfully used to restore sick people to health and to protect healthy people from becoming sick. While TCM (Tradi-

Auricularia polytricha – Jew’s ear ............................................ 7

tional Chinese Medicine) can look back on a long tradition of using the mushrooms, my-

Button mushroom – Agaricus bisporus .................................... 8

cotherapy here in Germany has long been seen as an outsider’s method without a scientific

Coprinus comatus – Shaggy ink cap ......................................... 9 Cordyceps sinensis – Caterpillar fungus ................................... 10

basis for its efficacy. Fortunately, this has since changed – especially because study and research findings speak a clear language.

Coriolus versicolor – Turkey tail mushroom ............................. 11

With their valuable components, medicinal mushrooms are suited to a variety of indica-

Hericium erinaceus – Lion's mane mushroom .......................... 12

tions. They can be used to help treat common ‘modern’ complaints, such as high blood

Maitake – Ram's head ............................................................. 13

pressure, metabolic disorders and allergies, as well as in the prevention and complementary treatment of cancers. They regulate the immune system, combat premature aging

Pleurotus ostreatus - Oyster mushroom..................................... 14

processes and have a balancing effect on the psyche – and all without unwanted, harmful

Polyporus umbellatus – Lumpy bracket .................................... 15

side effects.

Reishi – Lingzhi mushroom..................................................... 16 Shiitake – Lentinula edodes .................................................... 17

In this brochure, we would like to present brief profiles of the twelve most important medicinal mushrooms while also offering assistance in choosing the right medicinal mushroom for you to prevent or treat complaints. Of course, this information is no substitute for pro-

Frequently asked questions........................................................ 18

fessional advice from an experienced mycotherapist.

Indication table ....................................................................... 19

Best regards,

Rheumatism – one word for many disease patterns .................. 24

Your Gesellschaft für Vitalpilzkunde e.V. Team

Improved tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in breast cancer .................................................. 26

All rights reserved: Gesellschaft für Vitalpilzkunde e.V., Germany

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What is better: mushroom

What is important?

powder or mushroom extract?

The fineness or the coarseness is a clear indicator of quality. The finer a powder, the better quality and more effective it is, as the important components have greater bio-availability.

Better or worse? This question is not so easy to answer. The various dosage forms of the mushrooms add their own accents to treatment, which unfurl their active power according to the patient’s individual symptoms. As a rule, mushroom powder is particular well-suited to holistic illness prevention, while mushroom extract is above all used for specific illnesses due to its concentrated active ingredient composition. However, exceptions prove the rule – if you are unsure, you should seek the advice of a mycotherapist.

Powder – perfect composition of nature The powder manufactured from the mushroom’s fruiting body using mechanical crushing offers a composition of active ingredients and secondary components that is perfectly arranged by nature. The almost perfect fine tuning of amino acids, provitamins, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other active components stimulates many positively balancing processes in the body. Health-promoting reactions are accelerated, making this dosage form is particularly suited as holistic illness prevention.

Extract – targeted active ingredients with better availability The cell walls of the mushrooms consist of chitin and not, like plants, of cellulose. As the human organism is not able to utilise chitin, it cannot sufficiently digest some of the particularly important active ingredients from the mushroom powder. This is particularly true of secondary components that are used therapeutically, such as polysaccharides and triterpenes. The extraction process enables these important active ingredients to be acquired in a residue-free, concentrated form and make them easily available.

Combination of powder and extract – combined benefits Today, combinations of mushroom powder and extract are also offered together in one capsule. This makes it possible to use nature’s material composition, which cannot be beaten by humans, while also adding specific individual active ingredients in a high concentration. In this way, the dosage can also be kept significantly lower than when pure mushroom powder is used therapeutically.

Combining medicinal mushrooms with other substances Medicinal mushrooms are excellent at creating a balance in the body and protecting against various illnesses, and can be used therapeutically. Certain secondary plant compounds and medicinal herbs also have this effect. In combination, medicinal mushrooms and secondary plant compounds can often support each other. However, medicinal mushrooms and secondary plant compounds are only able to balance out a deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients to a very small degree. This is why combining them with orthomolecular substances is often helpful. However, the combinations should not be made arbitrarily – ideally, ask your mycotherapist, alternative practitioner or doctor.

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Rough powder / pellet = hardly effective

Fine powder = high bioavailability

A rough powder or pellet is not suitable for direct use in capsules or in a pure form as the body can actually only digest very few components. A rough powder is well-suited for teas, as adding hot water triggers an extraction process and thus some of the components can be digested. A fine powder makes it easy for the body to digest the components and is therefore more effective and better suited for taking in capsule, tablet or in pure powder form.

Our assistance for you On the following pages, we have added symbols next to each indication. P = powder (e.g. loose or in capsules) E = extract (e. g. in capsules) P/E = powder or extract - ideally powder and extract in combination These symbols give you an initial indication as to which dosage form is normally the most suitable.

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Agaricus blazei Murrill (mushroom of the sun)

Auricularia polytricha (Jew’s ear)

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ABM, himematsutake, almond mushroom

• Brazilian rainforest • Today, also cultivated in various Asian countries

The positive effects of ABM on human health were first discovered in Brazil around 40 years ago. Cancers hardly ever occurred in the rural population around São Paulo from where the mushroom originates and where it is consumed to this day. Demand increased rapidly from that point on, and ABM, which in contrast to many other medicinal mushrooms does not grow on wood but instead requires a fermented culture medium, is traded at high prices.

• Prevention of and complementary therapy for cancers E • Support of healing for skin conditions P/E • Regulation of blood pressure and lipometabolism P/E • Boosting the immune system P/E • Treatment of allergies E • Improvement of gut function P • Support for inflammation P/E

ABM, which is related to the button mushroom, is particularly well-suited to supporting the body’s own defences and exerts its strengths in both the fight against cancer and for infections and allergies.

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Black Chinese fungus, wood fungus, Mu Err

• Distributed almost worldwide, also grows wild in Germany

Jew’s ear is one of the oldest edible mushrooms. Its bland taste is not for everyone, but, thanks to its consistency, it is excellent for thickening sauces. Reports suggest that the mushroom was already cultivated around 1500 years ago in order in China to meet the great demand back then. However, the use of Auricularia to promote human health has a centuries-old tradition. Today, the mushroom, whose English name is thanks to its unusual shape, is above all cultivated in Taiwan.

• Promotion of blood flow, for instance for arteriosclerosis P/E • Regulating the blood pressure P/E • Reduction in blood clotting, thus a preventative effect • against heart attacks, strokes and thrombosis P/E • Boosting the body’s own defences P/E • Support of healing for skin and eye inflammation P/E

In contrast to chemical, pharmaceutical blood thinners, Auricularia can improve the flow properties of the blood without attacking the vessel walls.

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Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Coprinus comatus (Shaggy ink cap)

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Champignon mushroom, Portobello mushroom, mo gu, Agaricus brunnecens, Agaricus hortensis

• Evidence of its first cultivation in France. • Distribution now worldwide

The button mushroom is an edible mushroom with a long history: there is evidence that it has been cultivated since the middle of the 17th century, the time of the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, although it may have been grown much earlier than this. The once rare, expensive delicacy is now spread throughout the globe and is prized as an ingredient in many dishes. It is less well-known that the mushroom, which belongs to the genus Agaricus, is also very valuable in terms of health. The number of studies that show the use of button mushrooms in the human organism is not yet as large as for other important medicinal mushrooms. When it comes to the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), there is particular scientific attention paid to conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). It is assumed that their anti-carcinogenic potential is particularly high.

• Complementary therapy for cancer (especially bowel, breast and prostate cancer) E • Prevention of tumour disorders E • Protection and support of liver health E • Support for healthy wound healing and prevention of excessive scarring, • particularly following cataract and glaucoma surgery on the eye E

One study showed that the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) possesses a protective effect against fatty liver disease. The relevant markers in the blood normalised and the lipometabolism showed better values overall.

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Lawyer's wig



• Especially in Central Europe, grows wild in forests, gardens and meadows • Cultivation in Asia

Shaggy ink cap is one of the few medicinal mushrooms whose efficacy was not discovered by Traditional Chinese Medicine but instead in Europe. Here, it not only grows in forests and meadows, but is often also found in gardens and alongside paths. The protein-rich mushroom, which contains many essential amino acids and a large number of various minerals and trace elements, is very popular among collectors due to its asparagus-like aroma.



• Regulation of blood sugar levels for diabetes P/E • Improvement of blood flow P/E • Promotion of digestion P • Complementary therapy for sarcomas E • Inhibition of breast cancer cells E

Shaggy ink cap distributes itself with the aid of a black fluid in which the spores drop from the cap to the ground. This liquid was previously used as an ink and gave the mushroom its English name.

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Cordyceps sinensis (Caterpillar fungus)

Coriolus versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom)

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Caterpillar fungus

• Originally the Tibetan uplands, • today also alpine grasslands in China and some provinces of India

The current enormous demand for the caterpillar fungus is thanks to the discoveries of Tibetan yak herders. They found that the animals they let graze on the uplands had a significantly higher resilience and life expectancy than animals kept elsewhere. The cause turned out to be the tiny mushrooms that grow between the upland grasses and are often eaten by the animals at the same time. In TCM, the caterpillar mushroom has been used for centuries as a tonic and is also known as an aphrodisiac.

• Increase in performance and endurance E • Boosting the immune systemE • Elimination of sexual function disorders and increase in libido E • Brightening people’s moods E • Regulation of heart and lung functions E • Muscle regeneration E

The caterpillar mushroom is an effective stimulant. It should not be taken late in the evening so as not to impair one’s sleep.

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Bracket fungus, yun zhi, kawaratake

• Distributed almost worldwide, also local to Germany

While Coriolus has already been used in TCM for centuries and is known in South American folk medicine, its application as a medicinal mushroom in Europe is still relatively rare. This is a shame, as Coriolus is highly effective for viral and bacterial infections, candidiasis infections and as a complementary therapy for cancers. Very recent scientific research is able to demonstrate this in an impressive manner.



• Prevention and complementary treatment for tumour disorders E • Improvement in the tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy E • Boosting the body’s defences, especially against viral infections P/E • Support for liver function, for instance for hepatitis P/E

The immunostimulants in Coriolus are highly valuable both to defend against infections and to protect against tumour disorders. For instance, in Korea, Coriolus complements conventional medical treatment in 70 per cent of all cancer patients.

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Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane mushroom)

Maitake (Ram's head)

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Hedgehog mushroom, satyr's beard, pom pom mushroom

• Distributed almost worldwide, also local to Europe, however occurs rarely overall • Cultivated for 50 years

Lion's mane mushroom has been prized within TCM for centuries due to its regulatory effect on the human body and psyche. This mushroom, which grows on the wounds of older or dead standing broad-leaved trees, is also particularly treasured in Asia as a delicacy thanks to its fine flavours. Cultivation began in Shanghai in the 1950s. Today, the substances contained in Hericium have been researched extensively and its nutritional properties have been confirmed scientifically.

• Regulation of stomach and bowel problems P/E • Prevention of tumour disorders, especially stomach, bowel, • oesophageal and skin cancer E • Complementary therapy for nervous disease P/E • Soothing anxieties, uneasiness and sleep disorders P/E • Modulation of the immune system P/E

According to the teachings of TCM, lion's mane mushroom helps to bring the stress and unhealthy lifestyle of the unsettled organism back into a natural, healthy balance.

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Grifola frondosa, sheep's head

• East Asia, Europe, North America • Today, cultivated many countries

According to legend, collectors in Japan really jumped for joy when they discovered the Maitake mushroom. Thanks to its healing powers, the fungus was considered very valuable, and, as its cultivation was only begun in the 1980s, people had to rely solely on being lucky enough to find it in the woods. However, Maitake is used not only for human health but also as an aromatic supplement to a wide range of dishes, and is now among the most popular edible mushrooms of all.

• Boosting the immune system P/E • Prevention of and complementary therapy for breast, • lung, liver, pancreatic and prostate cancer E • Improvement in the tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy E • Support for the skeletal system in osteoporosis P • Weight and blood pressure regulation P/E

Maitake can reduce the storage of fat in tissue, thus promoting weight loss. What’s more, it has an anti-diabetic effect and gently reduces blood pressure, making it an important helper in fighting metabolic syndrome.

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Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom)

Polyporus umbellatus (Lumpy bracket)

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Tree oyster mushroom, oyster mushroom, ping gu, oyster shelf, grey oyster mushroom

• Originally from South-East Asia • The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) • can be found almost throughout the world.

The high level of awareness surrounding the oyster mushroom is thanks to the fact that it is the world’s most important edible mushroom, even ahead of the button mushroom and Shiitake. However, it not only forms a healthy part of a balanced diet, but is also making a name for itself in mycotherapy thanks to the high levels of protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins that it contains. Outstanding vital substances that occur in Pleurotus ostreatus include the B vitamins, vitamins C and D, and folic acid. B vitamins are particularly important for the body’s energy production, and are also needed for the healthy functioning of nerve and muscle cells.

• Protection against free radicals E • Reduction of blood fat levels E • Tumour-inhibiting effect E • Support for weight loss E

In addition to the mushroom’s noteworthy antioxidant potential, it is above all its cholesterol-lowering effects that advocate the use of Pleurotus ostreatus extract specifically by older people or those with increased blood fat values.

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Grifola umbellata, zhu ling, chorei

• Temperate climate zones in Europe and Asia

Lumpy bracket is presumed to have been used in TCM as a traditionally natural antibiotic for more than 1000 years. Its strong antibacterial effect proves itself of use for both wound disinfection and for the general strengthening of the organism. The famous glacial mummy Ötzi carried a birch polypore closely related to Polyporus - presumably to protect against infections. This mushroom is now also known as a diuretic substance that regulates lymph flow.



• Promoting drainage and lymph flow P/E • Regulating the blood pressure P/E • Improvement in hair growth and the structure of the skin P/E • Support as part of cancer prevention and treatment E • Modulation of the immune system P/E

In mycotherapy, it is not the fruiting body of this mushroom but rather the compact, woven mycelium mass found under the surface of the ground, called the sclerotium, that is used. The substances contained in it are in a particularly high concentration.

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Reishi (Lingzhi mushroom)

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

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Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi

• Distributed almost worldwide, also local to Europe • Used for 4000 years in Asia

Legend has it that Reishi, whose name means ‘Mushroom of Immortality’, has been used in Asia as a natural remedy for around 4000 years. In TCM, it is seen as one of the most effective and versatile means of boosting the human body. Many of its traditional effects have since been proven in scientific studies. Its bioactive components include polysaccharides and antioxidants, which are known to boost the defences and protect the cells. Very wide-ranging area of application, including: • Positive effect on the cardiovascular system, • including blood pressure regulation P/E • Boosting the immune system P/E • Complementary cancer therapy E • Promotion of the physical constitution, inhibits fatigue E • Sleep disorders P • Anti-aging P/E The hard, stringy Reishi is hardly used as an edible mushroom. However, as a powder, extract or tea, the balancing medicinal mushroom is now also very widespread in Germany.

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Shaingugu, hua gu, qua gu

• Grows wild exclusively in Asia • Today, cultivated almost throughout the world

Shiitake was mentioned in TCM texts as far back as 2000 years ago, and the early beginning of its cultivation in 1000 A.D. is a clear sign of the high value attached to this mushroom. Also known as “king of the mushrooms”, Shiitake not only remains an important means of promoting health to this day, but is also among the world’s most popular edible mushrooms, along with the oyster mushroom and button mushroom.

• Boosting the immune system P/E • Support in overcoming bacterial and viral infections P/E • Regulation of the lipometabolism P • Soothing of ailments in the case of osteoporosis and rheumatic diseases P/E • Complementary treatment in tumour therapy E

Shiitake has generated interest in conventional medicine with its component lentinan. This polysaccharide is used with great success in the complementary treatment of tumour disorders.

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Frequently asked questions relating to medicinal mushrooms and their answers Do medicinal mushrooms have side effects?

Can I also take medicinal mushrooms during chemotherapy?

Side effects virtually never occur in mycotherapy. Occasionally, there are reports of slight changes in digestion, which are due to the fibre and the hard-to-digest mushroom proteins. By taking a reduced dose, one gives the body the opportunity to slowly get used to the mushrooms. In individual cases, it is also possible that people with food allergies may have allergic reactions when taking medicinal mushrooms. With Shiitake, itchy skin rashes have been observed in people with a corresponding disposition. In this extremely rare case, one should refrain from the continued consumption of Shiitake and switch to another medicinal mushroom.

Especially during such arduous treatment, you benefit greatly from support from certain medicinal mushrooms. Ideally, you should begin taking medicinal mushrooms before chemotherapy in order to keep the side effects of conventional treatment at a low level. Please consult your therapist about this.

How do I find the medicinal mushroom that is right for me? You can find an overview of what mushroom is effective for what indication in this brochure. As each person reacts in their own way, you should seek the advice of a mycotherapist if you are unsure as to which mushroom is the right one for you.

When and how should mushroom products be taken? Ideally, take the preparations with plenty of water with or after a meal. It is possible to divide the daily dose into two or three portions. Standard therapy takes three to six months. Naturally, this also depends on how long your symptoms have existed and whether treatment is supported with other measures, such as a change in diet. It is important not to immediately discontinue the mushrooms after the first signs of recovery but instead to continue taking them for at least a few more weeks in order to stabilise the physical condition.

Are medicinal mushrooms also suitable for children? Yes, in children, success for instance in atopic dermatitis as well as other illnesses is often outstanding. The child’s organism often reacts especially well as there are no or hardly any existing conditions. Usually, a slowly increasing dose is to be recommended as the digestive system is still sensitive and the mushrooms may lead to unpleasant flatulence.

Are mushrooms from China not as good? No. As a rule, the knowledge concerning cultivation methods, correct harvesting, gentle drying processes, etc. in China and Asia is far greater than elsewhere. If the products constantly undergo analyses, there is no reason to have concerns. Neither cultivation in Germany nor an organic seal can provide evidence of good quality.

How quickly can I expect the first success? Often, the first noticeable alleviation in existing symptoms takes place within a few days of taking the mushrooms. However, in the case of chronic conditions, it can take six to eight weeks until the first effects are noticeable.

Can I also take a combination of different medicinal mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms support each other’s effect, so it is worthwhile in many cases to take a combination of various mushrooms – however, this combination should not include more than five types of mushroom. As a rule, the dosage recommendation has to be adapted on an individual basis.

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x

Osteoarthritis

xx

xxxx

Respiratory diseases

x

xxxxx

Autoimmune disorders

xxxx

Cystitis

xx

Blood pressure regulation

x

x xx

xx

x

xxx

xx

xxx

x

xxx

xxx

Colds

xx

Exhaustion

x xxx

Lipometabolism disorders x

Hair loss Skin conditions Herpes

xxxx

x

xxxx

xxxx

xxx

xxxxx

xxxx

x

xxxx

xxxx

xxx

Further information can be found on www.vitalpilze.de

x

xxxx

xx

Autoimmune disorders

x

Cystitis

xxx

xx

x

xx

xxxx

xx

xx

xxx

xxx

xxx

x

Chronic acidosis

xxx

x

Bowel problems

xxxxx

xx

x xxx

xxx

x

Exhaustion xxxxxx

Hair loss xxx

Skin conditions

xxxx

Herpes

xxx

xx

xxx

xxx

xxxx xxxx

Diabetes Colds

Shiitake

Pleurotus

Maitake

xxx x

xxxxx xx

Fibromyalgia

This table serves to provide some initial assistance. You should discuss the actual use of medicinal mushrooms for the various illnesses in a personal consultation with your alternative practitioner, therapist or a mycotherapist.

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xxxxx

Respiratory diseases

Lipometabolism disorders

x xxx

xx

x x

x

Circulatory problems

xxxx

Circulatory problems

Arteriosclerosis Osteoarthritis

Depressive moods

xxx

Depressive moods xxxx

xx

Blood pressure regulation

x

Bowel problems

Allergies

Coagulation

Chronic acidosis

Fibromyalgia

xxxx

xxx

Coagulation

Diabetes

xxxx

Hericium

x

Reishi

x

x

Indication/illness

Polyporus

xxxxx

Arteriosclerosis

Coriolus

Coprinus

Button mushroom

xxxxx

Cordyceps

Allergies

Auricularia

Indication/illness

Agaricus

Indication table

xxx

xxxx

x

x

xxx

x

xx

xx

xxxxxx

x

xxxxx

xxxxx

x

xxxxx

xxxx

xx

xxx

xx

The X to XXXXX information relates to the experienced data from real-life practice for mycotherapists and alternative practitioners. One X means that the corresponding medicinal mushroom is used on an individual basis that depends significantly on the individual disease pattern. The greater the number of Xs, the more evidence there is of usage in practice.

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Immune system stimulation

xxxx

xxx

xx

xx

x

xx

Libido disorders

x

x

xxxxx

Menstrual disorders xx

xxx

Rheumatism

xxx

Thyroid gland disorders

xxx

x

Migraines

x

Nervousness and sleep disorders Neurological disorders

xxx xxx

xx

xx

Tinnitus xxxx

Sleep disorders

xxxxx

xx

Thrombosis

xxx

x

Tinnitus

x

xxxx

xxx

xxxx

xx

xx

xx

xxxx

xxxx

This table serves to provide some initial assistance. You should discuss the actual use of medicinal mushrooms for the various illnesses in a personal consultation with your alternative practitioner, therapist or a mycotherapist.

Further information can be found on www.vitalpilze.de

Reishi

Shiitake

Polyporus

Pleurotus

xxxxx

xxx

xxx

xx

xxx

xxxx

xx

xxx xxxx

xxx

xxx

x

xxxx

x

xxxxx

xxxxx

Prostate diseases

x

xxx

xxx

xxxxxx

xx

xxx

xxxx

xx

xx

x

Thyroid gland disorders

xxx

x

x

xxxxx

xxx

xx

xxxxx

x

xx

xxx

xxxx x

Pain (chronic)

Thrombosis

Maitake

Hericium

xx

Rheumatism

xx

Pain (chronic)

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Stomach problems

xx

Sleep disorders

Menopausal complaints

xxxx

Osteoporosis

Prostate diseases

Tumour disorders (cancer)

xx

Menstrual disorders

Osteoporosis

Being overweight

xx x

Libido disorders

xxxx

xx

xxx

Immune system stimulation Headaches

x

Nervousness and sleep disorders Neurological disorders

xxxx

x

Stomach problems

Indication/illness Cardiovascular diseases

xxxx

Headaches

Migraines

Coriolus

xxxxx

Cordyceps

xx

Coprinus

Auricularia

Cardiovascular diseases

Button mushroom

Indication/illness

Agaricus

Indication table

xxxx xxxx xxx

x

Tumour disorders (cancer)

xxxx

xxxx

xxx

xxx

xxxx

xxxx

Being overweight

xxxx

xxxx

xxx

xxx

xx

x

Menopausal complaints

xxxx

xxxxx

The X to XXXXX information relates to the experienced data from real-life practice for mycotherapists and alternative practitioners. One X means that the corresponding medicinal mushroom is used on an individual basis that depends significantly on the individual disease pattern. The greater the number of Xs, the more evidence there is of usage in practice.

Free e-mail advisory service available under [email protected]

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When joints go on strike Alleviating rheumatism with medicinal mushrooms Many different illnesses hide behind the term ‘rheumatism’, and the symptoms can be correspondingly varied. In any case, however, the symptoms are the result of a complex inflammatory process which gives the patient severe pain and creates great challenges for the therapist. Rheumatoid arthritis – the most common form of rheumatism with an estimated 800,000 people affected in Germany – is particularly found in the finger joints. The illness usually begins subtly, but then progresses continuously and at some point places severe limitations on the patient’s everyday life, when objects can no longer be gripped properly, lids can no longer be removed, and pens can no longer be held.

Overreaction of the immune system

The reports of two patients who had a very good experience with medicinal mushrooms are worthy of note. One 51-year-old man was able to report a significant alleviation in his joint pain after just three weeks of taking Shiitake extract by itself. Even his beloved cycling trips with friends, in which he had not been able to participate for months due to the pain, are now part of his regular leisure activities again. A 62-year-old woman relied on a combination of Shiitake, Coriolus and Reishi extract to get her rheumatism under control. “After one month, my feet, which had been slightly swollen for years at the ankles and in parts of the midfoot, had gone down completely and were nowhere near as painful,” reports the native of Marburg, Germany. A further positive effect: “I feel full of energy and capability.” Her inflammation values in her blood are in the normal range and always astound her specialist at regular check-ups. The agile lady can almost completely go without anti-inflammatory drugs.

The cause of all rheumatic illnesses is an overreaction of the immune system. The defence mechanisms turn against the body’s own structures, in this case against the tissue inside the joints, and destroy this. Inflammation is an acute result, while restructuring processes are possible in the cartilage area over the long term. Why these autoimmune processes occur is not yet fully clear. Vaccinations are suspected of playing a role, but there are also many other factors that are frequently discussed. It is not currently possible to cure rheumatism. Treatment is therefore focused on slowing down the illness process and alleviating pain. Diet, especially the provision of minerals and vitamins, is of particular importance. For rheumatics and as a preventative measure for people who have a family history of rheumatism, medicinal mushrooms are well-suited as a regular dietary supplement as they contain many easily digestible bioactive substances. Some components can have a direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The regulating effect of medicinal mushrooms on the immune system has also been proven. Overall, the mushrooms could be both used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of illness as well as make a clear contribution to alleviating discomfort during a rheumatic attack.

Medicinal mushrooms and physiotherapy The medicinal mushrooms Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Coriolus are particularly worth mentioning, as these mushrooms can have a positive influence on disorders in the immune system. Reishi also has a verifiable analgesic effect. What’s more, Cordyceps and Coriolus can alleviate chronic inflammatory processes. Parallel to this, targeted exercise therapy can make a major contribution to keeping the illness under control. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists offer instructions on special exercises that maintain mobility without putting great strain on the attacked structures. Exercises with the hands in warm water are perceived by many patients as very pleasant and effective. The gentle stimulation of blood flow improves the supply of vital substances in the attacked structures, and it is often possible to do exercises under water that cause great problems as ‘dry’ exercises.

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Improved tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in breast cancer Real-life reports that offer reassurance In light of the high incidence of breast cancer, it is not surprising that alternative practitioners regularly see patients who have only been learning to live with the devastating diagnosis of ‘breast cancer’ for a very short time or for the past few months. They share a doubt as to whether conventional medicine alone is sufficient to eliminate the severe illness. We alternative practitioners are pleased that the women already turn to us with this attitude as this means they bring with them the willingness to play an active role in their recovery process. This has a major influence on the success of each treatment. It is very noticeable time and time again that the patients to whom we recommend medicinal mushrooms are much better able to handle the stress of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy carried out while the mushroom extract is taken. In one patient, her previously poor blood counts improved so quickly after starting taking Agaricus blazei Murrill and Maitake extracts and Coriolus tablets that the doctors could hardly believe it. In particular, her leukocyte count fell from a critical level to an almost normal value within just a few days. Nausea and a feeling of weakness are the most common and very straining side effects of conventional medical treatment for tumours. Here, we have had good experience with nausea through the targeted use of Hericium extract (one capsule three times a day). The complaints are then often alleviated after just a short time. The combined use of various mushrooms has particularly proven to be worthwhile. For instance, a patient took Agaricus blazei Murrill, Coriolus, Maitake and Coprinus comatus together during the radiotherapy phase. The open areas of skin on her chest closed, and her blood counts were described by her treating doctor as “excellent”. Whether the tumour has now shrunk because of the radiotherapy or the medicinal mushroom remains to be seen. Each caregiver will be able to represent his theory well here. However, it is noticeable that many patients are satisfied with complementary medicinal mushroom treatment. A further recent example from our practise confirms this: The patient is supposed to receive eight blocks of chemotherapy before the tumour undergoes surgery. Three blocks of chemotherapy have now taken place, and the patient took Agaricus blazei Murrill, Maitake and Coriolus extract as a complementary therapy. Investigations show that the tumour has already shrunk by around half and it may only require two further blocks of chemotherapy. The patient is currently carefully considering whether she still wishes to undergo the other planned steps – surgery, radiotherapy and anti-hormone therapy.

In practice, there are also cases in which the patient refuses all conventional medicine. In the case of Ms. G, the first aim was to improve her poor general health, as she was suffering from a loss of appetite, had already lost a lot of weight, and complained of muscular pain. Here we recommended concentrating on Agaricus blazei Murrill extract and the patient took one capsule three times a day. Even shortly afterward, Ms. G. reported that she felt better, experienced more joie de vivre, and was also no longer losing weight. Going up stairs, which she had previously found very difficult, is no longer a problem. And the best part: The tumour is said to have already shrunk significantly.

Also for metastasis The possibilities that medicinal mushrooms can also offer in severe cases with metastasis are particularly pleasing. One patient was treated for breast cancer in 1995 and then did not have any complaints for 14 years. Lung metastasis was then found in 2009 as a result of indeterminate coughing. On our recommendation, in addition to conventional medical treatment, she also took extracts of Agaricus blazei Murrill, Shiitake and Maitake over a period of three months. An intensive new diagnostic procedure involving a CT scan, ultrasound, blood count etc. took place recently. The result: virtually no water was found in the lung, and the previously enormous tumour markers have fallen to almost normal values. The patient has gained five kilograms and only coughs a little very rarely. We hope that this positive condition stabilises itself. In another patient with liver metastasis, the changes in the blood count were huge after just three weeks of taking medicinal mushroom on a complementary basis. Her high cholesterol levels had also become normalised again, which indicates a boost in the function of the liver and gall bladder system. We recommended Shiitake for this very purpose as the fifth mushroom to be added to the combination of Agaricus blazei Murrill, Maitake, Coriolus and Coprinus comatus. The previously visible shadow on the liver disappeared during this short treatment period.

Sport and meditation Alongside naturopathic treatment, we recommend that all patients – regardless of the type of tumour disorder – do regular exercise or at least go for a walk each day where possible. We also advise learning a relaxation technique such as autogenic training, meditation or something similar as mental constitution in our opinion plays a major role in all illnesses.

Use against tumours

There was a particularly pleasant outcome in another, 40-year-old patient: immediately after diagnosis – a tumour measuring 1.7cm in diameter in the left breast – she began taking Agaricus blazei Murrill and Maitake extracts as well as Coriolus tablets on our recommendation. When she underwent surgery four weeks later, the tumour only measured 1.0cm. In collaboration with the doctors, it was decided not to perform chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The surgery was six months ago. Follow-ups were recently carried out with no indication whatsoever of any metastasis or recidivism.

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